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eMeter Reads
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What is SMart eSolutions?
Xerox SMart eSolutions is a new system designed to take the hassle out
of collecting and submitting meter readings and supplies data from Xerox
equipment via a hands-free, secure data transmission process.
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How does it work?
Xerox SMart eSolutions works by loading Xerox software onto your PC.
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:
- 1. Install the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client
- 2. Configure Xerox SMart eSolutions Client
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What equipment do I need?
The Xerox SMart eSolutions Client 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 400 MHz or higher Pentium III processor recommended
- 40 MB of available disk space
- TCP/IP
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What impact does SMart eSolutions have on my network?
Xerox SMart eSolutions uses standard industry protocols to communicate between the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client 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.
The Xerox SMart eSolutions Client 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
There are several different types of transactions that can occur between the
Xerox SMart eSolutions Client and the Xerox Communication Server. The
network loading varies based on the type of transaction and the number of
devices that are in the Xerox SMart eSolutions group. These transactions are:
Registering the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client and devices with Xerox
Allows Xerox to identify and authenticate the client and devices. This
communication happens only once in the life cycle of the Xerox SMart
eSolutions Client and devices.
reg proxy = 1526 bytes
reg proxy device = 393x + 1503 bytes
Total: reg proxy + proxy devices = 393x + 3029 bytes
x = the number of devices
Sync Request
Sent once a day by the client to ask Xerox if an automatic meter read is due.
sync proxy request = 1425 bytes
Sync Request Response
Tells the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client to turn on Xerox SMart
eSolutions for each device. This communication happens only once in
the life cycle of the device.
sync proxy request response = 1510x + 1425 bytes
Sync Status
Lets Xerox know that the Xerox SMart eSolutions service has been
turned on, enabling Xerox to know that a request can be made and
responded to. This communication happens only once in the life cycle of
the device.
sync proxy status = 260x + 1247 bytes
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Billing Transaction Request
The response from Xerox asking for meter reads to be sent once each
billing cycle, whether monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually.
sync proxy request response = 1510x + 1425 bytes
Billing Transaction Response
The Xerox SMart eSolutions Client sends the billing meter reads once
per billing transaction request for each device.
billing transaction response = 1314x + 1993 bytes
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Can Xerox gain access to my network?
1. In order to participate, you must personally initiate device registration
and sign up for the Xerox SMart eSolutions service. The Xerox SMart
eSolutions Client will not automatically find and register your equipment
unless you enable it to do so.
2. All transactions between the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client and the
Xerox Communication Server are initiated within your environment by
the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client. There is no way for Xerox to initiate
the communications to the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client or for Xerox to
probe your network.
3. You can turn off communication to Xerox at any time.
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Is my data secure?
1. 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 the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client must hold a valid
certificate from Xerox.
2. 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 Xerox SMart eSolutions to run properly, the Xerox SMart eSolutions
Client must be installed first and the Xerox eligible equipment registered with Xerox. Xerox must also set up your service agreement so that automatic meter reads can be recorded.
Because Xerox SMart eSolutions involves loading software on
the PC, it is likely that approvals need to be provided by your Network
Administrator or someone with similar responsibilities at your company.
The Xerox SMart eSolutions Client
installation may involve an IT Administrator and the Billing Administrator.
The IT Administrator may be needed to:
Provide the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client with the location of the proxy
server that connects your network to the Internet (defaults to your current
Web browser settings)
Run the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client device discover tools to find all of
the Xerox devices that will be participating in automatic meter reading
The person within your organization who is responsible for providing
Xerox with the Billing Meter Readings will need to:
- Identify which devices should participate in Xerox SMart eSolutions
and provide this information to the person who will load the software
on their PC.
- Set up your service agreement to receive automatic meter reads from SMart eSolutions MeterAssistant. This can only be done after the Xerox SMart eSolutions Client has been installed and the devices have been registered.
Partner Type Service Agreements (ie PagePack, Partner eClick)
Contact your Reseller who will advise on whether your service agreement is set up to receive automatic meter reads. If not, your Reseller can arrange with Xerox for the selection of automatic meter reads against your service agreement.
Direct Service Agreements with Xerox ( ie eClick)
Contact your Xerox Account Manager to arrange for the selection of automatic meter reads for your devices against your service agreement.
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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 Client 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 Client 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 Client 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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