PaperCut MF vs PaperCut NG: Choosing the Right Solution for Your Needs
When it comes to print management software, PaperCut is one of the leading solutions in the industry, offering robust features designed to streamline printing, reduce waste, and ensure security across an organisation’s print environment. Two of the most popular offerings from PaperCut are PaperCut MF and PaperCut NG, each designed to meet the needs of different business environments. Understanding the key differences between these two solutions will help you make an informed decision about which one best suits your organisation’s requirements.
Contact our specialist right away to learn more about our cost-effective copier rentals or the top printers for sale in South Africa. We also offer a range of paper shredders for sale, including the world-renowned Kobra paper shredders.
What is PaperCut NG?
PaperCut NG is a cost-effective print management solution designed for small to medium-sized organisations. It offers essential features such as print job tracking, cost management, and user authentication. PaperCut NG is ideal for organisations looking to implement basic print control and cost-saving measures across their print fleet. While it includes the core features of PaperCut’s print management system, it does not include the more advanced functionalities offered by PaperCut MF, making it a great choice for companies that need simple and straightforward print management without added complexity.
Key features of PaperCut NG include:
- Print Job Tracking: Detailed tracking of print jobs, including information about the user, printer, number of pages, and time of printing.
- Cost Allocation and Budgeting: Set print quotas and track print costs by user or department.
- Basic Reporting: Offers detailed print usage reports that can be customised to meet the organisation’s needs.
- User Authentication: Users can log in with a PIN code, swipe card, or mobile authentication for secure print release.
- Mobile and BYOD Printing: Print from mobile devices, laptops, or desktops, supporting a flexible work environment.
What is PaperCut MF?
PaperCut MF is a more feature-rich version of PaperCut NG, designed to meet the needs of larger organisations or those with more complex print environments. It includes all the functionalities of PaperCut NG but adds additional features like secure print release, more advanced reporting, and integration with multifunction printers (MFPs) for copying, scanning, and faxing.
In addition to the features provided by PaperCut NG, PaperCut MF offers:
- Secure Print Release: Users can release print jobs only when they authenticate at the printer using their PIN, ID card, or mobile device, preventing sensitive documents from being left unattended.
- Multi-Function Device (MFD) Integration: PaperCut MF integrates with multifunction printers (MFPs), allowing for comprehensive tracking of copying, scanning, and faxing activities in addition to printing.
- Advanced Reporting: PaperCut MF offers more granular reporting options, allowing for deeper insights into print, copy, scan, and fax usage. Reports can be customised by user, department, or other criteria, providing better visibility and control over printing resources.
- Enhanced Mobile and Cloud Printing: PaperCut MF supports a wider range of mobile printing options, including cloud-based printing, to allow users to print from anywhere.
- Advanced Security Features: Beyond basic authentication, PaperCut MF offers options for card authentication, biometric integration, and user role management to control access to printers and multifunction devices more securely.
- Integration with Cloud Services: PaperCut MF supports integration with popular cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox, enabling users to print documents directly from the cloud, which is especially useful for businesses that rely heavily on cloud storage.
Key Differences Between PaperCut MF and PaperCut NG
While both PaperCut MF and PaperCut NG provide core print management features such as cost allocation, print tracking, and user authentication, there are several key differences between the two that can impact your choice depending on the scale and needs of your organisation.
Target Market and Deployment
- PaperCut NG is generally targeted at small to medium-sized businesses, schools, or organisations where the complexity of the print environment is minimal. It is an entry-level print management solution ideal for organisations with straightforward needs.
- PaperCut MF, on the other hand, is aimed at larger organisations or businesses that require more advanced features, integrations with multifunction printers, and more robust reporting and security features.
Secure Print Release and User Authentication
- PaperCut NG includes basic authentication features like PIN codes and swipe cards but lacks the advanced secure print release options.
- PaperCut MF adds secure print release, which ensures that sensitive documents are not left unattended. Users can release their print jobs only when they authenticate at the printer, which helps protect confidential information and ensures greater security.
Multifunction Printer (MFP) Integration
- PaperCut NG is limited to tracking and managing print jobs only.
- PaperCut MF goes beyond print management and integrates with multifunction devices such as copiers, scanners, and fax machines. This enables organisations to track not only print jobs but also copying, scanning, and faxing activities, offering a more comprehensive view of resource usage.
Advanced Reporting
- PaperCut NG provides basic reports on print activity but does not offer the same level of granularity or customisation that PaperCut MF offers.
- PaperCut MF includes advanced reporting, which provides more detailed insights into printing, copying, and scanning usage. IT administrators can generate custom reports by user, department, or even device type, providing greater control and visibility over resources.
Mobile and Cloud Printing
- PaperCut NG supports mobile printing and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) functionality, allowing users to print from various devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
- PaperCut MF enhances these capabilities by adding cloud printing support, allowing users to print documents stored in cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, making it ideal for businesses that rely heavily on cloud-based workflows.
Security Features
- PaperCut NG provides basic user authentication options.
- PaperCut MF provides more robust security features such as card authentication, biometric integration, and enhanced role-based access controls, ensuring that only authorised users have access to printing resources.
Pricing
While the pricing for both PaperCut MF and PaperCut NG depends on the number of users, devices, and additional features required, PaperCut NG is typically more affordable for small to medium-sized organisations with basic print management needs. PaperCut MF, with its advanced features, will come at a higher cost, making it more suitable for larger organisations with complex printing environments.
We recommend you check out the top 5 trending toshiba products in 2024 if you like this article. Contact us for more information.
