Smarter print options with LRS Policy Printing
Many organizations still look at printing costs as a necessary overhead. However, these costs do tend to amount to quite a lot. Policy Printing (also referred to as Rules Based Printing) is a simple way to reduce these costs and optimize printing throughout the organization. A print policy helps implement a set of print rules which can either be suggested or enforced. When the rules are not enforced, end users are made aware of the cost of the print job on their selected device. They are presented with more cost-efficient print options as well. This increases their awareness and helps them choose the best device for the print job. When rules are enforced the end-user is simply notified of the changed settings without them being able to make changes to them.
The most common print rules are:
- Duplex versus simplex
- Monochrome versus color
- EconoMode* versus regular print mode
The rules can be applied to certain users, user groups, specified printers, time of day and more. This offers great flexibility in how to set up the policy and limits potential problems when someone needs to print a certain document in a way that falls outside of the policy. For example:
- An HR employee needs to print contracts simplex. Her department is excluded from the print policy. That way she is certain that she can always print official documents the way that is needed.
- Sales Managers often stay late and prepare for external meetings. During the day they can request manager approval for printing color. After business hours they are allowed to print color without manager approval to avoid them being unable to prepare for their meetings.