Prominent London law firm moves to paper-lite, hybrid operations and modern cost recovery
Simkins LLP, a prominent London-based media and entertainment law firm, has long been known for its personalized service and forward-thinking approach to technology. As part of its ongoing modernization efforts, Simkins turned to nQ Zebraworks to streamline scanning workflows, secure printing, and cost recovery with ScanQ, PrintQ and CostQ.
Replacing Legacy Systems with Flexibility in Mind
Simkins’ journey began in 2019 when IT Manager Nick Wright encountered nQ Zebraworks’ solutions. At the time, the firm was replacing aging multifunction printers (MFPs) and seeking a more modern, integrated approach to cost recovery.
We were in the market to replace our copiers... and had external Equitrac devices for cost recovery. I wanted to be able to do it all on the copiers, on the physical devices, rather than having external devices."
The ability to eliminate hardware complexity and streamline integration into their workflows with embedded software made CostQ the obvious choice. This opened up the opportunity for the firm to learn more about complimentary solutions in the nQzw suite of Document Workflow products, and they opted to implement ScanQ and PrintQ alongside CostQ.
ScanQ: Supporting Hybrid Work and Greener Operations
Scanning became crucial in Simkins’ evolving digital practice as printing needs declined during the pandemic. With more staff working remotely and a push for greener, paper-light operations, scanning became central to document workflows.
It just works. The whole product is reliable... it does what it says on the tin."
He emphasized that ScanQ overcomes user experience challenges common with MFP interfaces: “We do a lot more scanning now, less printing and copying. ScanQ is one of those features I really love.”
“The experience is never great on an MFP… that’s where scanning to Queues really comes into its own — you just go back to your desk and import into document management.”
Secure Print Release: Enabling Compliance, Sustainability, and User Accountability
Simkins also implemented PrintQ for secure print release to improve information security, reduce waste, and support hybrid working. By requiring users to release print jobs at the device, the firm eliminated forgotten or misprinted documents and helped users become more intentional about printing.
“Release printing was one of the key features I wanted. It gets people to think before they print. Otherwise, it just ends up left around or in the bin,” said Wright. He noted that the shift to default duplex (double-sided) printing, combined with release print, helped reinforce more sustainable behaviors:
“We didn’t want to make it a bad experience, just to make people ask, ‘do I really need to print this?’ Lockdown helped. People had to kick the habit.”
Secure print release also supports compliance and confidentiality in a hybrid environment where sensitive legal documents cannot be left unattended.
CostQ: Reliable, Integrated, and Adaptable
Simkins initially deployed CostQ alongside their Xerox MFPs, enabling efficient cost tracking directly on the devices and integrated seamlessly with their practice management system. As the firm transitioned from Elite Enterprise to Aderant Expert Sierra, nQ Zebraworks helped maintain continuity.
“It just works. The whole product is reliable… it does what it says on the tin.” Wright noted.
Minimizing Disruption Through Familiar Tools and Trusted Vendors
For Simkins, reducing friction is central to successful digital transformation. nQ Zebraworks provides a consistent user experience, even across device refreshes, and reduces the training burden.
“Even if we change printers, the user experience stays the same,” Wright explained. “Training and change are always challenging. That’s why sticking with vendors we know and trust is so important.”
He also values vendor consolidation to reduce complexity:
“I’d rather deal with the people I know — especially if I like their product — than manage another vendor and another integration.”
A Lasting Partnership Built on Trust and Results
Simkins’ collaboration with nQ Zebraworks is defined by trust, reliability, and shared vision. From cost recovery to scanning and secure print, the firm has modernized core workflows without disrupting users.
nQ Zebraworks’ solutions help us do what we need to do and are ready to support where we're going next."