MFP Availability Forecasting to Reduce Network Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of multi-functional peripherals (MFPs) lack visibility into their availability, leading to inefficient use of network resources and frustrating wait times due to the inability to determine if an MFP is currently processing a job and how long it will take to complete.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine and display availability data of MFP devices based on historical usage, pending print job, and current operational data, allowing users to intelligently schedule print jobs and minimize waiting and rescheduling time by alerting them to available devices within a specified range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users submit print jobs to MFPs without visibility into availability, then users can quickly submit jobs, but network resources are wasted due to failed jobs and rescheduling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining and storing availability data for MFP devices before users submit print jobs. The server proactively calculates availability based on historical usage patterns, current job queues, and operational metrics, then makes this information available to users through the client device. This allows users to make informed decisions about job submission without trial-and-error attempts, thereby improving productivity while reducing wasted network resources from failed submissions
2Reliability
If users wait by the MFP for print job completion, then they ensure job processing, but they waste time especially on small jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring MFP operational status, current job progress, and availability metrics, then providing real-time availability information to users through the client device. Users receive feedback about MFP status without needing to physically wait by the device, allowing them to plan their time effectively while ensuring their jobs are processed reliably during off-peak periods
3Ease of operation
If users cancel and resubmit print jobs to different MFPs, then they may find available devices, but this creates inefficient use of network resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary availability assessment and presents multiple suitable MFP options to users before they submit print jobs. The client device displays availability data for multiple MFPs within range, allowing users to select from pre-vetted options that are guaranteed to be available. This eliminates the need for users to cancel and resubmit jobs to different devices, maintaining operational flexibility while preventing network resource waste from failed submissions
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for forecasting and reporting availability of multi-functional peripheral (MFP) devices. Availability data of MFP devices may be determined from historical usage data of the MFP devices, pending print job data of the MFP devices, current print job data of the MFP devices, operational data of the MFP devices, and/or a combination thereof. The availability data may be displayed on client computing devices to assists users to intelligently request print jobs.