Tracking What is Being Printed by Whom

04/22/2025

Keeping your printing costs and printing habits in check can be like taming a wild office beast—essential for a budget that doesn't bite and security that doesn't snooze.

In this article, you’ll discover how tracking print jobs can be your secret weapon in the middle of a workplace jungle of data.

Here’s what we’ll discuss:

  1. Why Tracking Print Jobs Matters for Your Bottom Line
  2. Key Factors Influencing Printing Costs
  3. Improving Security Through Print Job Tracking
  4. Case Study: How Print Tracking Defused a Bomb Threat

Ready to hunt for financial savings, increase employee productivity and ensure data security? Let’s go!


RELATED: How to Earn Energy Rebates Through Managed Print 


Why Tracking Print Jobs Matters for Your Bottom Line

Let's face it, no one likes to be the office printer police, but ignoring who's printing what can quickly turn your budget into confetti. Tracking print jobs might sound like a snooze-fest, but it's actually a key strategy to keep those sneaky printing costs in check.

By knowing exactly who is printing and how much, you can predict future expenses and avoid any surprise costs that could send your budget spiraling. For a deeper dive into the financial aspects of office printing, check out our guide on Budget Planning Considerations for Printers & Copiers.

Imagine being able to look back at your printing history and forecast next month's toner and printer needs with the precision of a fortune teller. This kind of insight can help you streamline your budget and even allocate resources more effectively.

So, the next time someone prints a 100-page, graphic-heavy report in color, you’ll know who to thank for the spike in expenses! 


RELATED: The Business Advantages of Managed Print Services 


Key Factors Influencing Printing Costs

Printing costs aren't just about the paper and toner, although those are big contributors. Understanding your printing volume is essential. Are you cranking out thousands of pages a month? If so, you need to know this to estimate your consumable needs and equipment wear and tear. For a comprehensive breakdown of printing prices and the factors that determine cost, check out our detailed guide.

Consumables such as toner and paper aren't just one-time purchases—they are recurring expenses that can add up faster than you can say 'refill.' Don’t forget about maintenance and repair costs, too. A printer breakdown could lead to unexpected expenses and a reduction in office productivity.

And let’s not overlook the environmental impact and energy consumption. Energy-efficient models might cost a bit more upfront, but they can save you a bundle in the long run. Plus, they’re better for the planet, which is a win-win!

Improving Security Through Print Job Tracking

Now, let's talk about security because who knew printers could be the unsung heroes of your office's safety net? Tracking print jobs isn't just about saving pennies; it's also about protecting sensitive information. By monitoring who is printing what, you can quickly identify any unauthorized or suspicious activity. Learn more about how to make your printers more secure and safeguard your business information.

Imagine printing out sensitive client information and accidentally leaving it on the printer tray for all to see. Yikes! With print job tracking, you can ensure that only authorized personnel have access to certain printers, adding an extra layer of security to your documents. For more insights on how to print sensitive documents securely on a shared printer, check out our comprehensive guide.

Case Study: How Print Tracking Defused a Bomb Threat

Think print tracking is all about numbers and spreadsheets? Think again. In a jaw-dropping case study, the Licking Heights Local School District used print tracking to defuse a bomb threat. Yes, you read that right.

When a bomb threat was printed from a school computer using secure print software, the school's technology manager, Darian Kovach, sprang into action. Thanks to the District’s managed print solution, he was able to identify the culprit within minutes and avert a potentially disastrous situation. Before implementing this system, the District’s fleet of old printers and the lack of oversight could have made this a much more challenging scenario. Read the full case study on how managed print services helped defuse a bomb threat for more details on this remarkable incident.

So, the next time you think print tracking is just about cutting costs, remember that it can also be a critical tool in keeping your organization safe.

Ready to optimize and better secure your print fleet?

Print output management software ensures that printed or scanned documents remain secure. It will help reduce waste by optimizing your print fleet, too! Learn more about print output management software by downloading your free copy of our handy infographic featuring the Top 10 Benefits of Print Output Management

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