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eMeter Reads
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What is SMart eSolutions?
SMart eSolutions is a new system designed to take the hassle out of collecting and submitting meter reads and supplies-usage data from Xerox equipment via a hands-free, secure data transmission process.
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How does it work?
SMart eSolutions works by loading Xerox software onto your network. This software talks to Xerox devices to get the necessary data and send it back to Xerox using standard Internet protocols similar to those used for business to-business transactions.
Setting up SMart eSolutions requires two steps:
- Installing CentreWare® Web
- Enabling SMart eSolutions in CentreWare® Web
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What equipment do I need?
CentreWare® Web is designed to be installed only on specific computers running the Windows operating systems defined below.
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP Professional, and Windows Server 2003
- PC with a 600 MHz or higher Pentium III processor recommended
- 512 MB of RAM or higher recommended; (256 MB supported, but may limit performance)
- 3 GB of available disk space
- TCP/IP
- Internet Information Services (IIS) 5.05 or greater
- NTFS security access checking is recommended
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What impact does SMart eSolutions have on my network?
SMart eSolutions uses standard industry protocols to communicate between CentreWare® Web and your printers approximately every two hours. SNMPv2 is used to read the MIBs, which contain the meter read values for billing and supplies usage data for replenishment.
CentreWare® Web communicates with the Xerox Communication Server once a day using Web service protocols, including:
- HTTPs-Certicom SSL 128 Bit with server side certificates from Verisign
- SOAP-1.1
- Wsdl-1.1
- WS Security-Oasis-Working Draft 11-3 March 2003
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Can Xerox gain access to my network?
In order to participate, you must personally initiate device registration and sign up for the SMart eSolutions service. CentreWare® Web will not automatically find and register your equipment unless you enable it to do so.
All transactions between CentreWare® Web and the Xerox Communication Server are initiated within your environment by CentreWare® Web. There is no way for Xerox to initiate the
communications to CentreWare® Web or for Xerox to probe your network.
You can turn off communication to Xerox at any time.
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Is my data secure?
All communications occur over a secure channel using 128 bit SSL with server side certificates. This means that the data is encrypted and communications to CentreWare® Web must hold a valid certificate from Xerox.
No customer data is communicated to Xerox. The only data that is sent for Xerox SMart eSolutions is the printer serial number, the meter name, the meter values, supplier usage values, and the date of the reading.
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Who at my company needs to be involved in this?
For SMart eSolutions to run properly, CentreWare® Web must be installed first and the Xerox eligible registered with Xerox. Xerox must also set up your service agreement so that automatic meter reads can be recorded. Because SMart eSolutions involves loading software on the network, it is likely that approvals need to be provided by your Network Administrator or someone
with similar responsibilities at your company.
SMart eSolutions installation may involve an IT Administrator and the Equipment Administrator.
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What happens to my meter read data when it gets to Xerox?
Your meter read data is recorded against your device in Xerox service management system. It is used for the invoicing of metered service agreements, and also for evaluating consumable usage against machine performance. The automatic collection of the meter reads will ensure quality and reliability of the data we use to manage your service agreements.
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What happens if I install a new device at a later date?
If you would like this new device to provide automatic meter reads to Xerox you will need to perform Step 2 of the Install Guide.
The SMart eSolutions will automatically detect the new device and you can then select to register with Xerox. Alternatively you can enter the IP address of the device and when it has been identified on your network by the SMart eSolutions you register your new device.
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What happens when the Server PC with CWW/Smart eSolutions software installed is powered off?
There will be no meter read data collected or sent to Xerox while the PC is powered off. Smart eSolutions will resume this activity when it is powered on again. If Xerox does not receive meter reads for more than 14 consecutive days a notification is sent by email to the key user at your company. You may also be asked for a manual meter read when you next order consumables.
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What happens if one of my devices breaks down?
If your device breaks down it is typically repaired by the following day and it is most unlikely that it will ever be out of action for more than a week. SMart eSolutions MeterAssistant will allow for this and will pick up on the automatic meter reads again when the device is up and running.
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What happens if one of my devices has to be replaced?
If your device needs to be replaced with a new one, there is a standard product replacement process to follow which includes recording the end meter read of the old device and the begin meter read of the new device. To turn on automatic meter reading for the replacement device follow the process for installing a new device, described above.
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Where can I go for support?
Xerox provide a comprehensive on-line service KnowledgeBase at Xerox.com or Click here to contact your local support centre.
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