As computer networks grow and more and more users are brought on line there is one part of the network that is often forgotten and goes unmanaged. This growth can lead to unnecessary cost and also higher volumes of help desk issues. It involves the continued growth of print connection on the network as users decide they need a new printer to do their work.
Local printers can abound
Many organizations are surprised by just how many printers end up on their systems when the finally take the time to check it out. How does this happen? Sometimes it is because of the relatively low cost of printers today. A user has some issue with an assigned network print device and decides that they are going to solve their problem by just ordering and installing a printer of their own. Since every work station has a USB connection and this is the most common way for local printers (one's only connected to one work station) to be set up. Buy the printer, drop in the disk (or let Windows find it automatically), and it connects and is ready to go. Merrily print away. When toner or a printer cartridge is needed order it through the approved office supply company and make the change.
If there are 10 or 20 printers that get connected this way, the costs associated with operation can really quickly escalate. Unfortunately, unless a true print audit is done no one will identify that these costs are even occurring. read more here