Print Server Integration

kelseyn
Kilo Contributor

‎03-24-2017 08:37 AM

We are working on replacing our client's system with Servicenow, and trying to simplify the process along the way. They currently have the ability to both batch and live print reports. Without needing to specify which location to print to, the system automatically sends the print jobs to one of four different printers, depending on what kind of report it is. They are using Access and JReport to create the PDFs and send them to the correct file in their print server, and yet another service to send information between their system and these other services, including log information. We need to maintain this functionality, but we would like to use Servicenow to accomplish as much of this as possible.

Has anyone implemented a solution to a similar problem? I was thinking it might work to somehow integrate with their print server using REST, but cannot find information on how this would be done, or if it is even possible.

Requirements:

  • Keep print log on records in Servicenow - needs to update when a record is printed with time and date printed.
  • Exclude records that have already been printed in batch print (this is one reason why a print log is needed).
  • Keep copy of PDF (either in Servicenow or on their server)
  • Automatically print to correct printer, based on what action is taken (i.e. on creation of a certain record, automatically print letter to customer in office), and allow for batch and live printing.
  • Ability to override the printer preference in case one of the printers is down for the day.

Nice to have:

  • Ability to print in 2 locations

Any insight or links to articles would be greatly appreciated!

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2 REPLIES 2

Robert Beeman
Kilo Sage

‎03-24-2017 10:46 AM

Hi Kelsey,



What kind of print servers do they have? I do not think it is likely that they'd have REST APIs available.



Do they have Orchestration and a Windows MID Server? You could script this with PowerShell: Out-Printer | PowerShell | SS64.com.



Do they have printers with print via email features like HP Printers - Setting Up and Using HP ePrint | HP ® Customer Support? You could potentially just have ServiceNow email the files.


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kelseyn
Kilo Contributor
In response to Robert Beeman

‎04-03-2017 01:27 PM

Hi Robert,



Thanks for your reply! I am not sure what kind of print servers they have, but I'll take your word that they probably don't have that. Is it possible to add the REST APIs if they aren't available?



Orchestration with PowerShell seems like it could do the job. Thanks for sharing. When I was looking at Orchestration before, I didn't know what to look for specifically for this problem, so it's very helpful. I'm going to do some more research. Does PowerShell handle PDFs?



I'll find out about the email capability. It would be nice if we could just do that.


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