Print Job Cost Tracking via Consumable Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems lack accurate and automated reporting of job cost information, relying on operator determination and introducing subjective uncertainty, which affects the efficiency monitoring and profitability of production printing shops.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for reporting job cost information by tracking consumables such as sheets and toner/ink usage, allocating them to specific job costing categories, and providing detailed metrics like page types, print speeds, and waste classification, enabling automated and granular reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operator determination and reporting is used to monitor equipment efficiency, then the system is simple to operate, but the accuracy and reliability of job cost information deteriorates due to subjective uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual operator determination system with an automated digital tracking system. The printing device's controller automatically monitors consumable usage (toner, ink, sheets) and assigns cost categories through software algorithms, eliminating the need for manual operator input and subjective judgment while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing device performs self-monitoring and self-reporting of job cost information. The controller automatically tracks consumable depletion, correlates usage with specific print jobs, and generates cost reports without external intervention, enabling the system to serve its own monitoring needs accurately.
2Measurement precision
If automated tracking of consumables is implemented, then the accuracy of job cost information improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller leverages its existing multi-functional capabilities to perform consumable tracking and cost reporting. The same processor that manages printing operations also handles data collection, analysis, and report generation, allowing the system to gain advanced monitoring functions without adding dedicated hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cost reporting system is nested within the existing printing device architecture. The consumable tracking functionality is integrated into the controller's existing memory and processing units, with cost data stored alongside print job data, creating a compact hierarchical structure that minimizes added complexity.
3Reliability
If detailed consumable allocation to multiple job costing categories is performed, then the reliability of cost information improves, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors consumable levels and pre-associates usage data with active print jobs in real-time. By maintaining running totals and preliminary categorization during the printing process itself, the system avoids the need for time-consuming post-job data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system operates continuously throughout the printing process rather than in discrete batches. The controller constantly updates consumable usage data and maintains accurate running totals, ensuring that cost information is always current and eliminating idle processing time between jobs.
Data Source
AI summary
Print jobs may be broken down according to consumable types, job cost categories, and print speed to determine job costing information. Using this information, an operator can see how resources are being used for printing print jobs. After a print job is completed, the total number of pages, an amount of ink, or an amount of toner is allocated to at least one job costing category. Job costing categories include good use of the consumable type or waste. Waste is further broken down into additional job costing categories. This information also is broken into print speeds based on different media types, media trays, or printing devices. This process provides a more holistic overview of the costs incurred to finish a print job.