Chapter 10. Hold/Release Queues & Print Release Stations

Table of Contents

Release Station Interfaces
Standard Release Station
Web-based release station (Manager mode)
Web-based release station within the admin pages
End-user web-based interface
Hold/Release Usage Scenarios
Saving paper and toner
Secure Printing
Pay per print (e.g. Library or Internet Cafe)
Expensive Printers (Approved Printing)
Unauthenticated printing
Release Station Configuration
Enabling hold/release support on a printer
Hold/Release Queue Managers
Standard Release Station Configuration
End-User Web Based Release Interface Configuration

In a standard network printing environment, when a user prints from an application, the job is sent directly to the printer and starts printing immediately. In some environments it may be advantageous to place the job in a holding state prior to printing. Some common examples include:

PaperCut NG provides the framework and software interface to implement hold and release queues.

Users can interact with the Hold/Release Queues (e.g. release their jobs) in a number of ways. This normally takes the form of a Release Station - a dedicated computer terminal located next to the printers, however other interaction methods include access via a browser-based interface. Hold/Release Queues are used for a wide variety of purposes depending on the requirements of the organization. This section outlines a number of these scenarios, and also how to install and configure the release interface.

The simplest way to get started with hold/release queues is to read through the scenarios below (see the section called “Hold/Release Usage Scenarios”), and decide which best suits your needs. These scenarios will outline the steps required to configure and manage a queue.

Tip

Hold/release queues may be used to implement a find me printing environment. See Chapter 11, Find Me Printing and Printer Load Balancing for details.

Release Station Interfaces

PaperCut NG includes four different interfaces to manage hold/release queues. Three of these are variations of a web-based interface and one is a software version that is typically used for dedicated release stations. These interfaces are described below.

Standard Release Station

The standard release station is typically used on dedicated workstations located near-by the printers. It usually runs in a full-screen mode that cannot be exited. The release station can be run in a number of modes that changes its behavior depending on your needs. These modes are described in the section called “Release Station Modes”.

For more information regarding deployment of the Standard Release Station see the [app-path]\release\README.txt file. For information regarding configuration of the Standard Release Station see the section called “Standard Release Station Configuration”.

The release station scenarios below describe which mode to use for different situations.

The Standard Release Station

Figure 10.1. The Standard Release Station

Tip

To educate users about printing using a release station, administrators might find the sample information sheet helpful.

Web-based release station (Manager mode)

The web-based release station provides functionality equivalent to the standard release station running in "Manager mode". However, the web-based release station can be more convenient because it can be run from anywhere using a web browser.

The web-based release station can be access by visiting the following URL, and logging in as a user with admin or release station manager permissions.

    http://[servername]:9191/release
            

where [servername] is the name of the PaperCut NG server. To make a user a hold/release queue manager see the section called “Hold/Release Queue Managers”.

Web-based release station (Manager mode)

Figure 10.2. Web-based release station (Manager mode)

Web-based release station within the admin pages

When logged into the admin pages, an administrator can view all jobs held by release stations by:

  • Navigating to the Printers section.

  • Selecting the Jobs pending release tab.

This interface is identical to the full-screen web-based release station, but can be more convenient for users already logged into the administration pages.

Web-based release station within the admin pages

Figure 10.3. Web-based release station within the admin pages

End-user web-based interface

When end-users are logged into the user web interface, they can view their print jobs that are currently held pending release. The administrator can decide whether this interface is visible to end users, and which type of jobs a user may release. More information can be found at the section called “End-User Web Based Release Interface Configuration”.

End-user web-based interface listing held jobs

Figure 10.4. End-user web-based interface listing held jobs