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FTLabelPrint

FTLabelPrint has parameters that allow multiple printers to run from a command line (different threads to different printers) as an application under FormTrap Server. A general summary of features is shown below, the remainder of this section describes how to run within the FormTrap Server.

These days FTForm Plus with suitable Barcode Printers may be a better option, please consult FormTrap Support for details.

Preliminary

  1. Install FTLabelPrint in the %fthome% folder. This is the production copy, do NOT use the program for label design, that should be done with another copy on a development machine.
  2. Install a printer driver for each different type of specialized label printer from Seagull ( http://www.seagullscientific.com/aspx/free-windows-printer-drivers-for-label-printers.aspx).
  3. Define a new sub-folder under %fthome% (example %fthome%\FTLP) and copy label definitions required (.lap files) to that folder.

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Setup Instructions

In Setup, Applications add an entry for each label format to each printer. It is NOT good practice to define more than one label for one printer, as FTLabelPrint applications each run in their own thread and could conceivable conflict.

Name should contain the printer and label format.

Description should contain the same information expressed fully in local terms, and should nominate the data source if it is from another FormTrap queue. This is your opportunity to document your decisions as it is unlikely this entry will be disturbed for some months or even years.

Path is to the executable, and is as shown if you followed the preliminary instructions.

Arguments - please look at the FTLabelPrint appendix for full information.

  • Path to Label Definition, %fthome%\FTLP\sscc.lap in the example
  • Printer parameter /lp"Zebra Z" in the example
  • Options parameter /po "merge=%1" nosync in the example. %1 substitutes the file redirected from another queue or file direct from the source computer. File MUST BE ASCII, not Unicode. nosync allows this copy to run in its own thread.

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General Comments on FTLabelPrint

FTLabelPrint provides for design and printing of simple one-page black and white documents to a Windows printer. The program is normally used to output labels via barcode printers, with full selection of barcode types and formats as well as the full range of Windows fonts.

This program can be used with ANY printer with a Windows printer driver.

Running within the FormTrap Server makes FTLabelPrint available automatically and unattended to AS/400 and Unix systems as well as Windows systems. Further, FormTrap itself can be used to construct files to run as labels using the FormTrap "Associated Files" (generated from Version 8 Delivery tags) from from documents such as invoices or other shipping documentation (typical use is shipping labels incorporating SSCC codes on pallets).

Summary of Features

  • Able to print to any Windows printer, including barcode printers from Zebra, Paxar, Intermec, Datamax, sales slip printers, ticket printers, driver's license printers etc.
  • Most common formats of barcode are supported, including PDF417.
  • Calculates check digits where required, optionally takes the data one character short and calculates the check digit.
  • Will NOT print if the provided data is incorrect (Check Digit or wrong format).
  • Full UPC/EAN coding systems available (also known as GS1).
  • UPC-128/EAN-128 bar codes, including validation of the Application Identifier with valid data checking against the Application Identifier and automatic compression of data (technical, but if you plan to use UPC-128 barcodes this will make sense).
  • Fixed or variable graphic insertion. Includes image scaling and alignment within the user-defined frame.
  • Easily and fully automated when used in conjunction with FormTrap Server.
  • Use as a called routine from other system (non-FormTrap systems) and for direct (keyed) input as a GUI program.
  • Multiple copies of a label held within data records or via parameter at the file level (collated or not).
  • CSV or named CSV files (variable field names are defined via the CSV file, protecting label printing from changes in the parent spread sheet).
  • FLAT (Fixed Length ASCII Text) files
  • Files produced as FormTrap Associated Files
  • FTLabelPrint=names,Invoice,Customer,Name,Address 1,Address 2,Town,State,Postcode,Country FTLabelPrint=data,I12345,C54321,Aardvark Inc.,1 Main Road,Suite 1001,Mainsville,NJ,07040,USA
  • This allows sourcing data from a standard system report such as shipping documents or invoices and forwarding that data to the label printing function - automatically.

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