Dynamic, preventive, centralized printer resource management system and method

A printer resource management system, comprising:

• storing means for storing in a database, for each of at least one printer, at least one pair of attributes, each pair of attributes representative of a printer resource level and a corresponding modifiable printer resource threshold for preventive monitoring of printer resource, the modifiable printer resource threshold being modified according to at least one of printer location, printer capacity, printer workload, and configuration of printing environment;
• managing means for receiving at least one updated printer resource level from one of the at least one printer, the managing means comprising
• updating means for updating a corresponding printer resource level attribute in the database,
• comparing means for comparing each updated printer resource level attribute with the corresponding modifiable printer resource threshold attribute to determine whether the corresponding printer resource level is deficient,
• and notifying means generating and outputting an advanced notification regarding the deficient printer resource level;
• and
• output means for receiving and outputting the notification.

A method for managing printer resources, comprising:

• storing in a database, for each of at least one printer, at least one pair of attributes representative of a printer resource level and a corresponding modifiable printer resource threshold for preventive monitoring of printer resource, the modifiable printer resource threshold being modified according to at least one of printer location, printer capacity, printer workload, and configuration of printing environment;
• receiving at least one updated printer resource level from one of the at least one printer;
• updating a corresponding printer resource level attribute in the database;
• comparing each updated printer resource level attribute with the corresponding modifiable printer resource threshold attribute;
• determining whether the corresponding printer resource level is deficient;
• and
• generating and outputting an advanced notification if that printer resource level is deficient.