Windows Print Scout Overview

The Print Scout monitors printing activity throughout an organization or specific ranges within an organization. You can install the Print Scout on print servers and user workstations (for Print Analytics) and on workstations (for Secure Release Services or Direct Print). Once installed, the Print Scout collects comprehensive, detailed information about each print job, including who submitted it, when it was submitted, which print device was used, and so on. This information is sent to the Pharos Cloud server for real-time analysis and reporting capability.

Collected Data

The Print Scout collects the following data about each print job:

  • Date/Time
  • Job Size (kB)
  • Number of Pages
  • Number of Sheets
  • Number of Copies
  • Paper Size
  • Originals (e.g. when a job consists of multiple copies of a document, this is the number of pages in the original document.)
  • Finishing Options (includes one-sided/two-sided, stapling, tray).
  • Print Path (includes printer name, port name, share name, and server share name).
  • The network ID of the job owner
  • Application Name (e.g. Word, Excel)
  • Transaction Type (direct job or secure job) - available only if you have Secure Release license
  • Document Name
  • The Print Scout also records the Network Name, Operating System, and Service Pack Level of each machine on which it is installed.

Installed Components

The Windows Print Scout deploys the following on user's workstations:

  • Installs an IPP Queue named Pharos Secure Printer
  • Installs two services :
    • Print Scout Spooler Service which handles Secure Release printing services.
    • Print Scout Service which is responsible for print tracking and related features.
  • Installs the Pharos Print desktop app that allows users to:
    • View documents waiting to print
    • Delete documents that they no longer need
    • View activity history
    • Reset PIN code
    • Reset Passcode
    • Offers Secure Print Failover (Offline Print). Available only if enabled
    • Offers Direct Print (if licensed for Direct Print). This feature is in preview mode.
    • Offers Delegate Print

Where to Deploy Print Scouts

Depending on your printing environment, the Print Scout(s) can be installed on client workstations, Windows print servers (servers that are not Uniprint Print Servers), or both. The following guidelines can help you decide where to deploy the Beacon Print Scout:

  • Install the Print Scout on client workstations if you want to:
    • Track direct printing to network devices
    • Track printing to local devices
    • Track the applications used to print (e.g. Word, Outlook)
    • Collect, store, and report the user and print job information for Secure Release jobs (This requires Secure Release license)
    • Allow users to print and release their jobs directly to printers (This requires Pharos Secure Release license)
  • Install the Print Scout on a print server if:
    • The majority of printing volume goes through network queues
    • You want to reduce the number of installations you need to manage
  • Install the Print Scout on both workstations and print servers if:
    • Printing may be sent directly to printers as well as through print servers. Even though Print Scouts on workstations will track network printing, having Print Scout(s) on your print servers will enable you to collect valuable information about your print queues.
    • You need to be thorough and ensure that all printing activity is tracked.
    • Your print strategy or goals are still being defined and you need to collect comprehensive information about your print environment.

Note: The Print Scout cannot be installed on a Uniprint server.

For information on how to install Windows Print Scout, refer to the Install Print Scout on workstation document.