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IT & Systems
Accounting & Finance
Updated March 2026

Printer Setup — Accounting & Finance Edition

A procedure for installing, configuring, and deploying printers and multifunction devices for use by employees across the organisation.

Purpose

To ensure printers are properly installed, configured, and accessible to authorised users, with correct settings for security, print management, and cost control.

Scope

Covers the setup of all shared and personal printers, multifunction devices, and print server configurations across all office locations.

Prerequisites

  • Printer hardware received and physically installed at the designated location
  • Network connection available at the printer location
  • Printer drivers and management software available
Compliance Note

Built with ASIC regulatory requirements, AML/CTF compliance, Tax Practitioners Board obligations, and APES standards in mind.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1

Physically Install the Printer

Unpack the printer, connect it to power and the network, and complete the initial hardware setup.

  • 1.1Place the printer at the designated location and connect to power
  • 1.2Connect the printer to the network via ethernet or configure wireless connection
  • 1.3Install consumables such as toner and paper
IT Support Technician
20 minutes
Printer Setup Guide, Network Configuration Tools
2

Configure Network Settings

Assign a static IP address or DHCP reservation and configure the printer on the network.

  • 2.1Assign a static IP address or configure a DHCP reservation
  • 2.2Register the printer in the DNS for easy access
  • 2.3Verify network connectivity to the printer from the network
IT Support Technician
10 minutes
Printer Web Interface, Network Management Tools
3

Configure Printer Settings

Configure the printer settings including default print options, security settings, and management features.

  • 3.1Set default print settings such as duplex printing and black-and-white
  • 3.2Configure security settings including access control and secure print
  • 3.3Enable scan and email functionality if applicable
IT Support Technician
15 minutes
Printer Web Interface, Print Management Software
Tips
  • Set duplex printing as the default to reduce paper consumption
4

Add to Print Server

Add the printer to the print server and configure print queues for user access.

  • 4.1Install the printer driver on the print server
  • 4.2Create a shared print queue on the server
  • 4.3Configure printer permissions for the appropriate user groups
IT Systems Administrator
15 minutes
Print Server, Active Directory
5

Deploy to Users

Make the printer available to users through group policy deployment, self-service portal, or manual installation.

  • 5.1Deploy the printer to users through group policy or deployment tools
  • 5.2Add the printer to the self-service portal if available
  • 5.3Verify that users can print a test page successfully
IT Support Technician
15 minutes
Group Policy, Print Management Software
6

Register and Working paper

Register the printer in the asset management system and working paper its configuration.

  • 6.1Add the printer to the IT asset register with all relevant details
  • 6.2Working paper the printer configuration including IP address, location, and capabilities
  • 6.3Set up consumable monitoring and supply alerts if available
IT Asset Manager
10 minutes
Asset Management System, Documentation System

Quality Checkpoints

Network connectivity is confirmed before configuring printer settings
Security settings including access control are configured before user deployment
Test print is successful from at least one user workstation before deployment is complete

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a dynamic IP address without DHCP reservation, causing the printer to become unreachable
Not configuring security settings, allowing unauthorised printing or access to scanned documents
Forgetting to register the printer in the asset management system
Not setting cost-saving defaults like duplex printing, increasing paper consumption

Expected Outcomes

Printer Setup Time

Average time from physical installation to user accessibility, measuring deployment efficiency.

Print Service Availability

Percentage of time printers are operational and accessible to users.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add a printer to my computer?

In most cases, printers are automatically deployed through group policy. If not, you can add the printer through the self-service portal or by searching for it on the print server. Contact the IT service desk if you need assistance.

What should I do if the printer is not working?

Check that the printer is powered on, has paper and toner, and is connected to the network. Try printing a test page. If the issue persists, log a ticket with the IT service desk.

Can I print from my mobile device?

Mobile printing may be available depending on the printer capabilities and organisational policies. Contact the IT service desk to find out if mobile printing is configured for your environment.

Want this customised for YOUR business?

We'll tailor every step to your exact operations, tools, and team structure.