Tracking Photocopiers and Multi-Function Printers

At the core of PaperCut MF is the ability to interface directly with MFD hardware to track off-the-glass functions such as copy, scan, fax and secure print release.  PaperCut has worked directly with leading MFD manufactures to bring our software directly to the MFD at a firmware level.  To complete the solution offering across all devices PaperCut MF also supports hardware copier terminals from multiple vendors.

PaperCut MF has the ability to track walk-up multi-function copier use through one of two possible means:

• by connecting to embedded software that can be installed on the device – This is the preferred option and gives you the most control over a MFD. Or,
• via a 3rd party hardware terminal which integrates with the device. – This is the old fashioned way (and expensive option).

3rd PARTY PRODUCTS NOTICE:

PaperCut Software has made every effort to ensure the delivery of a robust and fully featured product solution by working closely with some of the world’s most recognized copy terminal suppliers. However as these products are manufactured and supplied directly by the 3rd party manufacturers or their authorised resellers, PaperCut’s warranties (written or implied) do not apply to 3rd party products. All warranty and support is strictly under the terms and conditions of each manufacturer’s guidelines.

For printing PaperCut authenticates and tracks print jobs at the server layer before they pass to the MFD. To track off-the-glass device usage such as copying usage the authentication and tracking step needs to be done on the device itself. Where possible this is accomplished using embedded software.  The embedded software runs on the MFD and works with the PaperCut Server to bring the same experience offered with printing to direct device usage.  This includes:

• User authentication using various methods
• Username/Password, Card swipe, Employee ID and/or PIN
• Ability to select shared accounts (e.g. projects/departments/clients) if the user has access to this feature
• Ability to release secure held print jobs
• Tracking and recording of all usage is sent across to the central PaperCut MF server
• Group based access control

Embedded solutions also offer other service such as the ability for users to self-associate a new swipe card with their account and check their account balance (in quota controlled environment).

The PaperCut Software development team have developed solutions for several major copier brands, including:

• Ricoh, via Ricoh Embedded Software Architecture (ESA)
• Sharp, via Sharp Open Systems Architecture (OSA)
• Xerox, via Xerox Network Accounting
• Lexmark, via Lexmark Embedded Solutions Framework (LeSF)
• HP, via Chai SOE DSE
• Toshiba
• Konica Minolta, via OpenAPI
• Kyocera Mita, via Kyocera Hybrid Platform for Advanced Solutions (HyPAS)
• Gestetner
• Lanier
• Nashuatec
• Other devices are currently under development.

In addition new functionality is always under development and each embedded platform is refreshed as and when new SDK’s become available.

Highlights of PaperCut’s embedded solution include:

Consistency:

The embedded solutions are developed in-house by the PaperCut Software development team. This ensures that the copier interface is consistent with the workstation print interface, meaning users only have to learn one system.

Integration:

PaperCut is a single integrated solution where print, internet and copier control are all managed in the one system. Users have a single account and administrators have the same level of reporting and administration for all services. The embedded solution interacts with the PaperCut server using a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and web services based protocols.

Rate of development:

PaperCut is developed under a release-often policy where new features are made available to users as soon as they are complete. Unlike hardware based solutions, new versions can be delivered to users regularly as software updates.

Vendor Neutral:

PaperCut remains true to its vendor neutral stance. All embedded solutions are equal and support all server OS’s including Windows, Linux and Mac.

Security:

A large percentage of PaperCut’s user base is in education environments where security is important. All embedded solutions are developed with security in mind. Where security objectives can’t be satisfied, any deficiencies are fully disclosed.

To find out where to buy an embedded application for your multi-functional copier or printer, just get in touch.

3rd Party Hardware Solutions

The PaperCut Developers have worked with leading copier terminal manufacturers to enable all of PaperCut’s print features to be available when copying. This includes:

• Authentication and user identity using your existing network directory accounts
• Quotas & charging (debit and credit)
• Multiple account selection (personal and shared accounts)
• Integrated feature rich user, account and device reporting

Hardware copier terminals are devices that plug into a multi-functional copier or printer via an access port and then interface with PaperCut MF via your Ethernet network. Terminals are a hardware neutral solution and work with most multi-functional copier and printer makes and models both young and old.

Please take have a look at the various hardware and embedded solutions on this page for more info

The PaperCut Software development team has targeted several leading terminal brands, including:

• Alpha
• Copicode
• VCC

Click on a hardware terminal brand to learn more about the solution.

All copier terminal models are capable of tracking the majority of photocopiers and multi-function printers on the market, including models by: Canon, Gestetner, Hewlett Packard, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Lanier, Océ, Oki, Panasonic, Ricoh, Samsung, Savin, Sharp, Toshiba and Xerox/Fuji-Xerox.