Systems and methods for monitoring printer usage in new and existing printer systems. In some cases, the systems include retrofitting a an existing printer and printer controlled combination. Such a retrofit can include a monitor coupled to the printer that is operable to provide an indication of status associated with the printer, and a microprocessor based system controller that includes a computer readable medium comprising instructions executable by the microprocessor to: receive an operator command; format the operator command into a command compatible with the printer and printer controller combination; provide the command compatible with the printer and printer controller combination to the printer controller; and receive the indication of status associated with the printer from the monitor. other methods and systems are also disclosed.