How to Set Up a Copy Center

Setting up a copy center can be simple or complex, depending on the purpose of the copy center. A home copy station where all home computers print to a single machine is an example of a copy center. So is a professional copying business offering graphics solutions to hundreds of businesses per week. Regardless of the scale you're planning on, all variations on this theme follow the same basic steps.

Instructions

1. List all of the machines that will be a part of your copy center. This includes photocopiers, printers, faxes, work stations, network hubs and laptops.

2. Draw a diagram of how these machines will connect to each other. You can put together a formal circuit diagram or just draw a "circles and lines" flowchart.

3. While deciding how the machines connect, keep in mind which printers and copiers were manufactured network ready and which will need a computer connection to help them function.

4. Make a scale drawing of where you plan to house your copy center. Use it to position all your equipment. Alter the plan until you have a suitable arrangement.

5. Once you know where all equipment will be positioned, purchase any connection cables you need to set up the network. Alternatively, work out how many wireless routers and hubs you'll need to avoid cables altogether.

6. Power down all equipment and move the pieces into position.

7. Power up your central network hub.

8. Power up each piece of equipment one at a time. Confirm for each that it is on the network and able to function appropriately.

9. Run a test copy or print job for each piece of equipment.