Skip to main content
Managing office printers shouldn't demand constant IT attention. Driver installation, device access, and protecting sensitive documents can quickly complicate printing, especially across multiple printers and MFPs.
Cloud print management can simplify the work, but some businesses need a bit more: secure print release, control over color printing, and easy scanning to existing systems.
STPT’s e-Valet Cloud MFP, powered by Y Soft SAFEQ Cloud, streamlines printing and scanning while improving control over security, costs, and devices.
In this article, we'll explain what e-Valet Cloud MFP is, how it works, its benefits, and whether it's the right fit for your organization.
Quick Summary: What to Know About e-Valet Cloud MFP
- e-Valet Cloud MFP is a cloud-based print management solution that helps businesses securely manage printing, scanning, and device access.
- It builds on e-Valet Cloud Print with features like user authentication, secure print release, and one-touch scanning workflows.
- It simplifies printer deployment and driver management while providing centralized reporting.
- It's generally best for small to medium-sized print environments, particularly those handling sensitive information.
- Organizations with larger fleets or more complex security requirements may benefit from e-Valet Cloud Pro.
Table of Contents
- What Is e-Valet Cloud MFP?
- What Problems Does e-Valet Cloud MFP Solve?
- What Are the Key Features and Benefits?
- How Does e-Valet Cloud MFP Improve Security?
- Who Is e-Valet Cloud MFP Best For?
- e-Valet Cloud Print vs. MFP vs. Pro
- Is e-Valet Cloud MFP Right for Your Business?
- FAQ
What Is e-Valet Cloud MFP?
e-Valet Cloud MFP is STPT's cloud-based managed print services solution that helps businesses manage printing, scanning, security, and device access through a centralized platform. Organizations can simplify driver management, control printing permissions, create scanning workflows, and monitor print activity without relying on traditional print servers.
Powered by Y Soft SAFEQ Cloud, e-Valet Cloud MFP is one of three versions of our e-Valet Cloud offering:
- e-Valet Cloud Print: The basic version focused on simplifying cloud printing, reporting, and driver management.
- e-Valet Cloud MFP: Adds authentication, secure print release, advanced printing controls, and scanning workflows.
- e-Valet Cloud Pro: Provides additional capabilities for larger or more complex print environments.
What Problems Does e-Valet Cloud MFP Solve?
e-Valet Cloud MFP tackles common printing problems, such as unsecured documents, complex driver management, limited print controls, and complex scanning configurations. It brings these tasks together in one cloud-based platform, making daily work easier and reducing IT workload.
For example, an employee who’s distracted after printing a confidential client document may leave it unattended in the output tray if secure print release isn’t enabled.
In offices with different printer brands, IT teams may also need to manage multiple drivers and print queues and set up new devices.
e-Valet Cloud MFP helps prevent these issues with centralized management, user authentication, and automatic print deployment.
What Are the Key Features and Benefits of e-Valet Cloud MFP?
User Authentication and Secure Print Release
e-Valet Cloud MFP lets employees submit print jobs and release them at a compatible device using a PIN or access card.
This helps keep sensitive documents from being left unattended and gives organizations greater control over printer access.
Simplified Print Driver Management
Managing printer drivers across multiple manufacturers can be incredibly frustrating. e-Valet Cloud MFP simplifies driver management with a universal cloud print driver, while automating printer deployment and print queue management.
This reduces repetitive IT tasks and makes it easier for employees to access the printers they need.
One-Touch Scanning Workflows
e-Valet Cloud MFP simplifies document scanning by allowing users to create customized workflows that send scanned documents directly to their intended destinations.
For example, employees who regularly scan documents to email can select a scan-to-self workflow on the printer's control panel and send documents with one touch, without re-entering their email address.
Depending on the configuration, organizations can also create workflows that connect to OneDrive, Google Drive, and supported network destinations, making it easier to move paper documents into digital systems without repeating steps.
Better Control Over Printing Costs
Color printing can increase an organization's printing expenses, especially when used for documents that don't require it.
With e-Valet Cloud MFP, administrators can set permissions for users, groups, or departments, for example, allowing marketing to print in color while restricting other departments to black and white.
These controls reduce unnecessary expenses while ensuring employees have the resources they need.
Centralized Reporting and Fleet Visibility
Managing printing costs is difficult when you don't know how your printers are being used.
e-Valet Cloud MFP’s web-based console lets administrators monitor print activity and device usage.
These insights help organizations identify heavily used devices, understand printing patterns, and make more informed equipment decisions.
If you're interested in learning more about managing printing expenses, read our 5 Reasons Your Business Should Consider Managed Print Services article.
How Does e-Valet Cloud MFP Improve Print Security?
e-Valet Cloud MFP improves print security through user authentication, secure print release, and activity tracking. These features help organizations limit unauthorized access to devices, protect confidential documents, and maintain greater visibility into printing activity.
The solution uses Y Soft's zero-trust cloud infrastructure, which requires users and devices to authenticate and be authorized.
Administrators can review activity logs in the web portal to help organizations protect confidential documents and monitor printing activity.
To learn more about protecting your print environment, check out our article on What Is Zero Trust Print Security?
Who Is e-Valet Cloud MFP Best For?
e-Valet Cloud MFP is generally best for small to medium-sized organizations seeking stronger print security, better cost controls, and simpler document workflows without managing a complex IT infrastructure.
Based on our team's experience, organizations with fewer than about 45 printing devices are often good candidates, although the right fit depends on their specific needs.
Some examples include
- Schools: Manage printing permissions, control color usage, and protect sensitive student or administrative documents.
- Law firms: Help prevent confidential client documents from being left unattended while simplifying document scanning.
- Small and medium-sized businesses: Reduce driver management, improve reporting, and make printing easier for employees.
Organizations that regularly scan documents into Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or other supported systems may also benefit from its customizable workflows.
e-Valet Cloud Print vs. MFP vs. Pro: What's the Difference?
The three e-Valet Cloud versions offer different functionality based on how an organization manages printing.
|
e-Valet Cloud Print is a good starting point for organizations that primarily want to simplify printing and eliminate traditional driver management.
e-Valet Cloud MFP adds the security, scanning, and print-control features many businesses need for everyday operations.
e-Valet Cloud Pro provides more advanced capabilities for larger organizations or those with complex networks, legacy systems, and stricter data management requirements.
Is e-Valet Cloud MFP Right for Your Business?
e-Valet Cloud MFP may be valuable if your organization:
- Regularly prints confidential or sensitive documents.
- Wants to control color printing and device access.
- Needs simpler scanning workflows.
- Spends too much time managing printer drivers.
- Wants better reporting and visibility into print activity.
However, not every organization needs all these features.
For straightforward cloud printing, e-Valet Cloud Print may be sufficient. Pro may be a better fit for larger fleets, advanced authentication, or local print job storage.
Choose a solution based on your print volume, security needs, infrastructure, and goals.
FAQ
Does e-Valet Cloud MFP require a print server?
No traditional print server is required for standard e-Valet Cloud MFP deployments. The solution uses cloud-based management to simplify print queues, driver administration, and device deployment.
Can e-Valet Cloud MFP work with different printer brands?
Yes. Its universal print driver supports mixed-manufacturer fleets, but confirm compatibility with specific devices and advanced features before implementation.
Can e-Valet Cloud MFP help reduce printing costs?
Yes. Administrators can establish printing restrictions, control color usage, and review reports to better understand printing activity and identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenses.
What's the difference between e-Valet Cloud MFP and Pro?
MFP focuses on secure printing, scanning workflows, and simplified administration. Pro adds advanced capabilities for more complex environments, including expanded authentication integrations and local print job storage options.
Simplify Your Print Environment With e-Valet Cloud MFP
Managing printing shouldn't take up all your time or resources. e-Valet Cloud MFP helps businesses simplify printing, protect sensitive documents, streamline scanning, and better control their print environments.
Some organizations may only need e-Valet Cloud Print, while others might find it better to use Pro's additional capabilities.
For over 40 years, STPT has helped organizations find printing solutions that fit their needs, budgets, and long-term goals.
Not sure which e-Valet Cloud solution is right for your business?
Our team can help you evaluate your current print environment, identify areas for improvement, and determine whether e-Valet Cloud Print, MFP, or Pro makes the most sense for your organization.
Talk to an e-Valet Specialist to explore your options and find a solution that works for your business.
