Overview

PaperCut MF monitors photocopiers by either using third-party hardware terminal devices connected to the copier, or by making use of the internal "embedded" monitoring functions and display panels offered by some copier models. PaperCut MF connects to these devices to determine how much copying is performed, and deny copier usage if the user has no credit available.

On selected models with internal "embedded" monitoring functions, PaperCut MF additionally monitors fax and scanning activity as well as deny faxing or scanning when the user is out of credit.

If the copier is also a printer (e.g. a Multifunction Device), then PaperCut MF makes it possible to use the connected hardware terminal devices or internal display panels as a Release StationPrint Release Stations place a print job on hold and allow users to release it when required. Often a Release Station is a dedicated PC terminal located next to the printers, however, Release Stations can take other forms such as a web browser based interface. Some common examples where Release Stations can be used include secure printing, approved printing, and authentication. In a secure printing environment jobs are only printed when the user arrives at the print area and confirms his or her identity. This ensures the user is there to collect the job and other users can't "accidentally" collect the document. In some organizations it may be appropriate to hold jobs until they are approved by selected individuals. A good example would be a teacher approving printing on an expensive color printer. Hold/Release queues can be used as a form of authentication in an unauthenticated environment. Users must authenticate prior to releasing their jobs allowing PaperCut NG to confirm their identity., avoiding the need for dedicated PC-based Release Stations.