In an era where minimizing physical contact in public spaces has become increasingly important, adopting harm minimization strategies in the workplace is essential. One effective measure that businesses can implement is contactless printing, which reduces the need for interaction with shared devices such as printers.
The good news is PaperCutNG/MF allows for eight different methods of touch-free printing. We wrote an entire KB article about it. But for the TL;DR crowd, we’ll hit you here with the streamlined version.
What is Contactless Printing?
Contactless printing involves methods that allow documents to be printed without physical contact with shared devices. This approach is vital in maintaining health and safety standards while ensuring business operations continue efficiently.
Advantages of Implementing Contactless Printing
Implementing contactless printing solutions can significantly enhance workplace safety, promote hygiene, and improve operational efficiency. It also streamlines the printing process, making it faster and more user-friendly for employees.
One last note, this truly is the TL;DR version. Some of these options have specific implications unique to particular printing environments. If a feature tickles your fancy, before implementing, please please inspect our full KB article for full details and considerations.
1. Swipe-card with automatic release - PaperCut MF only
For workplaces using PaperCut MF with card-readers, the swipe-card with automatic release offers a seamless contactless printing solution. By enabling the ‘ automatically release jobs upon login ’ option in PaperCut MF’s admin interface, users can have their print jobs released immediately after swiping their card, minimizing contact with the device.
2. Fast Release Terminals
Fast Release Terminals are ideal for printers that do not support the PaperCut Embedded Application. They allow users to release their print jobs by simply swiping their card on the terminal, ensuring a touch-free interaction that is both quick and efficient.
3. Mobile Print Release (QR Codes)
The Mobile Print Release feature utilizes QR codes to enable a truly contactless printing experience. Users can scan a QR code attached to the printer with their mobile device, which acts as a release station, allowing them to select and release their print jobs without physical contact.
4. User web interface print release
For environments where mobile or card-based options are not suitable, the user web interface provides a viable alternative. Users can log in to a dedicated webpage within the network, select their printer, and release their documents remotely, thereby avoiding direct contact with the printer.
5. Delegated Print Release
Delegated print release allows designated individuals to manage print jobs on behalf of others. This method reduces traffic around printers and is particularly useful in minimizing contact in environments where document sensitivity and confidentiality are paramount.
This can be combined with the user web interface option so that the designated print job collector doesn’t need to touch the printer. This feature might not be suitable depending on document sensitivity and may come with time delays so please assess accordingly.
6. Release Stations
Configured to limit interaction, Release Stations can be set up to allow only authorized Release Managers to handle print jobs. This setup helps maintain a touch-free environment while ensuring that document handling remains secure and controlled.
This is similar to the delegated print release feature, in that you can set up your Release Station so that only Release Managers have access to interact with holding jobs.
Again, like Delegated Print Release, this option has document sensitivity implications as well as possible time delays.
7. Admin web interface release station
As a last resort, the Admin Web Interface Release Station allows designated administrators to manage print jobs from a web interface. This method provides comprehensive control over printing tasks and is best used in scenarios where other touch-free methods are impractical.
You can assign Admin Rights to users, which will give them access to the entire ‘Printers’ section. They then can access the ‘Jobs Pending Release’ page, cancel or print held jobs, and select which printer to release the print jobs.
This option may have security implications if a user isn’t directly near their designated printer. It also provides users with Admin rights.
8. Remove Find-Me Printing
In cases where contactless options are insufficient, eliminating Find-Me printing and reverting to direct printing may be necessary. This method ensures that printing can remain contact-free by directing jobs to specific printers, thereby avoiding the communal touchpoints typically associated with shared printing environments.
For this option, PaperCut MF customers will need to reach out to your PaperCut Reseller or ASC . PaperCut NG customers should contact our Support Team for assistance.
There you have it!
8 different methods of creating a contactless, touch-free printing experience for your workplace. A reminder for scanning, copying, and other multi-functional devices to read our blog on brand-specific device cleaning recommendations.
Need more help?
For most of the above features, we highly recommend PaperCut MF customers reach out to your PaperCut Reseller to help configure the most suitable solution for your needs and printing environment.
For PaperCut NG customers, please reach out to our Support Team .
If you have further questions about any of the above features, do give the full-length KB a read or visit our Support Portal and reach out for direct assistance.
And if you’re looking for better ways to print, visit our “Better Ways to Print” hub below!
