Transcript A Feature-Based Analysis & Comparison of IT Automation Tools

Ink Level and Network Reporting
using SNMP
Developed By: Erick J. Hernandez and Raymond Gonzalez
Advisor : Dr. S. Masoud Sadjadi
School of Computing and Information Sciences
Florida International University
[email protected]
http://www.cs.fiu.edu/~sadjadi/
Agenda
 Problem and Motivation
 Solution
 Behind the Scene
 Customizing the Solution
 Disclaimer
 Progress Report
Problem and Motivation:
 Since new network printers were installed, productivity
seems to be going down when ink levels reach a critical
level, or are completely out. Staff members do not
notify the IT Department to let them know ink levels
falls below a certain threshold and more should be
ordered for replacement and storage.
Fig 1.1
Solution
 Using Spiceworks, an IT automation program, the
printers will be monitored for shortage of ink levels,
when fusers need to be replaced, when paper levels fall
below 10%, and when no network connectivity can be
reached. This will allow the IT Staff to act quickly and
effectively to minimize downtime and keep all printers
running at 100%.
Fig 2.1
Behind the Scene
 What we will be doing is installing Spiceworks on a PC
acting as the Spicworks server. We will then configure
each network printer to communicate, using SNMP, with
Spicworks, and configure local and out of network
communication to let all of the IT staff know when ink,
level, fuser levels get to a critical low, and needs
replacement. The SNMP will be configured via it’s own
IP address and port number that will also be configured
in the firewall.
Fig 3.1
Customizing the Solution
 As with the ever changing world of IT, each printer
needs to be configured on its own, and without group
policy, to ensure successful configuration using SNMP,
and connection to the Spiceworks server. This is
crucial since without the correct connection, the
whole process becomes void, and will not help the IT
Staff.
Fig 4.1
Disclaimer
 Not every network printer will give out 100% accurate
information, and the count is never an exact science.
One must be informed at all times about his/her
network, and should know how and when to change the
cartridge. Speed is a crucial step in IT efficiency, and
keeping on top of ink/fuser/paper levels is an easy step
that will continue to keep the IT infrastructure of a
business flowing and without delay.
Progress Report
 Completed:
Successfully configured both network printers to report to
Spiceworks
 To Do:
configure out of network reporting
email notifications to IT Staff and users