PRINTFLEET DCA Pulse FAQ
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you get started with DCA Pulse and make sure you have everything you need to keep collecting accurate, reliable device data.
Migration How does DCA Pulse work alongside DCA 4.x? DCA 4.x seamlessly co-exists with DCA Pulse on the same network and monitors devices independently. When the DCAs are ed in the same group, each device in that group is only monitored by a single DCA. Priority is given to the most robust option first in the following order: 1. DCA Pulse with a model definition file, if available 2. DCA 4.x, if available 3. DCA Pulse with an undefined model, if the first two options are not available Duplicate device handling is identical in PrintFleet Optimizer whether you are using DCA 4.x or DCA Pulse. Heuristic Matching is used to identify each device – raw device data is collected by the DCA and matched, if possible, to a DeviceId in the system. How do I get ready for DCA Pulse? You will have an opportunity to try DCA Pulse using our customer Sandbox (https://idoc-pub.sitiosdesbloqueados.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="066e636a766263756d4676746f6872606a6363722865696b">[email protected]. They will provide you with the new URL and access to a group where you can test DCA Pulse. What can my customers expect during the transition from DCA 4.x to DCA Pulse? How does the migration work? From the beginning of the migration to DCA Pulse to its completion, we anticipate that the impact on s will be minimal. Existing reports, alerts, exports and API calls that are defined should continue to work after upgrading to DCA Pulse. We will be implementing a data mapping solution that will use the existing DCA 4.x metric records and update them to reflect the standard DCA Pulse type to maintain compatibility. For more information on Standard Types, please see the DCA Pulse whitepaper series.
PRINTFLEET DCA Pulse FAQ
Will historical data from DCA 4.x be merged with DCA Pulse data? Yes, in most cases historical data will be merged in the migration from DCA 4.x to DCA Pulse. However, there are some exceptions: • Device attributes such as detailed firmware will be created with a new name. • Obscure, non-standard meters without a type will be stale (last updated following the last DCA 4.x scan before upgrading to DCA Pulse) or non-existent. A new type may be created by PrintFleet Development or Technical . • Most non-toner supply labels that contain serial numbers will have a Standard Type in DCA Pulse but some may not. Instances where there are no Standard Types are the result of part of a supply continually creating new labels under DCA 4.x. Does DCA Pulse recognize the same devices/collect the same device information from DCA 4.x? If there is a model definition file for the device, DCA Pulse may collect more data than DCA 4.x. We are working down a list of machines in field monitored by PrintFleet in order of most popular to least and adding more model definition files regularly. You will have access to new and updated model definition files within a day of release without updating or restarting your system. How should I approach the transition from DCA 4.x to DCA Pulse? We suggest you take a slow approach to DCA Pulse, deploying it internally first and familiarizing yourself with the features. Once you are reasonably comfortable with the platform, we recommend trying it out with a trusted customer to gain experience and ensure everyone is comfortable with the updates. Following this, a gradual roll out done at a rate that is appropriate for the business is best.
Deployment How do I get DCA Pulse? You can install DCA Pulse from the DCA tab if you have PrintFleet Optimizer 3.9.0 or higher. What changes will I encounter installing DCA Pulse? You will see very few changes during the installation process. Installing DCA Pulse is very similar to the simplified install process for DCA 4.x in that it involves minimal input. There is no local configuration interface, so once DCA Pulse is installed and running, you can deploy and review discovered scan ranges and begin scanning the environment. What is the installation process for DCA Pulse? The installation process for DCA Pulse is similar to the simplified install for DCA 4.x, however there may be some minor differences depending on your operating system. DCA Pulse intuitively identifies the correct installer for whatever operating system you are using.
PRINTFLEET DCA Pulse FAQ
Microsoft Windows (x86/64) Requirements: • . NET 4.5 or higher ed out-of-box: • Desktop versions: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8 • Server: Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012 ed after installing .NET 4.5+: • Desktop: Windows 7 SP1, Windows Vista SP2 • Server: Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP2 Linux/Raspberry Pi/MacOS Requirements: • Mono 4.4 or higher • Linux OS using either systemd or upstart as an init system o Examples: Ubuntu 14.04LTS (upstart), Ubuntu 16.04LTS (systemd), Raspbian Jessie (systemd), CentOS 7 (systemd), Debian 8 (Jessie) (systemd) Am I able to select which DCA is deployed by default or am I required to select the DCA I want to install with each installation? As of May 1, 2017, DCA Pulse will be the default DCA selected during the set-up process, but you have the option of selecting DCA 4.x. Please note that one of the two must be selected to create a DCA. Will a new device record be created? A new device record will be created only in the event DCA Pulse is deployed in a completely new group hierarchy. Otherwise, Heuristic Matching is used as before to prevent duplication, make connections, and identify matches in order to facilitate accurate and effective data collection. However, you may see duplicates under the following conditions: • Two DCAs are monitoring the same network and pointed to two different groups, regardless of whether they are DCA 4.x or DCA Pulse. • The CreationDate of one device is newer than the LastActive date of the other. • The device is migrated as an Unknown device type (deviceTypeID = 0) in which case a duplicate will be created following the next submission file that contains this device. • Devices have the same serial and/or MAC addresses but different names and both devices are active. How is DCA 4.x uninstalled if my customer only wants to use DCA Pulse? Will I have to go to every customer location to uninstall DCA 4.x? There is no option to uninstall DCA 4.x but there is no need to because DCA 4.x can co-exist with DCA Pulse. Please see our 4.x – Pulse Transition Best Practices for more information.
PRINTFLEET DCA Pulse FAQ
Updates and Changes What changes can I expect to see after upgrading to DCA Pulse? How do these improve on the features and functionality of DCA 4.x? You and your customers will see a number of improvements as a result of the DCA Pulse upgrade which will enhance experience and improve device management. Some of the most notable changes include increased efficiency, more precise reporting and enhanced security. The following chart details how DCA Pulse compares to DCA 4.x. DCA Pulse
DCA 4.x
Operation
Continuous operation. Simultaneously discovers, scans and synchronizes data.
Batch operation. Discovers and scans, s, waits and repeats.
Scan intervals
Separate scans for data collection, including intervals for discovery, attributes, meters, supplies and error codes.
One interval for completing a single scan for everything. Scan happens only as part of discovery, so discovery has to happen every time.
Internet traffic
Data is only sent to PFO when something has changed, and is relayed as soon as DCA Pulse knows about it.
All data for all devices is sent to PFO after every scan is completed.
Local network traffic
DCA Pulse knows exactly how to query specific pieces of data based on the model and as a result, there is less ‘noise’ because no unnecessary queries are sent. Overall traffic change, however, could be offset by DCA Pulse scanning more frequently. With both DCA Pulse and DCA 4.x, the amount of network traffic is tiny: an entire day's worth of traffic is comparable to someone watching a YouTube video for a few seconds.
DCA 4.x usually 'guesses' at what to scan which often results in trying three or four different queries before a meter or supply value can be captured.
Models ed
DCA Pulse provides basic for all devices. However, for devices we have developed model definition files inconjunction with OEM specification documentation, there is higher precision and accuracy.
Most models are ed, but the level of available for each model varies. It is impossible to know ahead of time what level of is available because a definitive list cannot be compiled as DCA 4.x utilizes assumptions, deduction, and ambiguous rules for model matching.
Local device
Not included in DCA Pulse v.1.0.
Variable (no change).
PRINTFLEET DCA Pulse FAQ
Data collection bugs
Relatively low-risk of data collection problems. Model definition files mean changes and updates can be as specific as a single firmware variant of a single model.
Possible, due to the nature of design. Most of the data collection code is 'generic' with exceptions for manufacturers and sometimes specific model series or models.
Updates
Software has an auto-update mechanism which uses our Content Distribution Network (CDN). CDN is part of the suite of services that make up PrintFleet Central. Updates come from an Amazon CloudFront-hosted service which uses a geographical distribution model to ensure s’ s come from the location fastest for them. For more information on PrintFleet Central, please see our PrintFleet Central FAQ. However, model definitions are updated separately and DCA Pulse continuously uses the latest definitions. See the Device section for more information.
Requires a new installer to be deployed. Auto-update exists, but is optional and requires each PFO be updated with the new DCA version first. No automatic mechanism exists for this.
Platforms
Operates on Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi (Linux), and MacOS. Linux and MacOS require some technical familiarity with the operating systems in order to install.
Only operates on Windows.
Installation
Installs automatically and activates DCA Pulse, similar to DCA 4.x's simplified install. See the DCA Install Guide for more information.
Has two installation methods: simplified and manual install. Manual install requires a PIN and the correct PFO to direct data to.
Configuration
Configuration is entirely within PFO and takes effect in real-time.
Configuration mostly takes place on the client side. You can configure some settings in PFO unless disabled on the client side and changes will take effect after next scan is completed.
Data types
Our standard data types always follow metric labels specifications to facilitate easy and effective communication despite the disparities between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) labels. Example: TONERLEVEL_BLACK = Cartridge.Marker.Black
Some meters are standardized, other values have a ‘well known’ label, but many are simply based on what the device itself reports, making comparing and totaling data between two devices difficult.
PRINTFLEET DCA Pulse FAQ
Are there any changes to how Heuristic Matching is handled in DCA 4.x and DCA Pulse? No, there are no changes. Will there be any noticeable changes to the interface when I to PrintFleet Optimizer? You will notice DCA Pulse management and configuration is different due to the different scan configuration options. Please refer to the Guide for detailed information on these changes. You will also see Meters and Supplies now use Standard Types which means there are different labels displayed, although in most cases they map to an old DCA 4.x label. For more information on standard types, please see the DCA Pulse whitepaper series.
Will the label names in DCA Pulse appear differently than they did in DCA 4.x? If so, how does this affect standard reports, custom reports, meter exports and alerts? The label names will appear differently for standard and custom reports, but we are aiming to maintain backwards compatibility for existing data so the two programs will work together seamlessly. Please refer to the Migration section for more information on DCA 4.x to DCA Pulse migration. There are no changes for exports and alerts. What are scan intervals and what are the minimum and maximum values for these? DCA Pulse separates device discovery from other scan types, enabling you to set custom scan intervals for retrieving meters, supplies attributes and errors. You can also set up alerts on different types of data
PRINTFLEET DCA Pulse FAQ
such as meters, supplies and error codes to get the information you need when you need it. The minimum and maximum values for the scan intervals are: Scan Function
Default
Minimum
Maximum
Discovery
30 minutes
10 minutes
720 minutes
Meters
120 minutes
10 minutes
720 minutes
Supplies
60 minutes
10 minutes
720 minutes
Errors
60 seconds
30 seconds
600 seconds
Attributes
360 minutes
10 minutes
720 minutes
For more information on scan intervals, please see the DCA Pulse whitepaper series.
Will I experience billing difficulties as a result of the DCA Pulse upgrade? There will be no changes to any of the meters used for billing. The first meter value from DCA Pulse will be inserted with an indicator that shows it is an upgrade which means that a change will not be calculated from the DCA 4.x value.
Device How many devices will be ed by DCA Pulse in v.1? What percent of machines in field (MIF) monitored by PrintFleet does this represent? DCA Pulse provides basic for all devices at the public MIB level. Our target is to our top 700 models which represent 82% of PrintFleet’s MIF. The actual number may vary for a number of reasons, including missing OEM MIB specifications or misidentified models, but this will be communicated prior to launch. Model definition files (MDF) will be delivered continuously both before and after launch.
PRINTFLEET DCA Pulse FAQ
How often will manufacturer updates be deployed to DCA Pulse? We will continuously use PrintFleet Central to deploy updates from manufacturers. Once we are aware there is an update from an equipment manufacturer, we request a specification document from the manufacturer and begin work on implementing the update. It is released as soon as it is complete. Is DCA Pulse available for local devices? No, it is not currently available. At this time we don’t have a date on our DCA Pulse roap for local device , but it is something we are looking to do in future versions. Does DCA Pulse run on Samsung XOA devices? No, not at this time. If there is enough demand for it, PrintFleet Development would look into it.
Security What security measures does DCA Pulse use? Using SNMP, HTTPS and TLS v1.2, DCA Pulse attempts to collect the following device metrics: • Unique PrintFleet Optimizer internal deviceId, a globally unique generated string of characters with no identifying information • Manufacturer, model and ModelId, a generated string of characters that uniquely identifies models within the PrintFleet Model Database • Model match type, an indicator of how a device was matched to a model description from the Model Database • Device type, an internal device classification identifier • Device ‘name’ or hrDeviceDescription, the name given to an imaging device on installation. The name identifies the device but is in no way related to any of the device. • Device serial number and MAC address • Device entry creation and last active dates • List of meters: name, last reported, last value, standardLabelId (if applicable) • List of supplies: name, last reported, high percent, low percent, status, standardLabelId • List of codes: code, type, count, group, groupIndex, location • IsColor • Engine firmware version • Current license status PrintFleet Central does not ‘collect’ the above device data, however it may store the anonymous device data collected by DCA Pulse as well as the following: • License status changes • DCA versions and timelines of DCAs that reported this device • TotalCount by month
PRINTFLEET DCA Pulse FAQ
As with DCA 4.x, DCA Pulse does not collect any print job or personally identifiable information. DCA Pulse complies with data protection legislation in North America and Europe, including recent updates to the European Union Data Protection laws. Are there any updates to the security measures used by DCA Pulse? Yes, DCA Pulse has eliminated the use of hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) and exclusively uses hypertext transport protocol secure (HTTPS) and transfer layer security (TLS v1.2) to encrypt and protect information. If you are a self-hosted customer, you must have an HTTPS certificate to use DCA Pulse.
Technical What do s do if they encounter a problem with DCA Pulse? Please our global Technical team to resolve any issues you encounter with DCA Pulse. North America Hours
Telephone
Email
08:00-18:00 EST Monday-Friday*
Toll Free: 1-866-382-8320 Option 1 Tel: 1 (613) 549-3221 Option 1
[email protected]
* Excludes holidays in the province of Ontario, Canada Europe, Middle East & Africa Hours
Telephone
Email
8.30-12.00 CET and 13.00-17.00 CET Monday-Friday**
Tel: +41 44 709 11 02
[email protected]
** Excludes holidays in Switzerland
Learn more at www.info.printfleet.com/dca-pulse