PaperCut Hive vs PaperCut MF: Which Print Management Solution Is Right for Your Business?

As businesses continue to embrace hybrid working, cloud technology, and stronger cybersecurity measures, print management has become more important than ever.

Two of the most popular solutions available today are PaperCut Hive and PaperCut MF. Both help organisations improve print security, reduce waste, control costs, and gain visibility over their print environment. However, they are designed for different types of organisations and IT infrastructures.

So, which one is right for your business?

In this guide, we'll compare PaperCut Hive and PaperCut MF, highlighting their key features, benefits, and ideal use cases.

What Is PaperCut?

PaperCut is one of the world's leading print management software providers, helping organisations manage printing, scanning, and copying more effectively.

PaperCut solutions allow businesses to:

• Reduce printing costs

• Improve document security

• Enable secure print release

• Track printing activity

• Support sustainability initiatives

• Simplify printer management

The two primary solutions available today are PaperCut Hive and PaperCut MF.

What Is PaperCut Hive?

PaperCut Hive is a cloud-native print management solution designed for modern workplaces.

Unlike traditional print management systems, Hive operates without a dedicated print server. Instead, it uses a cloud-based architecture that allows organisations to manage printing securely from anywhere.

PaperCut Hive is ideal for businesses that:

• Have hybrid workers

• Use cloud-first IT infrastructure

• Want minimal on-site server requirements

• Need flexible mobile printing

• Operate across multiple locations

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What Is PaperCut MF?

PaperCut MF is a server-based print management platform designed for organisations that require greater control over their print environment.

It offers advanced print management, secure print release, scanning workflows, and reporting capabilities while integrating with an organisation's existing server infrastructure.

PaperCut MF is commonly used by:

• Large organisations

• Schools and universities

• Healthcare providers

• Local authorities

• Businesses with dedicated IT departments

  
  

PaperCut Hive vs PaperCut MF: Feature Comparison

Feature	PaperCut Hive	PaperCut MF
Cloud-Based	✔	Optional
Print Server Required	✖	✔
Secure Print Release	✔	✔
Mobile Printing	✔	✔
User Authentication	✔	✔
Print Tracking & Reporting	✔	✔
Multi-Site Management	✔	✔
Cloud Administration	✔	Limited
Advanced Scan Workflows	Limited	✔
On-Premise Control	Limited	✔
IT Maintenance	Low	Higher

PaperCut Hive: Key Benefits

Simplified IT Management

One of the biggest advantages of PaperCut Hive is its serverless architecture.

Without print servers to maintain, businesses can:

• Reduce infrastructure costs

• Simplify administration

• Reduce maintenance requirements

• Improve reliability

This is particularly valuable for SMEs that may not have a dedicated IT department.

Designed for Hybrid Working

As remote and hybrid working becomes the norm, employees need the ability to print securely from multiple locations and devices.

PaperCut Hive supports:

• Mobile printing

• Remote printing

• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

• Cloud-based management

Employees can print securely whether they are in the office, working remotely, or visiting another location.

Faster Deployment

Because there is no print server infrastructure to install and maintain, PaperCut Hive can often be deployed faster than traditional print management solutions.

This means businesses can begin benefiting from improved security and cost control much sooner.

PaperCut MF: Key Benefits

Greater Control and Customisation

For organisations that require advanced control over their print environment, PaperCut MF offers extensive configuration options.

This includes:

• Advanced print policies

• Detailed reporting

• Complex user permissions

• Extensive device integration

Advanced Scanning Workflows

One area where PaperCut MF excels is document workflow automation.

Features include:

• Scan-to-email

• Scan-to-folder

• Scan-to-cloud

• OCR integration

• Automated document routing

For organisations handling large volumes of paperwork, these workflows can significantly improve efficiency.

Ideal for Large Organisations

Many schools, universities, NHS organisations, and corporate enterprises choose PaperCut MF because it integrates seamlessly with existing server infrastructure and directory services.

Organisations with dedicated IT teams often prefer the additional control that PaperCut MF provides.

Security Comparison

Both PaperCut Hive and PaperCut MF provide excellent security features.

Common security benefits include:

• Secure print release

• User authentication

• Card swipe login

• PIN code release

• Audit trails

• Print tracking

• Access control

These features help protect confidential documents from being left unattended on printers.

For most organisations, both solutions provide more than enough security to support compliance and data protection requirements.

Cost Comparison

Generally speaking:

PaperCut Hive

• Lower infrastructure costs

• No print server required

• Reduced maintenance

• Lower IT overheads

PaperCut MF

• Higher infrastructure requirements

• May require dedicated servers

• More extensive deployment

• Greater administrative control

While Hive often offers lower total ownership costs, MF can deliver exceptional value for organisations that require advanced workflows and greater customisation.

Which Businesses Should Choose PaperCut Hive?

PaperCut Hive is often the best choice for:

• Small to medium-sized businesses

• Multi-site organisations

• Hybrid workplaces

• Businesses embracing cloud technology

• Organisations wanting minimal IT management

If your goal is simplicity, flexibility, and reduced infrastructure, Hive is usually the stronger option.

Which Businesses Should Choose PaperCut MF?

PaperCut MF is typically better suited to:

• Large enterprises

• Schools and universities

• Healthcare organisations

• Government departments

• Businesses with dedicated IT teams

If your organisation requires advanced scanning workflows, extensive integrations, and complete control over your print environment, MF may be the better fit.

How MPS UK Can Help

At MPS UK, we help organisations assess their current print environment and determine which print management solution best meets their requirements.

Whether you're looking to deploy:

• PaperCut Hive

• PaperCut MF

• Secure Print Release

• Follow-Me Printing

• Cloud Print Management

Our team can provide expert guidance, installation, user training, and ongoing support.

As a trusted provider of Managed Print Services across the UK, we work with leading manufacturers including Canon, Ricoh, Lexmark, Develop, Sharp, and Konica Minolta to deliver secure and efficient print solutions.

Conclusion

Both PaperCut Hive and PaperCut MF are powerful print management solutions that help organisations improve security, reduce costs, and gain greater control over their print environment.

Choose PaperCut Hive if you want a cloud-first, serverless solution that supports hybrid working and simplifies IT management.

Choose PaperCut MF if you require advanced document workflows, extensive customisation, and greater control over your print infrastructure.

The right choice ultimately depends on your organisation's size, IT resources, and long-term digital transformation goals.

If you're unsure which solution is best for your business, contact MPS UK for a free print assessment and expert advice on selecting the right PaperCut platform.