Rules and Routing

With the growing proliferation of both local-attached and network printers, many of which are colour capable devices, the total cost of printing within many organisations is escalating. 

To make best use of the equipment available, for instance either the most suitable for volume or the most cost effective, rules can be implemented to ensure best practice. Rules can determine who can use which machines, eg restrict colour, or what size document can be sent to a local printer or to the print room.

The software enables organisations to control such costs providing network administrators with a simple tool for setting rules for printing. Rules may be based upon a range of parameters, including: size, volume, user name, job name, colour content, device availability, etc. These may be to ensure that each job is sent to the most appropriate device, or even prohibition of certain types of printing.

Routing can be incorporated within rules that will determine the most appropriate printer for the job.

Users can be informed about changes to print routines by automated e-mail or pop-up message. Such messages may be customised for users as required and may include, for example - advice of new printing rules to be implemented, or why a user's job has been re-routed and where to collect print-outs.

Where organisations have a Central Reprographics Department or Print Room further cost control gains and benefits can be obtained. Alongside print room management software the system may be configured to police for large jobs and ensure they are sent to the print room via the job ticketing system rather than being printed on expensive to run local printers.