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AndrewValenzuel

Printing Documents Automatically Using Power Automate

I've decided to write this solution for anyone that needs to be able to print automatically from flow.  The solution is pretty easy, but you need a few things first:

  1. A multifunction printer that supports POP3 email protocol (if you can scan to email from your copier it means you likely have POP3 capabilities too.  Most modern copiers have this ability.)
  2. An email address that is dedicated to only this task.

The workflow of this solution is simple:  

  1. Create a PDF in Flow
  2. Email that PDF to your dedicated email address
  3. The copier checks for incoming email and prints off the attached PDF

OK, you're still here.  Let's begin.  

For this task I will be using Gmail, and a Kyocera Copier.

EMAIL SETUP

Requirements:  

  • The email must have POP enabled (gmail, yahoo, and outlook need this protocol enabled manually, it's easy).
  • If you use Gmail, the advanced security must be turned off.
  • You cannot use 2 factor verification. 
  • This email MUST BE dedicated to this task (or else one day you may find your copier has printed 500 pages of "$$%^:) ¢bσµ...."
  1. Go to gmail.com and setup a new PERSONAL GMAIL ACCOUNT.
  2. Once setup go to "settings" and enable "POP" for all mail: 
     
  3. Go to your Google account settings and turn on "Less Secure App Access":

Article_1.png

That's it for the email.

 

SETUP THE COPIER

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Your copier must support POP3 protocol.  
  • Note:  not all copiers that support POP3 will print email attachments.  Most major brands support this feature: Kyocera, Ricoh, Brother.  Some manufactures require you to purchase a special software addon call I-FAX to do this.
  • You can only print the following: .pdf, .xps, .jpg, .png, .txt.  Some copiers support other file types for direct print, but .pdf is universally accepted.  
  • The copier must have valid network settings.  (IP address, Gateway, DNS).

Article_2.png

  1. Google "pop settings for (insert your chosen email provider)":
     
  2. Login to your copier's REMOTE USER INTERFACE: 
    1. open a web browser
    2. type in the copier's IPv4 address into the address bar
    3. login (if you don't know the password then Google "default password (insert copiers model/make)"

Article_3.png

    3. Navigate to your copier's email settings (each manufacture is different, refer to your manual):  

    4. Enter your email's POP settings:

Article_4.png

    5. Use the test function from the Copier's web interface.

  •  If it failed check: 
    • Network settings (for most copiers you have to restart the device for network changes to take affect.  The most common problem is that the DNS settings are wrong.)
    • SSL/TLS settings:  Gmail uses SSL, others use STARTTLS which they sometimes refer to as just "TLS".
    • Wrong password.
    • Email's security settings (on the server's end).

That's it, happy printing.  If you need help contact me.  Keep in mind not all copiers support this.  And to set this up properly you need to know basic networking and a little bit about how email clients work. 

Comments

Really nice its super helpful!!!!!!

 

I don't know how to edit this.  Gmail's "Less secure apps" is now disabled.  You will need to create an app password after enabling 2FA to get gmail to work with a copier/printer.  Same for microsoft and yahoo. 

Hello Andrew,

May i know the Company name of the maker of the IFAX, I'm trying to find out about the pricing however I can see more than one IFAX softwares.

About the Author
  • Experienced Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Office 365, Azure, SharePoint Online, PowerShell, Nintex, K2, SharePoint Designer workflow automation, PowerApps, Microsoft Flow, PowerShell, Active Directory, Operating Systems, Networking, and JavaScript. Strong consulting professional with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) focused in Information Technology from Mumbai University.
  • I am a Microsoft Business Applications MVP and a Senior Manager at EY. I am a technology enthusiast and problem solver. I work/speak/blog/Vlog on Microsoft technology, including Office 365, Power Apps, Power Automate, SharePoint, and Teams Etc. I am helping global clients on Power Platform adoption and empowering them with Power Platform possibilities, capabilities, and easiness. I am a leader of the Houston Power Platform User Group and Power Automate community superuser. I love traveling , exploring new places, and meeting people from different cultures.
  • Read more about me and my achievements at: https://ganeshsanapblogs.wordpress.com/about MCT | SharePoint, Microsoft 365 and Power Platform Consultant | Contributor on SharePoint StackExchange, MSFT Techcommunity
  • Encodian Owner / Founder - Ex Microsoft Consulting Services - Architect / Developer - 20 years in SharePoint - PowerPlatform Fan
  • Founder of SKILLFUL SARDINE, a company focused on productivity and the Power Platform. You can find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/manueltgomes and twitter http://twitter.com/manueltgomes. I also write at https://www.manueltgomes.com, so if you want some Power Automate, SharePoint or Power Apps content I'm your guy 🙂
  • I am the Owner/Principal Architect at Don't Pa..Panic Consulting. I've been working in the information technology industry for over 30 years, and have played key roles in several enterprise SharePoint architectural design review, Intranet deployment, application development, and migration projects. I've been a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) 15 consecutive years and am also a Microsoft Certified SharePoint Masters (MCSM) since 2013.
  • Big fan of Power Platform technologies and implemented many solutions.
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