bizhub color - Total Counter Report via e-mail query

[knpgazem]

In NZ we use a local version of Vcare/CS Remote (i assume) which is called Sentinel. this allows the machines to send out a message, by email, wireless GSM or by fax. we can keep an eye on parts life (% left to go etc), jams (in all areas), toner levels (% remaining), meter readings (by the minute if required).

our service system automatically sends out the required toner when the level reaches 25% remaining and can email a specific technician to attend to a specific fault with the acurate fault code/part required to fix the machine.

because we can use the GSM method, we can bypass all security on the customer's network as the message never touches their infrastructure.

THEOWL. you mention you use a manufacturer dependant software. PSES is a suitable solution, if you weren't aware, that will snmp with any network connected device and report basic meters etc. if the device is KM then you can get many of the reports that CS remote with supply, without the specific service messages. the readings can be collected at scheduled times to be emailed to various people, uploaded to billing software etc.

[TheOwl]

THEOWL. you mention you use a manufacturer dependant software. PSES is a suitable solution, if you weren't aware, that will snmp with any network connected device and report basic meters etc. if the device is KM then you can get many of the reports that CS remote with supply, without the specific service messages. the readings can be collected at scheduled times to be emailed to various people, uploaded to billing software etc.

Manufacturer independendant. Our software that we use will correctly read back from Konica Minolta, Xerox, Toshiba, Richo, Lanier, Canon, HP, Lexmark and the list goes on.

PSES is good, but relies on emails for it's alerting solely. The alerts within PSES aren't really that good either. The one good thing about PSES is the SQL back end where by you can do a table query and get raw data straight from the database. This can also be used to backend directly into some service software programs to try and automate toner and meter reading processes. The thing with doing that on a customers site back to yours is that you need direct access to the customers network from yours. Not many IT people like that idea.

[Stirton.M]

The software that we use is manufacturer independant.

If we find a machine that the agent can't talk to correctly, we just send of a submission with a full SNMP walk list and with in a week, the machine is then supported.

Are you getting CS Remote to back end directly into your service software?

Ah....got it...I forgot you deal with other brands too...

As for Vcare, we have a server that takes the data on predetermined days, with the exception of C-codes, which the machine will send out for help immediately. Currently it is set to manual mode as we are still getting accustomed to it, along with setting up the feature on the hardware already in the field. A bit of a slow process, it takes time to visit all of them as we have to deal with regular service calls and do those machines on a courtesy basis. Eventually it will be tied to our dispatch system.

[knpgazem]

This can also be used to backend directly into some service software programs to try and automate toner and meter reading processes. The thing with doing that on a customers site back to yours is that you need direct access to the customers network from yours. Not many IT people like that idea.

The few sites we have PSES setup we have a good relationship with and can just 'pop' in and grab the raw data whenever we need it. it's really used for the hp laser printers, which we need to get meters off regularly for billing. we soley rely on vcare/sentinel for the MFDs because it sends us so much more relevant data, and sends it when it is needed rather than at scheduled intervals.