Question:

Could you guide me through the process of setting up PaperCut Print Logger on a networked printer?

Answer:

First, you’ll need to download the PaperCut Print Logger from the official PaperCut website. Once downloaded, run the installer on the server or workstation that hosts the printer. This will ensure that all print jobs sent to the networked printer are logged.

Step 2: Configure Your Networked Printer

Before PaperCut Print Logger can start tracking, make sure your networked printer is properly set up. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to configure your printer with a static IP address to ensure consistent connectivity.

Step 3: Set Up the Print Queue

On your Windows server or workstation, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Printers’ and use the ‘Add Printer’ wizard to create a new print queue. Choose ‘Local Printer’ and create a new Standard TCP/IP Port with the printer’s IP address.

Step 4: Share the Printer

Once the print queue is ready, share the printer on the network. Right-click on the printer in your ‘Printers’ list, select ‘Sharing…’, and share the printer under an appropriate name that reflects its location or function.

Step 5: Install on Client Devices

For other devices in your network to use the printer, they’ll need to connect to the shared printer. On each client device, use the ‘Add Printer’ wizard, select ‘Network Printer’, and enter the path to the shared printer in the format \\\\servername\\printername.

Step 6: Start Logging

With everything set up, PaperCut Print Logger will begin logging all print jobs sent to the networked printer. You can access the logs through the Print Logger interface, which provides real-time activity logs detailing printer use, including user names, document titles, number of pages, and more.

Step 7: Analyze and Optimize

The data collected by PaperCut Print Logger can be exported to Microsoft Excel for further analysis. Use this information to understand printing patterns, identify areas for cost-saving, and enforce printing policies if necessary.

Remember, while PaperCut Print Logger is a powerful tool for monitoring individual printer usage, it’s just a taste of what PaperCut’s more comprehensive solutions like PaperCut NG and PaperCut MF offer. These solutions provide centralized logging across multiple systems and advanced features such as print quotas and secure print release.

And there you have it—a complete setup of PaperCut Print Logger on your networked printer. Happy logging!