Bidvest Group company, Minolta South Africa, has introduced an entry-level copying and printing management solution, the Informeta Copying Management System, aimed at photocopy-intensive environments such as schools, universities, libraries and copy shops.
Minolta Integrated Systems Information Exchange (MiSix) product manager, Mohammed Vachiat, says the entry-level system is much more affordable than other high-end copy management systems. "In the past the traditional way (at entry-level) to charge multiple users for copies made was via a coin or token device or by manual reconciliation, using a plug-in key counter.
"The new system allows users to purchase paper disposable and/or plastic reusable copy cards loaded with a cash value that can be used at any applicable copier (digital or analogue)," he says.
The system operates by means of hico magnetic card reading devices (TC4N or TC11N) that are integrated into the multifunctional machine via an interface harness. Card serial numbers are initially entered into the device by an administrator and users can then purchase a preloaded card at a wall mounted dispensing unit where it is loaded with a cash value. Only authorised personnel are given access to the card loading facility.
Vachiat says the system does not require network connectivity for photocopying applications, that is, the card is the link between various devices. "Network connectivity is, however, required for printing and the system is compatible with Microsoft networks, PCL5, PCL6 and Postscript drivers," he says.
An Informeta Copying Management System print server, that is compatible with all printing and copy management needs, can be installed without being connected to existing servers. It deals with the hard management of copies and printing costs and stores print information (user name, number of pages, cost, date and time, billing code, customer/project name) relating to the user in an SQL/MSDE database.
Share
Editorial contacts