How Labels are Printed

1. The customer must generate a valid ZPL Label string.
1. "ZPL" (Zebra Programming Language) is a command-based language used by labelers and printers as a set of instructions that create the visual image that is printed on a label.
2. The ZPL Label string will include instructions for printing the barcode(s), the alpha-numeric readout of the barcode(s), any other text present on the label, and instructions for positioning and sizing of all of those elements on the label.
2. When we scan the product at a barcode scanner (positioned before the label printer), our system asks the customer to provide that ZPL Label string.
1. "Our system" is typically either a PLC, a BOSS RTC, a ICW Controller, or an MC4 Controller.
2. This is typically in the form of a 'label request', in which we send the customer a message that contains the barcode that we scanned.
3. The barcode that we scan is typically the SKU, but can be any other barcode already present on the item.
3. The customer sends the ZPL Label string to our system.
1. This is typically in the form of 'label data', in which the customer sends us a message containing the barcode that we scanned above, alongside the ZPL Label string.
4. Our system passes that ZPL Label string to the label printer.
1. This communication is commonly over ethernet, directly between our system and the label printer itself.
5. The label printer interprets the ZPL Label string, turning it into instructions that it uses to print the desired label.
6. The label printer applicator is responsible for physically 'tamping' the printed label down, onto the top of the product.
7. After being printed and applied, the resultant label is scanned at a 'verify scanner' positioned just after the printer.
1. If the label is not readable, the product itself is typically rejected, requiring that the bad label be removed and the item be reprinted.
8. Our system will often send the results of the above 'verification' to the customer, informing them that this specific item has been inducted into the rest of the building.
1. This is typically in the form of 'label verify', in which we send the customer a message containing the newly-printed barcode, as well as some flag indicating that the item was allowed to be inducted into the building.

The Communication Path

1. Customer -> Warehouse Software Solution
1. Warehouse Software Solutions may involve any number among WCS (Warehouse Control System), WMS (Warehouse Management System), and WES (Warehouse Execution System).
2. Sometimes referred to as 'Middleware'
3. While Intelligrated does offer Warehouse Software Solutions, some customers elect to use their own instead.
2. Warehouse Software Solution -> Intelligrated Control System
1. Intelligrated Control Systems include PLC, BOSS RTCs, ICW Controllers, and MC4 Controllers.
3. Intelligrated Control System -> Label Printer
1. Common printers include Zebra (traditionally the ZE500) as well as Panther printers.

Example ZPL Label string