There are a number of different pieces of office equipment that are essential for a business to operate efficiently. These include computers, printers, scanners and copiers, as well as furniture, such as desks and chairs. There is also a wide variety of software that can be used to help with office management tasks. Additionally, businesses will often need to have backup storage drives in case data is lost. These are available from a number of online services, which can be used to backup business computer systems at all times.
An office supply company is a type of business that provides the materials and supplies needed to perform a work task. These supplies and materials are typically sold through retail channels, but many offices also have in-house stores to provide convenience and quicker access to inventory. These stores can sell everything from paper and pens to filing cabinets, calculators and even office furniture. In addition to selling these items, many office supply companies provide various services to their customers, including shipping and packaging.
Purchasing office equipment has significant implications for financial statements, affecting both assets and liabilities as well as reducing liquidity ratios in some cases. Businesses may also choose to finance or lease their office equipment rather than paying for it outright with cash. Regardless of how the purchase is made, proper procurement strategies can increase efficiency and productivity as well as reduce costs.
In order to qualify as office equipment, an item must meet certain criteria. It must be necessary for the conduct of a business and it must have a useful life that extends beyond one year. Moreover, the cost must be significant enough to be recorded as an asset on the balance sheet. This includes not only the purchase price, but the fair market value if the item was acquired through other means such as donation or exchange.
The most common piece of office equipment is a desktop computer. These devices are a vital part of most offices and enable employees to manage information, communicate with clients and colleagues, and do basic accounting tasks. Aside from a computer, other common items of office equipment include fax machines, printers and filing cabinets.
Another important tool is a whiteboard. This can be used to illustrate ideas or thoughts, teach something to others, or simply write down important notes. Some other important tools are a copy machine and a calculating machine. The latter is a device that can perform all four processes of arithmetic – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Dictation and recording equipment are also very important for a modern office. They allow employees to draft emails, letters and memos quickly and easily without having to key in every word. These types of devices can be either digital or analog and they can be used for both short and long periods. In the past, cassette tapes were popular dictation devices, but the digital versions are now more commonly used owing to their convenience and ease of use.
