Pull printing

Pull Printing is a printing feature where a user pulls the print job to an afterward chosen printer. It is also referred^[1] to as 'FollowMe' printing, which is a trademark^[2] from Ringdale.

Depending on the product and implementation, some of the possible advantages and disadvantages of Pull Printing are:

Advantages

• Flexibility: The user can print first and choose the printer afterward (while standing next to it).
• Costs and environment: Reduces uncollected paper.
• Security: The user must authenticate (e.g. pincode, smartcard). Some^[3] printers already have a similar^[4] feature by default.
• Accounting: Although this is not really a Pull Printing feature, centralized printing solutions often come with these additional features (e.g. reporting, charging, monitoring). Some^[5] vendors offer these features separately and even for free.

Disadvantages

• Speed: The user has to wait for the job to be copied and processed from the moment the print job is pulled.
• Costs: Extra licensing and hardware.

Software solutions

There are a few software solutions that implement the notion of pull printing, including, but not limited to:

• Equitrac - Follow-You Printing® with Secure Document Release supports user mobility while helping to reduce waste and protect personal information or client confidentiality.
• HP Access Control Printing Solutions - Allow users to dynamically print to the network and “pull” jobs to any solution-enabled HP device.
• Jetmobile SecureJet Enterprise - An authentication and pull printing solution for printers and MFP/copiers from most multiple vendors including HP, Canon and Ricoh.
• PageScope MyPrint Manager - Pull printing designed for Konica Minolta MFPs (Multifunction printers).
• Pharos Secure Release Here - A pull printing solution offered by Pharos Systems International that works on all manufacturers' devices.
• Ringdale FollowMe - Device independent, meaning not tied to any hardware vendor.
• SafeCom SmartPrint - An authentication and pull printing solution for printers and MFP/copiers from most multiple vendors including HP, Canon, Samsung, Lexmark, Xerox, Sharp, Konica Minolta and Ricoh.
• UniFLOW Output Manager - Pull printing especially designed for Canon MFPs (Multifunction printers).
• YSoft SafeQ - Intelligent cross-vendor, device independent, print management solution for enterprise customers, SME companies and education.

References