MF – FAQ « Select Technology – Custom MFD Solutions

Copier Control

What is the difference between PaperCut MF and other editions of PaperCut?

PaperCut MF was specifically designed to extend the capabilities of other editions of PaperCut to monitor and control multi-functional copiers and printers, and integrate with payment services. These features only available in PaperCut MF. Other than that a different logo and 1-2 extra tabs are the only difference so any NG users will feel at home.

Which multi-functional copier and printer models are supported?
With the variety of tracking methods available, almost all models are supported. We support a number of 3rd party hardware terminals and the terminal manufacturers do their best to ensure compatibility with leading models.

How much does it cost?
Pricing is available on demand – just get in touch. Prices are not published on the website as cost will vary depending on the model and make of your multi-functional copier or printer, your location, and the size of your network. We can assist with pricing for your site and particular requirements. This isn’t a case of “if you have to ask you can’t afford it” but we are constantly fighting exchange rates and always changing the pricing structure to make it appeal more to end users.

Which user payment methods are supported and suitable for a school enviroment?
Top-up / pre-paid cards are a simple, convenient way for schools to issue credit or extra quotas to users. The concept is very similar to using coupons or vouchers. No special hardware is required (other than a printer!), and students will find them easy to understand and use.

Credit card payments may be suitable if external access is provided for parents to make payments.

Integration with cashless systems is also available.

Which user payment methods are supported and suitable for a university environment?
Top-up / pre-paid cards are a simple, convenient way for schools to issue credit or extra quotas to users. The concept is very similar to using coupons or vouchers. No special hardware is required (other than a printer!), and students will find them easy to understand and use.

Users can make their own credit card payments using PaperCut’s integration with 3rd party payment services.

Integration with cashless systems is also available.

What are the main benefits of using copier terminals over the copier’s in-built options?
The main benefits of the integrated PaperCut solution are:

Single set of accounts and account balances
Consolidated reporting
Centralized management of data, costs and access rules
Users access and use the copier using the same account selection process as they do for printers
Enhanced functionality and reporting across all copy and print devices from a single package
Enables a site to control all its devices not just one specific brand from a single package
The solution can remain even if the device is replaced

Please visit the Copier / MFD Integration Tour page to see this in action.

Where can the hardware / terminals be purchased?
We can handle all this for you or via a local copier dealer.

Do you intended to support other copier terminals in the future?
Following investigation into a number of terminal suppliers, we found that the currently supported terminals provide a rich set of features (matching PaperCut’s required functionality) at a competitive price. They meet our goal of providing a vendor neutral solution that will work with almost all copiers and MFD brands without needing additional software or annual licensing fees, which a number of manufacturers request.

Working with hardware is a little different from software in that lead times are longer and a good relationship needs to exist between the software and hardware teams. We may consider other hardware types and devices in the future but our main focus is on the currently supported terminals and the development of embedded solutions.

Are the copier options available in languages other than English?
Yes, we’ve already started translation into a number of languages. We have a few technical hurdles to overcome before we can fully support Asian languages on some devices, but PaperCut itself is already translated into many different languages.

Do I need to issue cards to all my users?
No. PaperCut is able to authenticate users using a number of different methods including:

Keypad Entry: The system requests the user to enter their unique ID and optional secret pin.
Card Swipe: The system will accept a number read from a card. The range of terminals support a number of different card types from magnetic stripe to barcode to proximity (HID and MIFARE) cards.

Organizations with existing issued employee/student cards should consider the card option, while others may find ID numbers the most convenient. The ID or card numbers are stored in the PaperCut database and are entered manually or via a text file import out of another system or list.

Will my cards work with MF?
Yeah (well we have yet to have any issues yet) We always ask for a sample card to see if we can read it correctly. Hex and Decimal outputs are available.

Can I install and setup the hardware myself?
With embedded options we often find sites are more than happy to install these themselves, it’s just the external hardware (VCC/copicodes) that require expertise to install.

I am a copier dealer wanting to replace my current software and start selling PaperCut can you help?
Glad you have seen the light – get in touch