MIPA

The MegaTrack In Printer Agent (MIPA) lets you record and monitor printer and MFP activity directly at the device, enhancing accountability and giving you the ability to assign costs, forecast expenses and target waste and abuse. By collecting data directly inside the printer or MFP device, this “in printer” solution provides a significantly more precise accounting of printer activity than methods that rely on SNMP traps or MIB polling. It also offers the ability to track copy, fax and digital sending activity on MFP devices.

Each time the printer or MFP device finishes printing a document, MIPA collects important data about the job, including:

• User I.D.
• User machine
• Pages Processed
• Paper Size
• Media Type
• # of Copies
• Duplexing Information
• Color / Monochrome pages and more . . .

This data is then recorded to either the printer’s hard disk (if available) or to a small amount of compact flash memory. MFP devices can also be configured to record copy, fax and digital sending activities. 

Track All of Your Printer and MFP Activity

MIPA tracks print jobs that have been submitted both directly (via TCP/IP) or through a windows print server. To track a MFP device’s scan, copy and fax functions, users simply need to “log in” to the MFP using the front panel (HP’s built in authentication solutions), or a SmartCard or Proximity Badge (SecureJet solutions).

Once recorded, this extremely accurate data can be accessed by either CTRM (Capella Technologies Reporting Module), ERM (Embedded Reporting Module) or MegaTrack.

CTRM is included standard with the MIPA. It uses the network to consolidate data from MIPA-equipped network printers and MFP devices. CTRM gives users the ability to create both summary and detailed print activity reports. As part of the normal installation process, it also gives users the option of using an Access database and, if necessary, an SQL database.

The ERM option is available for those applications where MIPA as used in a stand alone environment. Reports can be viewed by logging into the printer’s EWS. Authorized users or groups can also receive scheduled reports via automatic e-mails.

Simplified Reporting

The MegaTrack application can use the data collected by MIPA to create nearly 300 detailed, customized reports of printer and MFP device usage. A “one-button” option helps users easily create and schedule comprehensive summary reports to identify the top printer users, forecast future consumable requirements and analyze monthly usage by media and document type. These reports can employ both text and graphics to illustrate not just how much your organization is spending on printing, but exactly where and when that money is being spent.

To make data collection and analysis even easier, MegaTrack can be configured to automatically generate and deliver regularly scheduled reports. Schedule a monthly summary report, and MegaTrack will automatically deliver that report to your Email address on the first day of the following month. Delivery can also be configured for multiple e-mail addresses, keeping all stakeholders — IT, Purchasing/Procurement, Finance — in the loop. Customized daily reports can be administered in a similar manner, keeping the appropriate parties continuously up-to-date on changing printer and MFP usage patterns.

Customized Data Queries

Users can query the data collected by MIPA to highlight many different aspects of printer activity. These custom queries can be used to forecast hardware replacement, justify cost saving measures or plan for future printer installations. Data from queries can be exported into Excel spreadsheets, which can then be imported into word processing documents, slide presentations and more.

Detailed Cost Information

With MIPA, users can track all printer costs, so your company can finally get a realistic and comprehensive view of your printing-related expenses. Track the actual cost of media, as it’s being used. Track costs by user or department. You can even be track hardware depreciation, toner specifications and more. A fixed cost mode is also available for companies that need to easily charge printer expenses back to clients or departmental cost centers. In this mode, administrators assign a pre-determined cost to each print job based, for instance, on the size and type of media and the selection of black or color toner.