Universities provide a necessary service to students with pay for print and copy facilities. They also can face challenges in implementing effective tracking methods to efficiently track these transactions and charge them back to the students.
ITC Systems offers convenient and comprehensive online copy and print control solutions to simplify copy and print tracking processes. This system has been successfully implemented throughout campuses across North America and internationally.
Using a combination of the robust ITC Systems Multiplan database system, networked based card readers and value-added NetLink card loaders, transactions happen in real time. Campuses can choose magnetic stripe, barcode, or contactless cards depending on their specific needs, or utilize PIN codes instead of cards, if preferred.
Responsive Print Control with Multiplan Software
With the Multiplan database solution, copy and print control is managed right from the source. Card readers capture the student ID number on the preferred card and send it to the backend database. The software verifies that there is enough money in the account and if so, allows the transaction to be processed. This entire process takes only fractions of a second, and once completed, the transaction is stored within the database. Multiplan is the brain of the ITC online print control solution, providing full reports of all transactions by staff and students anywhere in the college. It also offers the ability to support LDAP and Active Directory for PC login.
A key advantage of this online environment is that print control and payment are performed directly at user PCs with pre-determined user names and passwords. Then patrons send their print jobs and move to the PC release terminal where they will be required to re-enter the username and password or authenticate the information through an active directory list. Users see the total number of pages to print, total cost, etc. Users select the jobs they wish to print and swipe their card for payment, which is instantly subtracted from their account. After the job is released, the remaining account balance on the card is indicated. For copying transactions, the card is swiped at the NetLink terminal connected to copier and the cost is subtracted from the users database account and the copies are generated.
Innovations in Pay for Print
Another new feature that ITC has to offer in its pay for print services is a staff pop-up software version that works with the Multiplan database. This allows a user to bypass release stations and charge the users department directly from their PC for the print jobs they select.
For added convenience, laptop users can now utilize pay for print services without needing to download print drivers. Patrons can access the Computer Printing Services home page through the universitys website and then enter their network login. From here, they choose a printer, send the print job, and simply swipe their card at the appropriate release station. The funds will be automatically debited from their Multiplan account. This is especially useful for students in dorm rooms who may not have a desktop printer or access to a computer near a release station.
ITC Systems offers a full range of online copy and print control solutions that can be put to work for any university. Look no further, count on ITC Systems to provide what you need now and to offer innovation for the future.
