Pull-Print – Server vs Workstation Based Architecture

Pull-Print – Server vs Workstation Based Architecture

There are many pull-print solutions (also called print release) in the marketplace. The vendors of these solutions claim very similar capabilities but upon closer inspection there are critical differences. As a prospective buyer of pull-print one significant difference to explore is the architecture of the solution. Does the solution require a software install on every end user workstation – or is the solution server based.

Significant Advantages to MPD

We think there are significant advantages to having a server based pull-print solution like OM Plus My-Print-Delivery (MPD). Server based solutions like MPD typically have better integrations with key ERP’s (like SAP), EMR’s (like Epic), Single Sign-on Apps (like Imprivata). Without the integrations to back end systems like these it can be difficult for workstation based pull print systems to get the end user name or ID’s needed to release documents at the printer.

OM Plus MPD is integrated to these types of backend systems so the end user names are available and documents from those system can be included in the pull-print solution. Many workstation based pull print apps do not have the ability to release documents created on ERP’s, EMR’s etc. They can only print workstation created documents. This can be limiting and a huge deal.

With MPD there is also no impact on the end user. End users print the same way they always have. No need to define a pull print devices or for users to remember which docs are to be pull print and which are not. There is also the advantage of software management and administration. With a server based solution there is no need to manage the end user workstations and track new workstations, old workstation, updating versions, and changing workstations. All administration is consolidated on a single software instance.

Also due to the nature of server level operation systems there is an inherent advantage to reliability and security over workstation software.

For more information, please contact Plus Technologies.

OM Plus My-Print-Delivery Software

OM Plus My-Print-Delivery (MPD) pull-print software is Plus Technologies solution for pull printing. This pull-print solution is also know by other names. Names such as: print release, pull-print, Follow the User style print. The idea behind the concept is to improve printing efficiencies by holding user documents in the print system until the user releases the document while physically at the printer or multifunction device itself. There are many benefits for implementing OM Plus MPD such as: saving pages printed, reducing toner consumption and cost, and increasing document security.

Pull-print works by allowing the user to print documents through their usual print experience. Thus there is no change to the user. The document is routed to OM Plus My-Print-Delivery (MPD) where the job is held in OM Plus. When the user is ready to print they go to the device of their choice, swipe their card, pass authentication, and then MPD routes the job to the printer. This process ensures no print jobs/documents are left unattended.

Automating Document Related Business Processes