• Copiers are a ubiquitous sight in offices.copy machine image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Organizing an office can be a complex, expensive and time-consuming endeavor. Business equipment comes in many forms and without it employees can't do their jobs effectively. Several major types of business equipment are the most essential, giving offices the tools they need to be productive spaces.
  
  

Computers

• Computers and computer accessories are among the most essential pieces of business equipment in any setting. From work stations to multimedia presentation rooms, computers are important for communication, researching data, storing information and operating other office equipment.
  
  Besides computers themselves, an office needs a good supply of peripheral accessories. These include essential items like monitors, keyboards, mice and speakers, as well as external hard drives, cords, cameras for videoconferencing and projectors with screens for displaying large-scale images and slide shows.
  
  

Copiers and Printers

• Copiers and printers are important for producing documents and keeping information as hard copies. Copiers use toner cartridges to print quickly and efficiently, while specialized printers can produce color and photo-quality images for more formal presentations or signage.
  
  

Telephones

• An office telephone system may be as important as the office computers. Telephones give employees a point of contact with superiors and customers in the outside world. Large, multi-line business phone networks provide tools for hosting conference calls and redirecting calls to various departments and extensions. The largest systems require an operator or automated routing system for handling incoming calls and passing them along to the intended person.
  
  

Security Equipment

• Security is a concern for any business, and investing in good security equipment is essential. This may include simple items like door locks, an alarm system and a safe for storing cash and valuable documents in the office. Cameras and motion sensors can provide an even greater degree of security. Paper shredders are a must for destroying sensitive financial data and old records.
  
  

Storage

• Storage equipment is also important for a business. Filing cabinets, file folders and desks can store documents in an organized way and give employees fast access to information that might not be available electronically. Bins, crates, shelves and cabinets are useful for storing office supplies in a supply room or other out-of-the-way place, preventing the need to make frequent, small purchases of the basics.
  
  

Other Equipment

• Certain types of businesses need additional equipment to function. This can include a time clock for a business where employees are paid hourly and must record their attendance. Paper cutters, book-binding tools and laminators are all important for preparing documents for presentation. Some workers are required to do calculations and therefore would require a calculator at their desk. For companies requiring immediate access to documents from another person or business entity, a fax machine is a must. Finally, for a business that handles large amounts of cash, a money counting and sorting machine helps to prevent costly human error.