Snmp 8100 Toner Level Always Zero

HP Asset Management Web Jetadmin

Asset Management in HP Web Jetadmin

Overview An essential function of a printer management software package, such as HP Web Jetadmin, is to discover devices on the network and gather pertinent information about those devices. This pertinent information that is gathered, such as the number of devices on the network, capabilities, firmware revisions, page counts, status, etc., can in turn be used to manage assets. Asset Management can be divided into two categories:

• Asset Tracking - understand which devices are on the network

• Asset Utilization - understand how devices are being used

With the information HP Web Jetadmin can extract from devices, one could easily perform the following types of functions:

• Determine how devices are being utilized

• Perform load balancing • Bill customers for usage • Prevent consumables from

running out on devices This technical brief will describe the features in HP Web Jetadmin that comprise asset tracking and asset utilization

Asset Tracking

Asset tracking involves finding devices on the network and reporting information about those devices. HP Web Jetadmin performs asset tracking as a series of steps:

1. Discover all devices that exist on the network.

2. Gather pertinent information about devices on the network.

3. Export the data to file - can be imported into any database or spreadsheet package for storing. trend and heuristic information

4. Allow the data to be customized for generating reports.

Discovery

While most other printer management software packages offer one or two discovery mechanisms to locate devices, HP Web Jetadmin offers a multitude of extremely accurate discovery options to ensure that all networked devices are found (see Figure 1).

While many of the discovery options will search for unknown devices, other discovery options, such as Specified Addresses, allow for importing a list of specific devices on which to query for information. This not only eliminates unwanted network traffic, but also equates to manually importing information into HP Web Jetadmin.

Once the devices are imported or discovered, important information is extracted from these devices and stored in a cache to be exported to file when desired.

Gather Data

HP Web Jetadmin uses SNMP queries to gather extensive information about the devices on the network. Non-HP devices can be discovered, as well as long as they adhere to the Standard

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Figure 1


Printer MIB (FRC 1759). Critical pieces of information such as page counts, capabilities, status, etc. can be stored in a cache, ready for export.

Export

There are numerous types of database and spreadsheet programs available to store trend and heuristic data for devices on the network. It is the function of HP Web Jetadmin to gather accurate information about the devices on the network on a regular basis, and make that data available for importing into databases and applications.

The querying of devices and exporting of data can be manually triggered or scheduled to occur at any recurring interval, providing the ability to automatically populate the database application with trend and heuristic data with minimal effort.

To manually export data, select Export Device List from the Device Tools drop-down menu while viewing

the list of All Devices (see Figure 2). All devices and all columns that appear in the list at that moment will be exported to file.

To schedule a data export, select Device Management, Device Cache, Scheduled Export in the Navigation tree (see Figure 3). Specific dates and times can be scheduled, as well as the recurring interval. HP Web Jetadmin

can also be instructed to export data at the conclusion of each device discovery.

Multiple schedules can be created, with each schedule appearing under the Current Schedules section.

Once schedules have been created, export parameters must be assigned to each schedule. To define the export parameters for each schedule, select Device Management, Device Cache, Device Cache Export in the Navigation tree (see Figure 4), and choose the desired schedule under Select Export Parameters To Edit.

Parameters that can be specified include:

• File format • File location • Devices • Data

File Format

HP Web Jetadmin can export its report data into either of two formats:

• Comma Separated Value (CSV) - for importing into databases

• Extensible Markup Language (XML) - for importing into applications

Figure 2

Figure 3


The .csv format was chosen in order to be compatible with most database and spreadsheet applications.

File Location

The location where the file will be stored is specified under Export Location. Any local subdirectory that exists on the machine running HP Web Jetadmin can be specified.

The file name will always follow the format of view_group, with view indicating which fields are included, and groups indicating which devices are included. A script could be written to extract this file each time after it has been created. Otherwise, the file would be overwritten each time it is created. If desired, a unique file name will be created each time the file is exported by checking the box labeled Append date time to the file name. Using this method, trend and heuristic data could be stored over time since each file name will include a unique date and time stamp

Once the data has been exported into a file type, the file can be e-mailed to any desired recipients by entering e-mail addresses in the box labeled Send To Email Address. Multiple addresses can be entered by

separating each address with a semi-colon.

Devices

The devices to be exported are entered under the Device Group heading. Any previously created group can be selected from the drop-down menu to specify exactly which devices will be included in the scheduled export.

Data

HP Web Jetadmin provides a variety of pre-defined views from which to select to define the fields of information that will be exported:

• Default View - displays general information such as model name, hardware address, IP address, IP hostname, and IPX name

• Status View - polls devices and displays the current status of those devices

• Detailed View - displays description and system contact information

• Asset View - displays asset number and serial number

• Jetdirect View - displays HP Jetdirect model and firmware revision information

• Page Count View - displays page count information

• Export View - displays all columns that pertain to the list of discovered devices. This is the most exhaustive pre-defined view available, containing most of the columns that are available in HP Web Jetadmin

Custom views can also be created to display exactly the desired data to be exported. Columns can be added, removed, or rearranged in any desired order. The contents of each column can also be sorted prior to exporting.

Reports

Reports can streamline budgeting processes and maximize printer investment. Reports and graphs help monitor printer usage and optimize print assets. Since HP Web Jetadmin allows the data to be customized on screen prior to being exported to a database package, the data can be used to generate a variety of reports with minimal effort. For example, the following types of reports could be generated from the data that is imported into the database application:

• Status– choose the Status view to export the current status of each device. Departments that order consumables may be interested in such a report to determine which devices are in a toner low state so toner can be reordered in a timely manner.

• Accounting – choose the Page Count view to export both the total number of pages printed on the device and the number of pages printed over a specified amount of time (Interim Page

Figure 4


Count). This report could be used for billing purposes based upon the number of pages printed per printer. It could also be used to determine how many pages are being printed per month, per toner cartridge, etc.

• Asset - choose the Asset view to export unique information about each device such as asset number, serial number, system contact, etc. This report can indicate all printers discovered on the network and their unique identifications.

• Hardware - choose the Export view to export the various pieces of hardware installed on a device such as the type of HP Jetdirect device and its firmware revision, input devices, output devices, duplexers, storage accessories, etc. This report could be used to determine a firmware upgrade strategy, or it might be used to provide a list of devices that still require hardware to be ordered and/or installed.

Note: If automatic report generation is desired rather than manually

creating reports, the HP Report Generation Plug-in can be purchased and installed into HP Web Jetadmin. HP Report Generation Plug-in collects usage data from discovered printers, stores the data in a database, and generates reports/graphs using the collected data. For more information regarding this plug-in, please read the Technology Note titled HP Report Generation Plug-in for HP Web Jetadmin.

Asset Utilization

Asset Utilization allows administrators to track the number of consumables being used by printers such as pages printed on each printer and toner cartridge levels. Asset Utilization helps administrators understand how printers are being used, which aids in proper deployment of those printers. In HP Web Jetadmin, Asset Utilization includes such features as:

• Interim Page Count • Usage Meters • Consumables Gauge

Page Counts

All printers that comply with the Standard Printer MIB (RFC 1759) should reflect accurate engine page count information in HP Web Jetadmin. HP Web Jetadmin extracts page count information from the printer and displays it on the screen as the Total Page Count.

Interim Page Count is a value that is calculated within HP Web Jetadmin and allows administrators to set a time interval where the page count will be calculated. For example, an administrator may enable Interim Page Counts for the following situations: • Calculate how many pages are

being printed before the toner cartridge is changed.

• Calculate the number of pages printed per month for a particular printer.

To enable the Interim Page Count function for a single printer, select Configuration from a device Status page and select the Page Counting On button under Page Count. (see Figure 5)

Interim Page Count can also be enabled for multiple printers simultaneously under the Configuration tab for multiple devices.

Once Interim Page Count is enabled, the Total Page Count value will be displayed as well as the Interim Page Count value if the view is selected (see Figure 6).

Clicking on the Turn Page Counting Off button will reset the Interim Page Count value back to zero.

Numerous other forms of page counts can also be displayed as columns when viewing a list of devices (see Figure 7):

• Various page sizes • Color pages

Figure 5


• Simplex, duplex, and dimplex (the last page of a duplexed job that only has print on one side)

Usage Meters

The Usage Meters feature displays the quantity of various media types printed (both simplex and duplex) on a particular printer (see Figure 8). It uses the media size "letter" as a constant, giving it a value of 1.0, and calculates all other media types as a multiple of this constant. For example, legal size is displayed with a value of 1.3, since it is slightly larger than letter size.

With all media types displayed as multiples of this standard, a more accurate calculation of toner required to print a page is calculated, thus allowing for a pay-per-page model to be implemented.

To access the Usage Meters feature, select Diagnostics from the Status page of a printer. Usage Meters information will appear at the bottom of the page.

The data contained under Usage Meters, such as page counts based upon page sizes and units applied to each page size, can also be added to the list of All Devices as columns. Once enabled as columns, the data can be exported to a file for report purposes.

The following list contains examples of HP printers that support the Usage Meters feature, given they have the proper storage installed, such as a hard drive, to store the information:

• HP Color LaserJet 4550 • HP Color LaserJet 4600 • HP Color LaserJet 8550 • HP LaserJet 4050 • HP LaserJet 4100 • HP LaserJet 4100 MFP • HP LaserJet 4200 • HP LaserJet 4300 • HP LaserJet 8100

Figure 6

Figure 8

Figure 7


• HP LaserJet 8150 • HP LaserJet 9000 • HP LaserJet 9000 MFP • HP Mopier 240 • HP Mopier 320

The Usage Meters information can also be printed directly from the front panel of the printer.

Multi-function devices, those that have additional capabilities such as copying and digital sending, can display digital copy usage units as well (see Figure 9). Examples of devices that can display copy usage include the HP 320 Mopier, HP LaserJet 9000 MFP, and the HP LaserJet 4100 MFP.

Consumables Gauge

The Consumables Gauge monitors the toner and ink levels in printers. This gauge accurately indicates the percentage of toner or ink remaining in the printer’s cartridge. This function is displayed on the printer’s Status page as a series of bar graphs (see Figure 10).

HP Web Jetadmin is the only printer management tool that currently measures toner and ink levels in precise increments. Administrators can use the toner/ink gauge to

remotely monitor the remaining life expectancy for printer cartridges. This allows for proactive ordering and replacement of cartridges, minimizing printer downtime and impact on end-user productivity.

HP Jetdirect devices require firmware versions x.06.00 or greater to support the Consumables Gauge feature.

The following list contains examples

of HP printers that support the Consumables Gauge feature:

• HP 2000C • HP 2500C/CP • HP Color LaserJet 4550 • HP Color LaserJet 4600 • HP Color LaserJet 8550 • HP LaserJet 4050 • HP LaserJet 4100 • HP LaserJet 4100 MFP • HP LaserJet 8100 • HP LaserJet 8150 • HP LaserJet 9000 • HP LaserJet 9000 MFP • HP Mopier 240 • HP Mopier 320

The consumables gauge information can also be displayed in column format while viewing a list of devices. Thus, a list can be quickly generated containing all devices in need of toner or ink. This list could be exported to .csv file or printed to any available printer and distributed to individuals responsible for reordering consumables.

Figure 9

Figure 10


Remaining Paper Levels

Some printers also include the ability to report an approximate level of remaining paper in each tray. This information can be displayed as a gauge by selecting Configuration, Tray Administration while viewing the Status page of a printer (see Figure 11).

Remaining tray levels can also be displayed in column format while viewing a list of devices (see Figure 12). This allows for quickly generating a list of printers with remaining paper levels in a low state. This list could be exported to .csv file or printed to an available printer to enable quick delivery to individuals responsible for refilling paper trays in a timely manner.

Summary

HP Web Jetadmin is a powerful tol for collecting asset management information on networked peripherals. Asset management is important in that it provides the ability to track printing devices and understand how these devices are being utilized. By exporting HP Web Jetadmin data on a scheduled basis, trend and heuristic information about networked devices can be easily stored in a database of choice.

Copyright May, 2004 Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT/2000/XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the USA, and other countries. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. HP makes no warranty of any kind with respect to this information. HP specifically disclaims the implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. HP shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or other damage alleged in conjunction with the furnishing or use of this information.

Figure 11

Figure 12

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