Frequently Asked Questions about Multi-Function Printers 

Q.    How is my new MFP different from my old copier?

A.    An MFP (multi-function printer) makes copies like your old copier did, but also does more. You can print to it from your computer. It staples in-line. You can take a document, scan it, and email it to yourself or someone else. And, if appropriately set up, it can send and receive faxes.
 

Q.    What is a PIN and why do I need one to access the MFP?

A.    Your PIN (personal identification number) is used to track your usage of the MFP. MFP usage is not free. Your department will be charged for the copies and prints it makes. If you think of your PIN as similar to the old copy card system, you should get a pretty good idea of how it works.
 

Q.    How much does using my MFP cost?

A.    5.5 cents per page
 

Q.    Do all operations cost 5.5 cents?

A.    No. Making and emailing scans are free, as well as sending faxes. Basically, anytime you put ink on paper – copying, printing, receiving faxes – it costs 5.5 cents.
 

Q.    Who receives that money?

A.    Campus Printing, who is responsible for all MFP service, training and support.
 

Q.    Why so much?

A.    Actually, the price was reduced Jan. 1^st from 6 cents to 5.5 cents. But the cost of printing is more than you might think. Paper, ink cartridges, consumables, service, the cost of the machine, the cost of carrying inventory, the salaries of the people who handle MFP issues…it adds up.
 

Q.    It still sounds to me like Campus Printing is doing pretty well in this.

A.    Campus Printing has lost money on the college’s copier program during the entire fiscal year to the date of the writing of this FAQ: March 23, 2006. We relied on faith more than fiscal prudence when we decided to lower the price Jan 1st. For the sake of comparison, UNCC charges 7 cents for one copy and Queens charges 5 cents per copy to faculty and 7 cents per copy to students as of 3/23/06.
 

Q.    Is there anything else that can be done to lower prices?

A.    You could help us lower prices by using the paper that Campus Printing supplies for your MFP only, and not in your local printers. But know that CPCC Corp. Executive Director Paul Levesque and everyone at Campus Printing is determined to bring the cost of MFP operation down.
 

Q.    What about the network printer in my department?

A.    There will be no changes concerning your local printers at this time.
 

Q.    What do I do if we need MFP training, support, or repairs?

A.    Call or email Campus Printing for all issues regarding MFP operation. You can reach us at 6502 or email us at CampusPrinting@cpcc.edu.
 

Q.    Where do I get my PIN?

A.    Your PIN is available in your CPCC Profile Manager. One way to get there is to click “Staff PIN Numbers” at the Campus Printing web site home page: http://inside.cpcc.edu/campus_printing/default.htm
 

Q.    Can I change my PIN?

A.    No, your PIN is like your Social Security number: it’s yours forever. Keep it secure.
 

Q.    OK, exactly how do I pay for MFP use?

A.    You use a web-based application called Print Manager. One way to get there is to click “Print Management” at the Campus Printing web site home page: http://inside.cpcc.edu/campus_printing/default.htm. You must be a department administrator or liaison to access Print Manager. The administrator can make changes to the department’s Print Manager setup, and the administrator or the liaison can purchase copy and print credits.
 

Q.    All right, I’m at Print Manager. Now what?

A.    You can pretty much do everything to manage your MFP from Print Manager…ITS did a nice job with this application. You can designate someone else as the department administrator or liaison. You can authorize copy/print privileges to anyone in your department as you wish. You decide how much money your people can spend for copying and printing. You can purchase print/copy credits.
 

Q.    How are all these things done?

A.    Print Manager is pretty intuitive. You should be able to do whatever you wish quickly and easily. Nonetheless, if you have any problems using Print Manager, call Campus Printing at 6502 or email us at CampusPrinting@cpcc.edu. You will receive help promptly.
 

Q.    What are the logistics of handling payment for printing and copying?

A     It really hasn’t changed too much from you old copy cards except that it is now done online. Copy and print credits will be billed to your P card. Use object code 534000 (printing and binding) for these monies.
 

Q.    I keep getting emails that say someone in my group has reached my threshold, and I don’t even have an MFP. What do I do?

A.    The purpose of those threshold emails are to alert the liaison that someone may need more copy credits before that user runs completely out of credits. But whether you have an MFP or not, call Campus Printing at 6502. We’ll help you manage your threshold levels in the way that’s best for you and your department.
 

Q.    And if my question still hasn’t been answered?

A.    Call Campus Printing at 6502 or email us at CampusPrinting@cpcc.edu. We’ll answer your questions or get the answer and call you back.