Ricoh Adds Print & Copy Vending Solution
June 5, 2007
Ricoh Americas Corporation introduced the Ricoh Print & Copy Vending solution, which builds on the Enhanced Locked Print suite of products. Available as an option for most Ricoh Multifunction Products (MFPs), the Print & Copy Vending application enables businesses to charge for both print and copy output without relying on third-party print management software or a print server.
A custom, cost effective application, Print & Copy Vending is ideal for environments looking to offer document-vending capabilities from their MFPs for print and copy output. Business centers, libraries and higher education facilities are just a few examples. Unlike other solutions, this application provides the ability to leverage existing copy vending tools, such as coin boxes, stored value readers or online card readers, to pay for print and/or copy output – a first-of-its-kind service.
Print & Copy Vending uses custom firmware and special drivers that prompt users to create unique passcodes prior to submitting print jobs. At the MFP, users must enter their passcode and select a payment option prior to releasing print jobs. This protects documents from being released by unauthorized users in addition to capturing payment for each page that is printed.
Besides overcoming general output management issues, Print & Copy Vending also helps public printing environments reduce the abuse and waste of MFP devices. With the ability to now apply charges to printed documents and not just copied material, these facilities provide users an incentive to minimize prints to only those pages that are necessary. Additionally, Print & Copy Vending allows these organizations to create a potential revenue stream that did not previously exist.
“The Ricoh Print & Copy Vending solution aims to simplify document management for both the organization and the user,” said Hede Nonaka, senior vice president, Document Solutions & Services (DSS) Division, Ricoh Americas Corporation. “By offering the ability to lower output expenses and streamline accounting with a user-friendly interface, Print & Copy Vending fulfills this goal.”
The Print and Copy Vending solution is available for the suggested retail price of $600.00. For more information about Ricoh products and solutions, please visit www.ricoh-usa.com.
