UniFLOW vs. PaperCut: Solutions, Features & Limitations

 

It can be beyond challenging to choose a print management software application that’s right for your company.

Why? Well, there are several applications to choose from nowadays. Plus, it can be easy to feel pushed by your supplier or the manufacturer of your print devices to go with the only print management system they offer.

As a Managed Print Provider, LDI Connect has helped various clients implement both uniFLOW and PaperCut into their print environments. To first recommend print management software, we ask a set of questions about your current print environment, needs, and goals to recommend helpful print solutions.

This article will define what print management software is. We will then cover uniFLOW and PaperCut’s solutions, features, and limitations. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of what both software applications provide and how they may suit your particular print environment.

 

What Is Print Management Software? 

Print management software is designed to enhance the operation and use of your printer copiers and multifunction printers (MFPs).

Print management software enables companies to maximize their efficiency, cost savings, and security. This software provides various options for user authentication, device usage monitoring, device security, cost analysis, reporting, and more.

Print management applications allow administrators to gain insight into how much their company is printing, who is printing, and why they’re printing. Capturing this data can help cut costs and bring awareness to optimizing your print behavior and environment.

 

What Are uniFLOW & PaperCut? 

UniFLOW and PaperCut are prime examples of efficient print management software applications. They have paved the way for print management software in the last twenty years with their user-friendly print solutions.

Both software applications enable you to manage and track your print behavior securely.

Let’s take a deeper look at what each software application has to offer.

uniFLOW

Founded in 1988, uniFLOW is an integrated software solution developed by NT-ware. UniFLOW is an integrated software solution developed by NT-ware. NT-ware technology is available through Canon channels in all European countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and other South-East Asian and Asian countries.  

While uniFLOW is server-based, there is a server-less version built on open technology, supporting multiple manufacturers’ devices. According to NT-ware, a key differentiator with uniFLOW is their Universal Print Driver (UPD), which supports true follow-me printing across a mixed fleet of devices.

UniFLOW is highly integrated with Canon devices and was developed to work with the Canon Multifunctional Embedded Application Platform (MEAP). This allows software developers to deliver applications on the display of Canon imageRUNNER devices.

Features

UniFlOW offers uniFLOW Online and uniFLOW Online Express. UniFLOW Online is a SaaS (software as a service) cloud-based solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses to manage their print environment from anywhere. UniFLOW Online Express is a simplified version of uniFLOW Online.

Let’s take a look at the features for both:

 

PaperCut

Founded in 1998, PaperCut first began as a print quota application for a local high school in Australia. Since then, PaperCut has been used in over 100 countries at over 50,000 sites across every market.

PaperCut can be embedded on newer devices from Ricoh, HP, Toshiba, Konica Minolta, Xerox, Lexmark, and Sharp. Devices not currently supported can be included in a pull printing solution via hardware terminals, representing an additional cost.

PaperCut software offers comprehensive print management solutions such as PaperCut Mobility Print, PaperCut NG, and Papercut MF. These solutions help mitigate waste, monitor costs, enhance security measures and integrate mobile BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Printing.

While PaperCut NG focuses on managing and controlling only printing, PaperCutMF goes beyond print and provides the option of working your scan, copy, and fax activity as well.

Features

Let’s take a deeper look at PaperCut MobilityPrint, PaperCut NG, and PaperCut MF’s features:

 

What Are uniFLOW & PaperCut’s Limitations?

UniFlow and PaperCut are similar in how they can help manage and track your print behavior and environment. However, there are some limitations that may influence your decision in the long run.

Let’s cover two limitations to keep in mind.

Print Device Integration

UniFLOW and PaperCut support and accept printing to devices from most vendors.

However, uniFLOW mainly supports Canon and HP devices, whereas PaperCut mainly supports Xerox, Toshiba, Sharp, HP, Ricoh, and more. Either solution can work with any brand of printer copier by using an external kiosk.  

For example, it’s not that PaperCut can’t be used on a Canon device. PaperCut would have fewer features than it would when running on a Xerox device.

Keeping your printer fleet in mind when making a leasing or buying decision is imperative to getting the biggest bang for your buck.

Network Environment

UniFLOW can use an MS SQL/SQL Express (which comes with the software) server to house its database and only supports Windows server operating systems.

Papercut MF, however, has its internal database that can be configured to use an external server. Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux server operating systems can all support a PaperCut MF installation. 

Having a better understanding of your office setup and equipment before choosing either software can help you identify which aligns with your pre-existing print environment.

 

Which Print Management Software Is Right For You?

It depends. Both uniFLOW and PaperCut are effective applications that can help with print management. While one may run better on Canon devices and the other on Xerox, they are still each great choices in their own right.

The chances are that if you have read this far into the article that you’re pretty interested in using print management software.

Ensuring that your print needs and goals align with your software is key to promoting an efficient print environment. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, look at the make of your fleet of printer copiers.

If you have a Cannon, then uniFLOW is probably a better fit. If you have a fleet of Xerox, Ricoh, HP, Toshiba, Konica Minolta, Lexmark, or Sharp devices, then PaperCut would be the better fit. While both applications can run on all devices, you won’t get the same amount of features.

The good news is that LDI Connect offers both print management software applications. Our Managed Print division can evaluate your print infrastructure and workflows before recommending an application for your print needs and goals.

Reach out to an LDI Connect representative today to learn more about uniFLOW and PaperCut.