Understanding DCA Pricing: Transparent and Scalable Licensing for Managed Devices
The Device Collection Agent (DCA) is an essential tool for modern office technology resellers and service providers, offering critical visibility into fleet activity across networked imaging devices. When it comes to pricing, the DCA platform offers a simple, scalable, and transparent model that ensures dealers only pay for what they use.
At the heart of the DCA pricing model is a flat-rate fee of $0.25 per managed device per month. This predictable pricing structure allows dealers to plan their costs precisely while scaling their operations as they grow their managed device fleet.
A device is only considered “managed” when it is actively monitored for performance and consumables. Importantly, devices are not charged simply by being discovered.
When the DCA monitor is first installed and completes its network discovery, all identified devices are automatically set to "Reports Only" mode. Devices in this status:
Do not incur any fees
Are visible in the DCA dashboard
Can be included in fleet reports
However, there are functional limitations to "Reports Only" devices:
They do not trigger consumables alerts
They do not generate maintenance or performance notifications
This mode is ideal for preliminary assessments or for monitoring fleets where service responsibilities are not yet established.
Devices become “managed”—and therefore billable—as soon as they are switched from "Reports Only" to either:
Fully Enabled: Full data monitoring with alerts
Consumables Only: Limited to tracking toner, ink, or other supplies
Once in either of these modes, a device consumes a license and is counted toward your billing.
Licenses are sold in bundles of 250, with each bundle costing $62.50 per month. This establishes a minimum monthly commitment and aligns with the entry-level needs of most small to mid-sized resellers.
| Bundle Size | Monthly Cost | Price per Device | Status Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 Licenses | $62.50 | $0.25 | Fully Enabled / Consumables Only |
This structure allows for easy budgeting and forecasting. Once your current bundle of licenses is fully consumed, a new bundle of 250 licenses must be purchased before adding more managed devices.
The bundle-based model is designed with flexibility in mind. Dealers can:
Keep unlimited devices in "Reports Only" mode without cost
Activate devices into billable status only as client contracts and service needs require
Scale in predictable increments as business expands
By using "Reports Only" as a staging ground, resellers can strategically transition devices to "managed" status when financially or operationally appropriate.
The DCA pricing model offers clarity, control, and scalability. With zero-cost discovery, meaningful staging capability through "Reports Only" status, and manageable license increments, dealers can grow their managed services business at a pace that fits their resources and strategy.
Related Reading:
EKM Insight Network Security Overview: Ensure safe, secure DCA deployment with encrypted, outbound-only communication, no user data collection, and full compliance with global standards.