PrimeSource Building Products

Prior to contacting Pragmatyxs, PrimeSource's internal order verification process relied exclusively on a manual process. Unfortunately, this meant the process was labor intensive and error prone. Pragmatyxs developed a material tracking solution to quickly and effective meet PrimeSource's compliance requirements.

Find out how Pragmatyxs implemented a wireless order verification application for PrimeSource

Loftware Connector

Loftware Connector is a Java-based software application that acts as a high speed "connectivity bridge" between your UNIX based applications and the Loftware Print Server. Intelligent data filtering and decision making tools can be harnessed to abstract the complexities of high volume RFID or barcode label printing from your application. The connector is typically used in larger, high volume barcode systems or RFID software applications, which makes it an excellent choice for ERP and WMS solutions.

Features

• General
  • Tools for adding Barcode Labeling and RFID tagging support to enterprise applications running on UNIX based systems
  • Sends general print/tag requests to the Loftware Print Server (LPS) through a high speed TCP/IP socket
  • General requests are translated "on-the-fly" to device specific language on the LPS side thus enabling the use of any Thermal Transfer Printer or RFID reader/writer
  • Multiple requests are queued for each target printer or RFID device with full error recovery and guaranteed delivery
  • Queuing system allows for printing on a "large to massive" scale
  • Multiple LPS servers can be accessed with a single Connector
  • Seamless support for Oracle WMS and MSCA applications
  • Java API allows connectivity to the LPS from any Java or J2EE application
  • Enhance and alter "generic" requests using Filters
  • Automatic Label Format folder organization hides the complexities of having separate label formats and target printers for each customer and/or label type
  • Print Status available on job basis
  • Browser based Configuration Console for managing all connector settings
  
  

• Filters

  Several items are needed to create a valid print request that may not be available to your program at the time that the request was made. "Filters" may be setup to cause the Connector to retrieve or calculate any data that is missing from the request "on-the-fly" at print time.

  • Format Substitution - the Connector determines which specific label to print when printing a request with a generic label format. For example: your request may specify a "shipping" label. The filter then figures out that the actual label to use is "walmart_ship1" based on the customer number in the data.
  • Group Expansion - generates a set of labels based on a single print request. This filter creates additional requests for other labels using the request data. For example: convert a request for a shipping label into a request for a shipping label and a bill of lading label.
  • Instance Expansion - with "instance expansion" the Connector can create multiple instances of a specific label included in a label group print request. For example: by passing a single request for the shipping group the Connector can print a shipping label for each item in the shipment and a single bill of lading label.
  • Print Attribute Substitution - Automatically set attributes like _PRINTERNAME and _QUANTITY based on other attributes and/or data included in your request.
  • Data Lookup - add information to a label not available in the original print request. For example: compute a serial number based on the product number.
  • Database Query - allows for database SELECT statements against tables or views in any JDBC supported database. Print request variables can be used for WHERE clause parameters.
  • Stored Procedure - assign data in your request to "kick off" a stored procedure.
  • Java Method - invoke a Java Class object based on data in your request.
  • Literal Value - use this when replacing values with data that do not change. For example: a default value such as company phone number or address.


• Configuration Console
  • Browser-based
  • Provides read/write access to all Connector settings
  • Password Protected for secure access
  • Runs as Windows Service or UNIX Daemon
  • Auto-Discover all LPS servers on your network
  • Test modes for testing the connection to the Loftware Print Server (LPS)
  • Filter and Label group setup Wizards

Applications

• Enterprise and Global Label Printing
• Oracle WMS, MCSA or Applications Label Integration
• High Volume Label Printing

Product Links

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Rich Mobile and Wireless Applications: Usability and Performance Without the Headache
On the desktop we have seen the migration from "green screen" business applications to client-server and now a hybrid of the two — browser-based interfaces. In large mission-critical business deployments these server centric solutions have been favored by the short-handed IT departments that support them. The attraction of central management is often justified over the lesser user experience. In the wireless real-time handheld computer space we have seen a similar move from character-based telnet applications to browser applications. Telnet applications are still prevalent, but the growth of smarter handheld computers and abundant access to web developers has led to more and more browser deployments. Though the user is given a more graphical interface it can be at the cost of performance and functionality. How can businesses deliver rich solutions and not break the bank supporting them?(Read more...).

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