printer usage report tool/software

[mkm_HP]

Hi,

Is there a tool/software that we can use to monitor how our printer(s) are being used? We are interested on which user print what and how many.

To us HP Web Jetadmin is an overkill. HP Color LaserJet M553dn has the option to only print a color usage report. We do not want to print a usage report on the central printer where everyone can see it. We rather view the usage report on our computer when necessary.

Thanks

[Dragon-Fur]

@mkm_HP

Printer:

HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M553dn

You can view (and configure) all sorts of information using the Embedded Web Server (EWS) for your networked printer.

User Guide > Chapter 5, Page 60

Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

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[mkm_HP]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

With EWS you can print the reports on the concerned printer. but you cannot view the reports on your computer. Because the printer is in a central and public area we would like to see the reports directly on our computer.

Thanks

[Dragon-Fur]

@mkm_HP

You are welcome.

Some Laser printers keep detailed information about supplies and usage.

The information might be available using the Embedded Web Server (EWS)

Example:  Embedded Web Server - Laserjet

Another Option:

Print Queue Management - Set up "Save a print job to reprint later"

In general, you set up the method to keep the jobs in the queue ahead of time.  This method requires that your user base (those people submitting print jobs) do not sabotage the print queue by removing entries -- this is a matter determined by Policy in your workplace.  (In other words, you must have a modicum of control over what people are doing).

Dragon Document 

Reprint a print job – save a job for reprinting later

Excerpted...

Use the Event Viewer to view (and optionally save) entries

Track print jobs in Event Viewer

How you track down the print job action depends on how your software reports the incident in the Event Viewer, whether you have remote access to the computer(s) in your work group, and your skill level in garnering the information you seek (manual look-and-see or write a script to gather the reports).

For example,

Enable the job log

Windows key + X > Event Viewer

Event Viewer > Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > 

Scroll down > PrintService > Right-Click Operational > Enable Log

Check the log for activity

Open the Event Viewer on the computer (from which the job was submitted

Open Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows >

scroll down, down > PrintService > Operational 

Check for print jobs

Sort the columns by "Task Category" > scroll down to items named "Printing a document"

Click on each job to see the details on that job (name of system and UserID)

Collect list of print jobs and save into a file

Click the mouse on the first entry in the collection of “Printing a document” events,

Scroll to the end of the “Printing a document” events entries,

Click and hold down the Shift key,

Click on the last entry you want in the “saved group”

Save the Data into a File or Event Log

Option 1 - Save and View Document

Under Actions (or tab Action) > Click Copy >

Open a blank document (for example Office Word) >

Insert the table or text data into the open document >

Save file as desired

Open document to view text data

Option 2 – Save and View Event Log Entries

Under Actions (or tab Action) > Click Save Selected Events >

Optional > Decide and click language display options >

Select a Folder in which you want to save the file and enter a Filename

Open Event Viewer > Open Saved Logs > Click on log to view

Check the log for documents / print jobs removed from the queue

Sort the columns by "Task Category" > scroll down to items named "Deleting a document"

Click on each job to see the details on that job (name of system and UserID)

Reference

The Event Viewer is a powerful resource.  Learn more about it.

A few resources:

Magic and skill > Event Viewer

Lesson 3: Using Event Viewer to Troubleshoot Problems

Event Viewer in Windows

How-To Geek > Lesson 3: Using Event Viewer to Troubleshoot Problems

How to Create Your Own Windows Event Log Notification System

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