David_PCN Posted May 3, 2011 Posted May 3, 2011 (edited) Yes, the user authenticates in some way on the copier screen itself (AD username/password, PIN, Card, Fingerprint). These are handled via a remote "gateway" on your Pcounter server, The view is consistent within the same manufacturer - development and inclusion of functionality is managed subject to the copier firmware but it's our aim to keep the logging in and job release as simple as possible, while keeping the copy/scan screens as the manufacturer intended. Pcounter is modular but the core packaqe covers any number of devices or users, AD/E-Dir integration, quota's on a user/group/ou basis, rules and full reporting. It also includes departmental accountability, Mac support, user balance notifications and much more! It's priced per print server, with the cost dependant on type of student Edited May 3, 2011 by Ric_ Promotion 1
dhicks Posted May 3, 2011 Posted May 3, 2011 Yes, the user authenticates in some way on the copier screen itself (AD username/password, PIN, Card, Fingerprint). These are handled via a remote "gateway" on your Pcounter server, The view is consistent within the same manufacturer - development and inclusion of functionality is managed subject to the copier firmware but it's our aim to keep the logging in and job release as simple as possible, while keeping the copy/scan screens as the manufacturer intended. Is there a standard API that manufacturers conform to, or do you simply have to write different native applications for each manufacturer's firmware? I'd quite like to do away with the standard copy/scan functionality of the average MFD as it tends to have too many options that confuse our users. Pcounter is modular but the core packaqe covers any number of devices or users, AD/E-Dir integration, quota's on a user/group/ou basis, rules and full reporting. It also includes departmental accountability, Mac support, user balance notifications and much more! Thanks, I'll take a look at your website for costs.
SYNACK Posted May 4, 2011 Posted May 4, 2011 Is there a standard API that manufacturers conform to, or do you simply have to write different native applications for each manufacturer's firmware? I'd quite like to do away with the standard copy/scan functionality of the average MFD as it tends to have too many options that confuse our users. Thanks, I'll take a look at your website for costs. Usually it is a copier side Java App for each bit of hardware, at least it is for our PaperCut setup which does the same stuff and it totally worth a look. Nice and extencible too. 1
dhicks Posted May 4, 2011 Posted May 4, 2011 Usually it is a copier side Java App for each bit of hardware, at least it is for our PaperCut setup which does the same stuff and it totally worth a look. Ah, I see - so (probably) a different Java application for each printing device? Any idea which manufacturers support Java applications being loaded into firmware? What printers do you have?
SYNACK Posted May 4, 2011 Posted May 4, 2011 (edited) Ah, I see - so (probably) a different Java application for each printing device? Any idea which manufacturers support Java applications being loaded into firmware? What printers do you have? Lots of them support it, mostly the copier level ones, this is only needed for the local release station abilities and copier tracking. We have Ricoh ones at the place that has this implemented and it means that users can even logon to the copiers with their domain credentials and copy using their printing allowance. There is some more about it here: Embedded Solutions http://www.papercut-mf.com/tour/integration/#software http://www.papercut-mf.com/tour/integration/ @papercut may be able to answer the questions better as he is one of their developers. @papercut-its is also a sponser. Edited May 4, 2011 by SYNACK 1
Big_Ted Posted May 4, 2011 Posted May 4, 2011 Ah, I see - so (probably) a different Java application for each printing device? Any idea which manufacturers support Java applications being loaded into firmware? What printers do you have? Not all use Java but the Ricoh ESA platform is based on Java. You can do some pretty cool things with it 1
andyturpie Posted May 4, 2011 Posted May 4, 2011 We have a managed system in place, I can recommend Kyocera printers, we have a fleet of 34 around our site, shrinking down to only 5 colour printers. The printers on the network are polled frequently and pending issues and toner levels are send back to the company which means we keep little stock of consumables. We reckon also we are looking to save 20% from our annual consumables spend. Willing to recommend this company to anyone around the London area (inbox me if interested)
dhicks Posted May 4, 2011 Posted May 4, 2011 There is some more about it here: Embedded Solutions Thanks, that's summed it up nicly - now I'll know what features I'm asking for when we next look at MFDs.
Big_Ted Posted May 4, 2011 Posted May 4, 2011 Thanks, that's summed it up nicly - now I'll know what features I'm asking for when we next look at MFDs. It's important to understand not all embedded solutions are equal (due to limits in the SDK's) When the time comes if you have any questions about the various platforms just ask. 1
PrinterPal Posted September 27, 2012 Posted September 27, 2012 Watch out for managed print solutions ! Many are little more than the old style copier " copy plans " of the 90,s with a combination of lease and service that will leave you with obsolete equipment and a huge settlement bill.
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