We reported about printer monitoring in networks some time ago and also briefly dealt with the toner monitoring of the individual printers and copier systems. Today we would like to show you an example of how you can also use the PRTG Network Monitor to monitor toner levels and other valuable printer information.
With larger networks in particular, the procurement of toner and also the disposal of toner represent an effort that should not be underestimated for the IT department. Depending on the size of the companies, the toner is either purchased directly via the purchasing department or the IT department and is usually stored centrally, so that there is always enough reserve toner. Because when the toner is stored decentrally, for example in the immediate vicinity of the individual printers and copying systems, the error often occurs that toner and ink consumables are used, but are not reordered in time. This can lead to bottlenecks in the supply of toner to the printing systems and devices cannot be operated due to the lack of replacement toners.
Monitor toner consumption with the monitoring tool
To avoid this, the IT department should not only monitor the printers in terms of hardware , but also, if necessary, permanently check the toner level in order to be able to react early to low fill levels. One of the tools that are used very often is the PRTG Network Monitor from Paessler. This monitoring tool also provides numerous and informative options and sensors for monitoring the toner level .
Below we have shown you an example of a printer monitor .
As you can see here, not only the printer meter reading, but also the fill levels of the individual toner cartridges for black , cyan , yellow and magenta are displayed and evaluated. With this printer monitoring software, you also have the option of monitoring these toner levels and triggering an alarm or a message to the appropriate department when a certain threshold value is reached . The PRTG-Network Monitor can also be downloaded as a trial version and can be installed on Windows 10 , Windows Server 2012 R2 or Window Server 2016/2019. At the end of this article you will find the direct download link for a corresponding test version.
This takes a lot of work off the IT department in this area and users can be sure that empty ink cartridges will be refilled in good time.
Toner disposal and recycling
Benefits of central toner management are also aspects of toner disposal . Unfortunately, very few private users or companies worry about the necessary toner disposal and are careless with the empty toner and ink cartridges . Toner and ink cartridges do not belong in the household waste and can be recycled by numerous suppliers.
For this purpose, numerous toner recycling companies also offer toner collection containers, which can be set up in central locations, where the empty toner cartridges and ink cartridges are collected. As soon as the toner collection container is full, it will be sent or partially picked up free of charge and the empty printer cartridges will be recycled , reprocessed and refilled.
On the Internet you will also find numerous providers who pay you a fee for the return of empty toners or ink cartridges . But it always depends on the manufacturer and printer type. Corresponding information about the individual toner buyback prices can be found on the Internet at the relevant provider.
Below you will find the direct link to download the PRTG Network Monitor trial version:
– Download PRTG Network Monitor trial version for printer and toner monitoring
