Hierarchies

Statistical systems, including printing management systems, process data used sorted according to criteria. This sorting criteria stem from the nature of their use. The two key factors of printing in a printing management system are the user, who initiates jobs, and the device, which executes them. Because there are many of them, they can be managed hierarchically: users according to organizational, accounting groups, and devices according to operational, application and installation groups. The PRIMON Printing Management System also allows for the application and display of a third, an individual hierarchy, which is the mapped hierarchy tracking and displaying the devices’ area distribution.
 
Hierarchy managers can be appointed to the main distribution hub and to the subordinate distribution nodes. These managers have the authority to monitor and manage the individual endpoints and distribution points located under the node. Nodes according to users can, for example, be main divisions, departments, teams, etc., and, according to devices, multi-function devices, desk top devices, etc., and, according to mapped hierarchy, settlements, buildings, floors, etc. Node managers have individual login rights to the Web interface, where they can only see the devices, users, and area units that are located under their hierarchical position.


User hierarchy:

Based one import data (See Import section!), the PRIMON Printing Management System can map the entire organizational hierarchy, deriving it via a tree structure, from the top level right down to every single employee of the smallest unit. It will provide detailed accounting (on a monthly or other basis) of costs, and the running cost of the entire printing environment can be distributed to departments, teams or even individual employees (See Export section).



Device hierarchy:

Based on operating criteria, operated devices can, like the user hierarchy, be divided into groups, broken down into multiple levels (e.g. own devices or leased devices, small- or high-performance devices, printers operated by different service providers, etc.). Here, too, hierarchy managers in charge of operating the devices can be appointed for the appropriate settings. The PRIMON Printing Management System automatically prepares and maintains the device hierarchy in line with the network database.



Mapped hierarchy:

Mapped hierarchy complements device hierarchy. It allows for operated devices, printers, and copiers to be positioned within printing management not only based on operational factors, but also based on their location. Maps and floor plans can be uploaded to the database, where, by setting operation points, deployment points assigned to the devices can be simply designated. First the sites are set on different scale maps, then moving further and further down the hierarchy via building pictograms and finally on floor plans the devices themselves can be placed using drag-and-drop. Accordingly, an impressive, easily accessible image depicting the current device stock, its availability and status becomes available on the Web interface, where it is easily accessible.