Carbon 6: Technical Specs
The backbone of the Carbon 6 program is our PrintFleet Optimizer software application, which interacts with your printers to allow real-time monitoring and data collection within your printing environment. This smart and simple software gives Ultra Laser Imaging Supplies the actionable information needed so we can provide a convenient single source solution for all of your consumable and maintenance needs.
Data Collection / Security
The PrintFleet Optimizer is essentially a Data Collection Agent (DCA) that reads specific printers to count the quantity of prints and page coverage ratio to determine your cost of printing. At the same time it also monitors each machine for toner levels, paper levels, and reads any error codes. It is important to note that the DCA acts like a Tally Counter, and does not have the ability to read / store specific information as to what has been printed by a user.
PrintFleet Optimizer software is secure and offers no threat to network security. PrintFleet operates through outbound communication only, and communicates to the printing devices through SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). Collected data is sent through HTTPS (the same security levels as internet banking) and is 128-bit encrypted using SSL(secure socket layer) protocol. This software is HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant and further documentation can be provide upon request.
Installation & Management
The DCA is installed on a networked computer running Windows 2000/XP or higher. It does not require a dedicated computer. The DCA runs as a Windows service, allowing it to operate 24/7. Additionally, locally connected printing devices can be tracked within PrintFleet Optimizer, by installing the Local Beacon service on the attached computer. The entire installation process takes about 15 minutes from a provided download. In terms of liability the PrintFleet EULA (End User License Agreement) protects your organization in the unlikely event that an issue arises at the network level as a result of the Optimizer software.
From a management standpoint, PrintFleet Optimizer actually eliminates the amount of work for the IT staff. The software will reduce the amount of help desk calls they receive on printing devices as well as all device management requirements, and maintenance requirements. Since our Triage Department is constantly monitoring the printers remotely, often times we know about a problem before the user does. Additionally, procedures are in place to provide preventive maintenance, and just-in-time inventory controls. This dramatically frees up time and resources so the IT and Procurement Departments can focus on other important projects.
Network Traffic & Bandwidth
While the DCA provides real-time monitoring, it has been configured to minimize network traffic with PrintFleet Optimizer is very minimal. Network scans for page count data is collected from the printing devices on a daily basis at a pre-assigned time. Once collected the data is sent in .CSV format, averaging 1.5KB to 3 KB in size. Each subnet scanned results in network traffic approximately equal to viewing a single web page. The DCA has the ability to smart scan and only look at IP addresses for previously discovered printing devices. Additionally each printer is pinged every 30 minutes to get a status level of each printer. When the quantity of toner in a particular machine reaches a pre-established critical level or a printer has a critical error code Ultra Laser is immediately notified so we can take appropriate action.