Print Strategy Project - Print Recording Software

Introduction

After investigating software options available we settled on Pharos Blueprint as it is similar to the Pharos Uniprint system used in the student print network and offered the best value for money. It also had the benefit of not being linked to a printer hardware supplier, therefore allowing us future flexibility in choice of printer hardware.

The software has been tested in Printing and Stationery Services and then piloted in IT Services and some areas of Facilities. It did not cause any operational issues and so was rolled out to the whole University's PC network in September 2010. The thin client network will be covered by installing the software on the print servers and this will be completed by early October 2010.

Software Features

  • Logs all print activity by user, job (name, number of copies, pages and colour pages) and printer
  • Logs USB/parallel connected printing activity as well as networked printers
  • Will provide cost centre managers with a report of printing activity charged
  • Allows us to identify over and under-used printers to manage the printer fleet effectively
  • Allows guidance messages to be displayed if best-practice is not being followed (e.g. printing many pages to an ink jet printer)
  • Can be used to enforce printing policy, canceling jobs if they break policy - it has not yet been decided if this will be implemented
  • Supports 'follow me' printing (also known as pull printing) where a print is requested and can then be printed at suitably equipped printer
  • Supports copy control so MFPs in open areas can be used by any member of staff and charged to that person's cost centre

Sample Reports

Here are some sample reports that can be extracted from the system:

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