Getting Started with Remote Printing and Print Management Software

In today's increasingly digital world, remote and hybrid work has become the new norm for many businesses and individuals. As a result, the need for remote printing solutions has never been greater. Whether you're working from home or managing a distributed team, being able to print documents and materials from anywhere is a necessity.  

The Challenge of Remote Printing 

Remote printing, or the ability to print documents and materials from a location different from the printer itself, can present several complexities.  These complexities include issues related to printer compatibility, security, and document formatting. Fortunately, there is print management software available to effectively address these challenges. 

What Is Print Management Software? 

Print management software is a comprehensive solution designed to streamline and optimize all aspects of your printing environment. It provides centralized control over your printers, allowing you to manage them remotely.  

Here's how it can help you successfully print remotely:  

Printer Compatibility and Accessibility 
Print management software acts as a bridge between your devices and the printers you need to use remotely. It ensures that your devices can communicate with any printer, regardless of its make or model. This compatibility is crucial for remote workers or organizations with a diverse range of printers.

 Secure Printing 
Security is a paramount concern when printing remotely, especially when dealing with sensitive documents. Print management software can enforce security policies, requiring user authentication before releasing a print job. This ensures that only authorized users can access and print sensitive information.

  Document Formatting and Optimization 
One common challenge in remote printing is maintaining document integrity. Print management software can help by optimizing documents for printing, adjusting formatting, and ensuring that they look as intended when they come out of the printer. This minimizes the risk of wasted paper and ink due to formatting issues.

  Cost Control
Printing costs can add up quickly, especially when printing remotely. Print management software allows you to monitor and control printing costs by tracking usage, setting print quotas, and implementing rules to encourage responsible printing behavior.

  Mobile Printing
With the increasing use of mobile devices for work, print management software offers solutions for mobile printing. You can print directly from your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to print documents on the go. 

Steps to Successfully Print Remotely with Print Management Software 

Now that we understand the benefits of print management software, here are the steps to set up and use it effectively for remote printing: 

  Choose the Right Print Management Software  
Research and select a print management software solution that best fits your needs, considering factors like compatibility, security features, and cost.

 Install and Configure the Software 
Follow the installation and configuration instructions provided by the software vendor. Ensure that it integrates seamlessly with your existing printing infrastructure.

  Set Up User Authentication 
Implement secure user authentication to prevent unauthorized access to printers and documents.

  Optimize Document Settings 
Configure the software to optimize document settings for remote printing, ensuring that documents look as intended.

  Monitor and Control Printing 
Regularly monitor printing activity, usage, and costs using the software's reporting tools. Adjust settings and policies as needed to maintain cost control.

  Train Your Team 
Provide training to your remote workforce on how to use the print management software effectively to print remotely. For example, at Tricerat, we offer a robust Academy with dozens of videos to ensure our admins and users alike know how to leverage the full power of our ScrewDrivers® platform.

  Implement Mobile Printing 
If applicable, set up mobile printing options to accommodate employees who work from smartphones and tablets.

Remote printing can be a valuable tool for individuals and organizations alike, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Print management software, like ScrewDrivers® can help simplify the process, making remote printing a breeze while ensuring security, compatibility, and cost control. By following the steps outlined, you can successfully print remotely and enhance your productivity, no matter where you're working from. 

To learn more about mobile printing and print management software, download our Ultimate Guide to Print Management.