PaperCut Alternative

[Prometheus_3]

Hello,

 

I am looking for multifunction device management software that allows us to:

 

 

• Monitor printing and photocopying for staff and students.
  
• Restrict how the devices are used by specific users.
  
• Generate reports on usage and costs.
  
• Implement cost recovery.
  

 

We have about approximately 530+ students and approx 50+ staff. We have 3 Ricoh photocopiers and 12 small mono laser printers and we will be purchasing 3 MFDs later in the year (1 Ricoh mono & 2 colour Fuji Xerox).

 

We have introduced BYOD at the college. We use a Windows 2012 R2 print server with Presto for printing.

 

PaperCut MF appeared to be the solution that met these requirements however the business manager deemed it "not feasible" when I presented the quote. We were quoted $4324ex GST for the server license for 500-1000 users and 6 embedded licenses for the photocopiers and MFDs with 12 months support.

 

I have been ordered to find a cheaper alternative. Personally I only know of PaperCut and Equitrac are the onloy software solutions that meet our requirements and Equitrac is more expensive.

 

Does anyone know of another software solution that meets our requirements?

 

Kind Regards,

 

Luke

Edited March 29, 2015 by Prometheus_3

[BonnyArmadillo]

Talk to Danwood, we are a primary who are about to move over to papercut after I recommended it, and Danwood have come in at a really good price!

[Prometheus_3]

I have requested a quote from Danwood. I will see how their prices compare.

[BonnyArmadillo]

Not sure how you will fare as I have just realised your location! Little late over here so apologies haha.

[Jamman960]

we've gone with Papercut MF here along with card readers for pull printing across 5 identical mfd's, works like a charm. most papercut resellers seem to suggest that we'd save around 30% by using papercut, we're not quite there as we havent gone all in with charging departments etc but wasted prints are almost not existent, before we'd have a ream of non collected prints near each printer

 

pcounter is similar although i didn't look into its pricing

[MatthewL]

Hi Luke,

 

PaperCut is exactly what you are after. Maybe is is worth speaking to PaperCut who are based over in Australia and arranging a demo so your business manager can see the benefits and realise its the product you require. May even be worth pointing them to the PaperCut demo site. PaperCut does all what you are after out the box without any bolt on packages and works like a dream.

[Norphy]

I think that the only other options that come close are Print Manager Plus and PCounter

 

Whether either would be cheaper than PaperCut is another issue.

[MatthewL]

PCounter used to be cheaper as it was licensed per server, but the features are none existent and reporting is shocking. Great for a followme solution but anything else not worth your time with the hassle it will cause. I had 2 instances of it as it was cheap and out of my control when we purchased it.

 

If you look at other threads on here alot of people have moved from PMP to PaperCut, not sure on pricing of PMP but PaperCut for education the pricing is a steal. It's not always about been cheap its about the features you get and you get more than what you pay for I think with PaperCut.

[Norphy]

I wasn't recommending either solution. We are a PaperCut shop here and I can thoroughly recommend it. However, the OP asked for alternatives and I told him the alternatives that I know about.