Integrated Hardware and Software Solutions

In a standard printing environment, a user's jobs are sent directly to the printer for immediate printing. This results in wasted paper and toner when printing is forgotten and not collected. It also presents a security risk if those forgotten jobs were sensitive or confidential. PaperCut print release provides a simple solution that places jobs in a holding state until the user authenticates and releases the job at the printer. Users may select individual jobs to release or have jobs automatically print after successful authentication.

PaperCut print release offers:

• Secure printing - sensitive jobs will not sit uncollected on the printer. Jobs only print when released by the user.
• Find-me / pull printing - provides a roaming print solution where users print to a single queue and jobs will be "pulled" to any printer where they authenticate. Also known as Follow Me printing.
• Reduced wastage - no more uncollected jobs. No wasted paper or toner.

PaperCut print release is a cost-effective and universal solution available for any printing device. Print release is offered through 3 means ...

1. Embedded copier software

PaperCut embedded software provides print release integrating directly with Multi-function printer (MFP) devices. This provides a seamless user experience as users login to the MFP using the LCD touchscreen or security card readers. Embedded solution is cost effective as no expensive 3rd party terminal hardware is required.

Embedded software is available for the major MFP brands including: Ricoh, HP, Toshiba, Konica-Minolta, Xerox, Lexmark, and Sharp (with more on the way). In addition to print release, these solutions also track and control copying, scanning and faxing.

For devices that do not support an embedded software platform, similar features are available through third party hardware terminal devices connected to the MFPs.

Print release in embedded software on the MFP LCD

For more information on embedded solutions see the copier tracking solutions.

2. Fast Release

Fast Release is a cost-effective print release solution that leverages commodity off-the-shelf card readers available from multiple manufacturers. The Fast Release card readers are connected to the network (not the printer) allowing them to be used with any printer on the market. It's an ideal solution for any printers that do not support embedded applications.

The Fast Release solution works as follows:

• The user prints to a global virtual print queue, where jobs are held awaiting release.
• The user walks up to the printer and presents their identity card to the Fast Release card reader.
• PaperCut validates the user's credentials and releases their jobs to the adjacent printer.

Fast Release has many advantages over alternative release solutions including:

• It works with any printer (it integrates with PaperCut via the network and server print queues).
• No complex integration with printer/copier hardware is required (often requiring expensive add-ons from the MFP manufacturer).
• Uses commodity off-the-shelf hardware from a choice of vendors, making it cheap to implement and without vendor lock-in.

Fast Release card readers support a large range of authentication card types, including Mifare, HID, HID iClass, Legic and more.

RFIdeas Prox Card Reader

3. Software Release Stations

PaperCut also offers a software based release station that can be installed on any low-end PC or workstation. It provides a full print release solution (including support for card authentication and Find-Me printing).

Software release stations are an effective solution for print rooms. It is a particularly cost-effective solution when spare or unused workstation hardware is used.

For more information see the release station tour.

Much more than just print release ...

Print release is just one of many features to control, track and audit printer and copier usage....

• Tracking and control of printing, copying, scanning and faxing. See the tour.
• Allow users to recharge credit with cash loaders or online payment gateways. See the tour.
• Take advantage of 50+ one click reports. See the tour.
• and much more ....