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SOS SmartConnect DCA Frequently Asked Questions

SOS SmartConnect DCA Installation & Transition FAQ

New SOS SmartConnect DCA users:

  • Book your installation appointment for SOS SmartConnect DCA now:
  • Or call 407-830-7950 and ask for a member of our IT support team.

General

What is this about?
We are transitioning to a new Managed Print Services Data Collection Agent, SOS SmartConnect.
What is the 鶹ý. DCA?
The SOS SmartConnect DCA software replaces the ECI FMAudit DCA, and is installed on a computer on your network to collect essential meter, performance, and supply level data from multifunction print devices and copiers, supporting our managed print services clients.
Who is Predictive InSight?
Predictive InSight is a part of EKM global, which provides the software solution for SOS SmartConnect. They are a leading managed print (MPS) software supplier with over 20 years of experience. They provide performance-based software and products for companies, enterprises, managed service providers, OEM manufacturers, resellers, and wholesalers.
Why are we migrating to SOS SmartConnect?
Our move to SOS SmartConnect allows us to enhance our service quality by focusing on key improvements in service, supply, and support. This new agent has been selected for its advanced technology, robust security measures, and its ability to streamline and improve the data collection process.
Who needs to complete the installation?
The person who completes the installation will need to have Admin access to the server or PC that it is being installed on. At times, companies will have policies prohibiting installation of items to company-owned and networked machines. We recommend sending the DCA Installation to your IT Department, Help Desk, or System Administrator.
Where does the SOS SmartConnect DCA need to be installed?
We recommend installing the DCA on a server that remains online 24 hours a day. If a server is not available, a workstation that is consistently on during normal business hours can be utilized. Please do not install the DCA on a laptop, if possible.
Will the way that meters and consumable information is tracked and managed change? Will SOS SmartConnect affect the way I receive supply orders?
-Consumable Replacement: Although the previous DCA tool provided consumable alert functionality, it did not provide the level of integration and sophistication that SOS SmartConnect will provide.  This will allow us to provide more accurate and timely consumable replacements to your door prior to running out.  This is through intelligent AI based predictive technology to ensure you receive the consumables you need in plenty of time before they are empty.  The system is intelligent enough to add other consumables that are near alert stage to the order to minimize additional shipments to your location.
-Meters: These will continue to be collected and reported back to our system automatically.  The meter and usage information aid in the automatic consumable replacement process.
What are the system requirements for the DCA?
  • <500 devices or PoC/Trial: Dual Core ‘Desktop’ CPU, 4 GB RAM, 100 GB 7200 RPM SATA, Gigabit Ethernet, Windows 10 / Windows Server 2016 (or above)
  • <5000 devices: Dual Core ‘Server’ 2GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB 10000 RPM SATA, Gigabit Ethernet, Windows Server 2008/2016 (or above)
  • >5000 devices: Client-specific evaluation recommended
  • Mac and Linux are also supported
What Network Ports are used?
  • XMPP Port 5222 TCP: For communication to 鶹ý. DCA (others can be used if they allow encrypted XML traffic, e.g., 443). The session must allow two-way communications.
  • HTTP Port 80: For license verification only
Is SOS SmartConnect secure?
Yes, SOS SmartConnect is hosted by Predictive InSight and is a secure, private cloud service. It operates through outbound communication only and communicates with printing devices via SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). Data is sent through HTTPS and is 128-bit encrypted using SSL (secure socket layer) protocol. Insight uses Microsoft Azure cloud computing services, with data stored in U.S.-based data centers. Microsoft Cloud services have met stringent data protection rules globally, with over ninety compliance offerings.
Should I be concerned about heavy network traffic?
The network traffic created by the DCA is minimal and varies depending on the number of IP addresses being scanned. The new DCA employs IDENTITY Loop, which identifies if devices are online and maintains an up-to-date list for other monitor loops. This minimizes network traffic and promotes efficient data collection.
How does the self-healing process work?
The DCA is self-healing, meaning automatic detection of stalled connections with automatic restart and full integrity checking of configuration and operating parameters periodically during the day, including automatic rollback to the last good backup.
Is SOS SmartConnect HIPAA compliant?
Yes, the new DCA is HIPAA compliant.
Do you have a technical security document I can provide to my IT department?
Yes, please refer them to the following document.

DCA Troubleshooting

How do I restart the DCA from Windows Services?
  1. Open the Services Management Console:
    • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type services.msc and press Enter.
  2. Locate the Service:
    • In the Services window, scroll down to find the “I2E Monitor for Windows” service.
    • You can also click on any service and start typing “I2E” to quickly locate it.
  3. Restart the Service
    • Right-click on “I2E Monitor for Windows”.
    • Select Restart from the context menu.
  4. Verify the Service Status
    • Ensure the status column shows “Running” for the “I2E Monitor for Windows” service.
How do I restart the DCA from the Application Interface?
  1. Open the Start Menu:
    • Click on the Start button or press the Win key on your keyboard.
  2. Navigate to the Application Folder:
    • Scroll through the list of programs to find the EKM Insight Data Collection Application folder.
    • Click on the folder to expand it.
  3. Open the Application
    • Click on EKM Insight DCA Console to launch the application.
  4. Access Utilities:
    • Once the application is open, look for the Utilities menu at the top of the window.
    • Click on Utilities.
  5. Stop the Monitor:
    • In the Utilities menu, select Stop Monitor.
  6. Start the Monitor:
    • Go back to the Utilities menu and select Start Monitor.
How do I identify if the DCA is now reporting?
  1. Open the Start Menu:
    • Click on the Start button or press the Win key on your keyboard.
  2. Navigate to the Application Folder
    • Scroll through the list of programs to find the EKM Insight Data Collection Application folder.
    • Click on the folder to expand it.
  3. Open the Application:
    • Click on EKM Insight DCA Console to launch the application.
  4. Verify the Application Status:
    • Once the application is open, look for the status indicators.
    • Ensure there is a green checkmark next to:
      • Service Status
      • Connected to XMPP Server
      • Connected to Portal Server

These green checkmarks indicate that the application is reporting correctly.

How do I add an IP Address range to the DCA?
  1. Open the Start Menu:
    • Click on the Start button or press the Win key on your keyboard.
  2. Navigate to the Application Folder:
    • Scroll through the list of programs to find the EKM Insight Data Collection Application folder.
    • Click on the folder to expand it.
  3. Open the Application in Administrator Mode:
    • Right-click on EKM Insight DCA Console.
    • Select Run as administrator from the context menu. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the application to run with administrative privileges.
  4. Navigate to Application Settings:
    • Once the application is open, look for the Application Settings tab.
    • Click on the Application Settings tab to open it.
  5. Add a New Discovery Range:
    • In the Application Settings tab, locate the Discovery Ranges group.
    • Click on the Add button to add a new range.
  6. Edit the IP Address:
    • A new range will be added to the list.
    • Click on the new range to edit the IP Address as needed.

These steps should help you manage the discovery ranges within the EKM Insight DCA Console. You may also email support@sosfla.com with the IP Addresses or IP Ranges you would like to add and we will gladly add them for you.

How do I resolve a licensing error during installation?
Please verify that the Service Provider code and License Key are being entered in the correct boxes. The Service Provider code will be prompted first.
What if I need to reinstall the DCA?
Please reach out to 鶹ý team to obtain a new license key and provider code. You can reach them by phone at 407-830-7950 or via email at support@sosfla.com
Is the DCA functioning if the HP JAMC Status has a red x instead of a green checkmark?
Yes, the HP JAMC Status can be ignored during installation.
Who do I contact for further assistance?
Please contact 鶹ý team to get a new license key and provider code. You can reach them by phone at 407-830-7950 or via email at support@sosfla.com

Questions?

Don't hesitate to contact us with any inquiries.