PaperCut MF works by intercepting printer usage at the server level, calculating the usage cost, and deducting this from a central online account associated with the user’s login or ID (card). Administrators can define quota by scheduling credit allocation at pre-defined intervals. Alternatively, value can be loaded to accounts using self serviced loaders or a cashless payment gateway where funds can be transferred as required..

Usage is typically calculated on a cost-per page basis with options available for colour, page sizes and duplex. In a business environment, PaperCut is often set to “silent mode” where only managers are made aware of usage and cost via password protected real-time activity reports.

In a school or tertiary environment, students are typically provided a quota or self managed debit account. Copying and printing is then charged from these funds. Staff typically bill jobs to a user and or shared (department or faculty) account based on their access rights.

Modern Software Design
PaperCut-MF is developed using the latest software development concepts such as Service Oriented Architecture, XML Web Services and multi-layered design. The architecture allows PaperCut-MF to scale to networks of all sizes ranging from single server workgroup networks to clustered multi-server 60,000+ user networks. SSL encryption ensures all data is secured at the highest level

External Database Support
PaperCut-MF includes the option to run the system on top of its own built-in database or optionally a 3rd party database system such as: - Microsoft SQL Server / Express - PostgreSQL Database Server External database support allows larger organizations to leverage off existing software infrastructure and backup procedures

An Open System
PaperCut MF is an open, vendor neutral solution. All customers are provided with source code access. The system is designed using open standards and supports all major operating systems

Use PaperCut’s administration interface to manage users’ account balances, access privileges, and track their usage. Selected users can be granted “unrestricted” access allowing them to draw below their allocated quota — ideal for teacher staff or managers.

Automatic User Import
PaperCut automatically synchronizes user accounts with the domain or Active Directory. Import users from: - The full domain or Active Directory - A selected group within a domain - An organization unit

Advanced Charging
Use the advanced charging interface to charge different rates for: - Colour vs. grayscale Different paper sizes - Discounts for double-sided or duplex printing Use price differentiation to encourage the use of double-sided printing and give end-users the incentive to use the high volume MFD's for large jobs.

Detailed Logging
PaperCut logs all copy and print activity including document name, cost, and number of pages and from whom and where the document originated. Log data is available for online viewing or download in industry standard formats including PDF and CSV / Microsoft Excel™, allowing additional ad-hoc analysis.

Schedule Credit / Quota Allocation
Give users a budget and control how and how often their accounts are topped up. Use network groups to define how additional quota is assigned. For example, allow senior students to accumulate their allocation while junior students run on a use it or lose it basis.

Provide selected users “Administration” access
Give selected users such as network administrators, teaching staff, or manager access to PaperCut’s web interface. Use the easy-to-use web interface to:
- Modify users’ account balance and privileges
- View a user’s transaction history
- View a user’s activity in real-time
- Run activity reports

Shared accounts for departments
Grant selected users the ability to charge shared accounts for departments, cost centers, faculties or projects. Control access to shared accounts via PINs
or network group membership. Users select the account via “popup” client software....