Organizations that want to streamline and enhance their print environment should consider print management software. What is print management software?
Print management software helps to optimize the use of printers, copiers and multifunction devices (MFDs) and provide insights into who is printing, what they’re printing and why. The application provides numerous benefits, including improved security and compliance with user authentication protocols and device monitoring, and it can provide reporting, cost analysis, user data and more.
But there are several print management applications to choose from. Which one is right for you? Here, we’ll compare the top two print management softwares in the industry: PaperCut vs. uniFLOW.
Before we get into what sets uniFLOW and PaperCut apart, it’s important to know that there are many similarities. Both softwares can provide similar print monitoring functionalities and allow organizations to control their print environments in the following ways:
Based on their similarities, it’s easy to see how PaperCut and uniFLOW each have robust functionalities that can serve most organizations’ needs. However, there are two main differences that should be considered when choosing between them.
Both uniFLOW and PaperCut promote their abilities to work with major printer brands and models. Of note, however, is that uniFLOW is a product developed by Canon, making it especially conducive for use on its brands. While it does support other models, it’s fully optimized for Canon, so it makes sense to leverage its native integration if you use Canon devices. That said, supported devices for uniFLOW include:
PaperCut, on the other hand, is an independent print management software that was developed with the intent for use on multiple print devices. Supported devices for PaperCut include:
A major difference between PaperCut and uniFLOW is how each print job is recorded. When you print with uniFLOW, the final output of a print job is detected at the device. With PaperCut, output is detected at the print spooler or software.
What does this mean in a real-life application? Say you print a 50-page document containing sensitive information, but the printer jams at page 10. The uniFLOW print job will only register that 10 pages were printed when used with a Canon device. PaperCut, on the other hand, will register that all 50 pages printed regardless of the device, even though 40 pages are still “stuck” in the printer, giving an inaccurate printed page count.
Not only will you be unable to rely on PaperCut’s true output reporting, you could also face an additional security or compliance challenge. In our scenario above, the remaining 40 pages might still print once that paper jam clears, potentially leaving sensitive data just sitting on the printer for anyone to see or retrieve.
It should be noted that if uniFLOW is used with devices other than Canon, it will present the same challenge, making PaperCut and uniFLOW about equal.
Both print management software options can provide robust functionality and optimize productivity, efficiencies, costs and security. In general, if you use Canon devices, uniFLOW is the common-sense choice since it is fully integrated from the get-go. It can also make sense for many other device models depending on your organization’s needs. PaperCut is also a solid choice and has a wider range of compatible devices, making it more practical for others.
Even though we’re one of the top Canon dealer in the nation, the Gordon Flesch Company is a provider of both uniFLOW and PaperCut. We can help you pinpoint which one is right for you based on your organizational needs and identify other ways to optimize your print environment. That’s because print management software is only a small part of the picture.
To get started, download our complimentary guide outlining the 10 Benefits of Print Output Management below. Then, allow us to help you determine the right fit and find other cost-saving measures with a free print assessment. It might just be the best 30 minutes you spend on your organization this year. Contact our team of print experts today.
