How to Use Secure Print Release on Sharp MFPs
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Printing confidential documents creates a security challenge for many organisations. Documents containing customer information, financial data, legal records or internal business information can be exposed when they are printed and left unattended.
Sharp NZ helps organisations implement secure print release workflows using PaperCut print management software across Sharp multifunction printers (MFPs).
Through expert configuration and deployment, Sharp NZ enables businesses to ensure documents are only released when an authorised user is present at the device.
This approach helps organisations create a more secure, controlled and measurable printing environment.
Secure print release is a managed printing workflow where documents are held securely until the authorised user authenticates at the multifunction printer.
Instead of sending a document directly to a printer where it immediately becomes available, users send their print job to a secure queue. They then authenticate at a Sharp MFP before the document is released.
Sharp NZ configures this workflow using PaperCut print management software and Sharp multifunction printers to help organisations:
Traditional printing often follows a simple process:
This creates several risks:
For industries handling confidential information, including healthcare, education, legal, finance and government organisations, secure document handling is critical.
Send → Print → Collect
The document becomes available immediately at the device.
Send → Hold → Authenticate → Release
The document remains securely stored until the user confirms their identity.
The process:
The employee selects the managed print queue and sends the document.
The PaperCut platform stores the print job until authentication occurs.
The user verifies their identity using an approved authentication method.
The document prints only after successful authentication.
Sharp NZ supports organisations throughout the implementation process, including:
Sharp NZ reviews:
Sharp NZ configures PaperCut software to support:
Sharp NZ configures multifunction printers to support secure workflows, including:
Before deployment, Sharp NZ verifies:
Users enter a personal identification number at the Sharp MFP.
Users authenticate by tapping an access card or employee badge.
PaperCut can integrate with workplace identity platforms such as Microsoft Entra ID.
Secure release helps prevent:
Organisations gain better understanding of:
Secure release can reduce unnecessary printing because documents are only printed when users are physically present.
Secure printing supports organisations that require stronger document handling practices.
Common examples include:
A secure print release deployment typically requires:
Sharp multifunction printers must be configured for:
Create a managed print queue that holds documents before release.
Select the authentication method:
Configure devices to communicate with PaperCut and support secure release.
Validate:
☐ User can submit print job
☐ Print job is securely held
☐ User authentication works
☐ Document releases successfully
☐ Reporting captures activity
Secure print release is a printing workflow where documents are held until an authorised user authenticates at the printer before printing.
Yes. Sharp NZ helps organisations implement and configure PaperCut print management software across Sharp multifunction printer environments.
No. PaperCut is a separate print management software platform. Sharp NZ provides the integration, configuration and deployment services required to connect PaperCut with Sharp multifunction printers.
PaperCut helps organisations add secure printing controls, authentication, reporting and print management capabilities to Sharp multifunction printer environments.
Yes. Secure print release supports flexible workplaces by allowing users to securely release documents from approved devices rather than relying on a single assigned printer.
Sharp NZ can help organisations assess their current printing environment and implement secure print workflows designed around their security, productivity and operational requirements.
Related resources:
Kimberley Holden is Brand & Communications Manager at Sharp New Zealand, where she leads strategic marketing, brand development, and customer communications across Sharp’s portfolio of consumer products and workplace technology solutions, including print, visual solutions, visitor management, voice and data, and software. She brings a strong focus on clear messaging, customer engagement, and delivering consistent brand experiences across complex technology environments.