Bizhub C360/ C280/ C220 Security Option

Konica Minolta has introduced a new functionality to it C360/ C280/ C220 series color machines. With this option installed any unwanted document can be prohibited from printing or copying. A special kit can be installed to enable this security option. There are two types of restrictions you may use:

Copy guard:

This function prints a document and embeds a Copy Guard pattern in a copy. You may print a preset stamp such as “Confidential”, “Prohibited” etc. But first you need to scan and save the protected document in the machine memory. In case an attempt is made to copy the protected documents, machine compares the pattern with the saved data and discards the currently running job.

Password Copy:

This function is similar to copy guard except that it prints a document and embeds a password for Password Copy.  If an attempt is made to copy password-copied documents, the machine that supports this function scans a Password Copy pattern and prompts you to enter the password. When the correct password is entered, copying will begin. If a wrong password in entered, the current job will be deleted. This function is able to prevent unauthorized copying of documents, such as read-only documents. If multiple originals with different passwords are scanned, you will need to enter a password for each original.
Konica Minolta is providing the optional security Kit SC-507 to implement Password Copy and Copy Guard.

Preventative Maintenance for Your Printer

It is probably safe to say that most people only realise what a magical thing the average inkjet or laser printer is, when it suddenly stops working! Only then is it clear that the humble - or not so humble - office printer is a complex system with delicate and intricate machinery, which repays better attention to keep it working well, and to keep print quality consistent and as good as when the printer was first purchased.

Have you ever counted the number of documents you print each day? From emails and web pages to reports, receipts and even books; the list is endless, and so are your printing expenses. Here are a few tips that will help you to use your printer effectively and save money.. A few checks for a coupe, of hours every month will extend the printer's life and will of course increase user confidence that the printer will be on hand to work effectively and immediately, on demand and every time.



There is an even greater need for preventative maintenance with laser printers - largely due to the fact that they print more pages per minute and have more moving parts than inkjets. Here, the maintenance process involves inspecting components such as ozone filters, static eliminator teeth and cleaning the fuser unit.

Here are some preventative maintenance ideas that should help you get fewer service calls:

• Proofread before printing- Remove all the spelling, typological and grammatical mistakes before taking the printout of the document. Due to these errors, a lot of ink is wasted. By proofreading the document, you can save both the ink and your hard-earned money.
• Use the print preview option frequently- The print preview option helps you to see beforehand how the print out would appear. According to the preview, you can make the changes. When you are fully satisfied, then only you should print the document. In this manner, you can save time as well as money.
• Know the print properties inside out- Print properties have a lot of useful options which can reduce the printing cost dramatically. For instance, you can choose to print on both the sides of the paper. You can also select the paper size and quality through this option. Furthermore, you can increase or decrease the size of the print. There are many other things that you can do with the help of this option. Hence, learn to manage this print properties option properly.
- Do not use solvent or ammonia-based cleaners. The right thing to use is isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. Use an alcohol-dampened or water-dampened lint free cloth. - Always inspect paper pickup rollers for dust. Paper pickup rollers collect dust and need to be cleaned periodically.
When the printer is not used regularly, the nozzles of the cartridge becomes blocked. Due to this, you stop getting high-quality output. There are two ways to overcome this problem; one, at least once a week take a print out, and two, if you are not using the printer for a long period of time, then switch it off.- When rollers become shiny and appear "glazed," they need to be replaced.

- Transfer rollers should be cleaned if really dirty, but it is important not to touch the rollers with bare fingers. A dry lint-free cloth must be used, and if a lot of toner spills on the transfer roller, then the only option is to replace the transfer roller

- Inspect the fuser assembly rollers for marks, and replace them if there are any marks of blemishes present.

Following these tips will ensure you need fewer service calls, that your workflow will not be frustrated at critical times, and will certainly increase the life span of the printer.

Troubleshooting sequence for printing issues 2

Print a Self Test page from the printer by disconnecting the printer’s USB cable from the Computer or from the printer side.
To isolate whether the issue is with printer’s Hardware or Software let’s print a Test page from the printer by disconnecting the printer’s USB cable from the Computer or from the printer side.
Now, the results show two scenarios:
One is Hardware issue(If the self test is not printed from printer).
Second one is Software issue(If the self test is printed from printer).
Hardware Scenario:
If the printer does not print a Self Test page from the printer, it confirms that the printer hardware is not functioning properly.Educate the Customer by stating that I’m sorry to say this. As per the results, I suspect that the printer hardware is not functioning properly. However, let us try some more troubleshooting steps to isolate and fix the issue.
Step 1: Connect the printer directly to wall out let.
Step 2: Check the ink level.
Step 3: Cleaning of cartridge and printer contacts.
Step 4: Perform a Power cycle steps to remove static electricity from printer.
Follow the steps to Power cycle the printer :
1.Unplug the power supply from the wall outlet.
2.Unplug the power supply from the back of the printer.
3.Wait at least 20 seconds, and then plug in the supply back into the wall outlet.
4.Plug in the power supply back into the printer.
5.Press the power button to turn the printer on.
After performing all the steps, try printing a Self-Test page from printer.

Troubleshooting sequence for printing issues 1

Whenever Printing issue occurs while processing on the Floor, Follow the below steps:

Probing:

Confirm the All--in-One model number first.

May I know the All-in-One Model you are using? (Ex: HP Photo smart 3310 All-in-One)

Or

Am I correct that you are using HP Office jet 7410 All-in-One?


Check the Connectivity:

May I know how exactly the `All-in-One is connected to the Computer (USB, Ethernet, Wireless)?

Know the OS:

What operating system do you have installed in your Computer (Windows 98, Me, or XP)?

Or

May I know the version of windows (Windows 98, Me, or XP) you are using?

Ask for the Error messages:

Are there any error messages displayed on the All-in-One or on the Computer while Printing? If so, please provide me the exact error message as it is displayed. It would be helpful to isolate the issue.

Why no Print:

When exactly the issue started? Let me know if you change any settings on the All-in-One or in the Computer, replaced any accessories like Cartridges, Papers or any parts of the All-in-One?

Suggestions For Reducing Printing Costs

1. Use  mail order  printers. Ordering  printing by  mail generally costs  less because  these  printers have  less
overhead. Answer  ads  in  mail  order  publications  and  compare prices. Always request samples.

2. Order larger quantities. Before an offset printer runs your job, he must photograph the camera-ready copy & make a printing plate. This is necessary whether  you order 1, 100 or 10,000 copies and is included in the "base" price. If you  have  an  effective  sales piece,  you  can  save considerably by ordering more units, less often.

3. Avoid 2 and 3-color print jobs. If your materials do a good selling  job printed  with  black and  white ink  on  colored paper. Pocket the savings!

4. Use black ink only. Printers are geared  to print with black ink.  When you  order a  job printed  in any  other color, you will generally  be charged extra  for cleaning the press before and after your print job.

5.. Avoid rip-off prime sources that requires  you to buy their sales materials directly from them. Generally, their products are poor sellers, but they make money off printed circulars, envelopes, etc.,you are forced to buy from them - at a  highly inflated prices.  Don't be  gypped! Honest
dealers will  let you  order printing  from whomever  you please.

6. Print both sides of the sheet. Since the cost of paper your jobs requires is also included in the base price, by printing both sides of the page, you can  save. (this can also reduce your postage costs!)

7. Submit PERFECT camera-ready copy.. If  you require the printer to make changes  on the original, he  will charge extra. (read "How To Design Winning Ads With Your Own "CR" Copy" - just $1 from above Publisher).

8. Avoid large "reverses" (black solids). It is difficult for any printer  to get  good ink  coverage if there  are large reverses  (black with  white  lettering), and  many  charge as much as 25% extra. A well  designed sales piece does not have to rely on reverses to get attention.

9. Use standard paper sizes. Ordering printing on unusual sizes or types of paper requires  press adjustments. This increases printing costs.

10. Order a "photo reduction".  Standard typewritten copy can be reduced  25% to  33 1/3% and  be legible.  If your sales message runs to  sat 1 1/4  t 1 1/3 pages,  you can have it reduced to fit  a regular 8 1/2" x  11" sheet and save printing. Most printers will do this for a small fee.

11. Avoid duplication. If you keep  accurate records, you can reduce printing bills simply by not  sending the same materials over and over again to the same customers. (read "How To  Set  Up  A Simple,  Low-Cost  Record/Bookkeeping System" - only $1.00 from above Publisher).

12. "Cut" copy. If your message is  handwritten or typed, and fills more than one 8 1/2" x 11"  page, try rewriting the copy and eliminating unnecessary words.  It will then cost you less,to have it printed.

13. Sum up offers. If you have many items to sell, instead of sending  a separate  circular  advertising each  offer  (which also increases postage costs), you can mention them all on one or two  pages. Just list the items  and give a brief  description.  At  the  bottom  of  the  page,  say
something like  "For  additional information,  check  the  items that interest you most and return this entire sheet with a long SASE."

14. Avoid printer's  "convenience" services.  A printer's basic job is printing! But may also perform other services such as collating, folding, stapling, etc..  You can save much for your printing bill if you do many  of these easy little chores yourself.

15. "Make a deal!" Some smaller, local  printers may give you a "discount" if you promise to use him exclusively for all of your printing needs.