At a Glance
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• Implementation Time: March 2023
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• Locations: 3 libraries
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• Key Features: BYOD printing, multiple payment options
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• Integration: Ricoh multifunction printers
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• Local Support: Qlosr
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In Mölndal, Sweden, we explored how the municipality significantly raised the quality of its printing services across its libraries. Through insights from librarian Nadine Alvarado, who oversaw KUARIO’s implementation across the three locations, we discussed how the right technology can enhance community service.

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The Challenge: Beyond Basic Printing

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Mölndals Libraries’s journey to modern printing services reflects a story of continuous improvement and adaptation. Before 2023, their basic setup couldn’t charge for printing services, forcing the library to offer them for free – a situation that created significant resource management challenges and operational inefficiencies.

Their initial attempt to modernise revealed deeper complexities. The base system only covered fundamental printing needs, while essential features like copying, scanning, and secure printing required expensive additional modules. Combined with the requirement for a separate touchscreen, this resulted in a costly system that still fell short of the library’s operational requirements.

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KUARIO: Integrating Printing and Payment Technology

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In March 2023, after careful evaluation, Mölndals Libraries chose KUARIO for its comprehensive printing and payment solutions.

Instead of the previous fragmented approach, KUARIO provides a comprehensive solution combining modern multifunctional printers with dedicated payment terminals. The new system also enables visitors to print directly from their devices – smartphones, laptops, or tablets – a significant upgrade from the previous library-card-only system.

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• User-Friendly Interface: The new KUARIO MFP Kiosks feature large touch screens with simple, intuitive controls. They allow customers to easily print, copy, or scan in colour and various sizes (A3/A4).
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• Wifi Printing: Customers can now upload documents directly from their smartphones or cloud services like Office 365, Google Drive, and Dropbox and print securely with their print job code or KUARIO accounts.
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• Flexible Payment Options: KUARIO’s payment terminals allow for various payment methods, including popular local systems like Swish and debit and credit cards.
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• Cloud-based management dashboard: Employees now have real-time insights into transactions and device usage, streamlining operations significantly.
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As Ms Alvarado explains, the key differentiator was KUARIO’s transparent approach: “Everything is included in the price. You get the full system with its pros and cons and good customer service. It is an excellent total offer.”

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Implementation and Impact: From Vision to Value

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The implementation process at Mölndal Libraries demonstrated the effectiveness of strategic partnerships. Working with local distributor Qlosr, KUARIO executed a comprehensive rollout across three locations, encompassing integration with existing Ricoh printers, installation of payment terminals, and configuration of cloud management systems.

“The implementation with KUARIO’s local distributor, Qlosr, was very smooth, and their team was fantastic,” shares Ms Alvarado. The hardware arrived precisely as ordered, and the team’s ongoing support consistently exceeded expectations.

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Impact: Smart Investment, Lasting Values

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Since the implementation, KUARIO’s solution has substantially improved three critical areas at Mölndals Libraries.

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• Financial Benefits: Mölndal Libraries revamped their printing services through Qlosr, implementing a fully-funded solution with zero cost. The all-inclusive model eliminated unexpected expenses and the need for additional modules while transforming free services into a new revenue stream.
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• Optimised Workflow: KUARIO runs on its own without needing IT connections. The seamless integration with Ricoh multifunctional printers ensures reliable service delivery, while real-time monitoring provides better oversight of system usage.
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• Enhanced User Experience: Visitors enjoy a modern, secure, efficient self-service system. The ability to print from personal devices and flexible payment options have made public printing services more accessible than ever, and this movement is reflected in positive feedback from the community.
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This transformation delivers more than just new features—it brings efficiency, security, and economic value to their printing and payment services. KUARIO proves that modernisation doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.

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User Adoption: Lessons from the Field

The implementation revealed valuable insights about different user groups. While tech-savvy users quickly embraced the system as “fantastic” and “very easy to use,” many others benefited from additional guidance. This understanding has helped the library balance innovative features with proactive support from staff, ensuring all community members can easily access the services.

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Looking Ahead: Building on Success

With KUARIO’s solution firmly established across three library locations, Mölndals Libraries have successfully transformed its printing services from a basic offering to an accessible, modern, and economical system. Our partnership is a testament to how the right technology partner can facilitate meaningful modernisation without unnecessary complexity.

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