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derekstl
06-16-2011, 10:36 AM
Hey guys, I have a question about printer pooling. I have a HP 9050n at work and Im looking at getting another one to share the workload.

If i want to have two printers set up together in a printer pool, is there any way that I can have the printers alternate jobs? Rather than going to the first one by default, and if it is busy going to the next, I would like it to actually take turns printing so that there is even distribution between them.

Thanks,

Derek
cs_steve
06-16-2011, 01:14 PM
Unfortunately I don't think you can do that "automatic switching" with a simple printer pool .. I think you would need to use special "printer control" software ...

I'm not sure why you want to switch back and forth for every other job ... if you let us know what you're shooting for we might be able to throw some alternate ideas other than a pool...
derekstl
06-16-2011, 03:02 PM
Unfortunately I don't think you can do that "automatic switching" with a simple printer pool .. I think you would need to use special "printer control" software ...

I have been looking into some software. What I have found so far is Fiery Central Balance, Frogmore Print Distributor, and OM Plus Print Management. I was just wondering if I could do it without it.

Basically, at work we will print off jobs that are 1,000+ pages a couple of times per day. I want to distribute the work load between the two printers so that 1. it reduces the wear on just one machine, and 2. it will print the job in half of the time. I was thinking that if i could simply alternate jobs, then it would at least reduce the workload of the printer in half, whereas a regular printer pooling would always default the job to the same printer first. I dont want to have two printers with separate address because we are printing pick orders through Oracle and all the printing prompts are automated. So you dont get to pick where to print to each time.

This might still be confusing, let me know if I need to clarify anything. Thanks
cs_steve
06-17-2011, 09:29 AM
Gotcha. I think you're on the right track with the software -- not really any way to "trick it out" otherwise.
derekstl
06-20-2011, 10:24 AM
Gotcha. I think you're on the right track with the software -- not really any way to "trick it out" otherwise.

Ok I just figured I would check before I look into spending all this money. Does anybody have any input on which programs might be best?