LOFTWARE, INC.


Loftware Connector Features and Specifications  

The 'General', 'Filters', and 'Configuration Console'
sections apply to all Connector Types.
Different features for the Oracle and Java
connection types are represented in their
respective sections.

Loftware Connector 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 request are queued for each target printer or RFID device with full error recovery and guarantee 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

Loftware Connector 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 which cause the Connector to retrieve or calculate any data that is missing from the request ‘on-the-fly’ at print time.

  • Format Substitution
    The Loftware 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

Configuration Console for managing all Connector related settings

Oracle WMS/MSCA - System Requirements

  • Oracle WMS or MSCA application running on UNIX, Linux, or Windows
  • Database account with DBA privileges for the target Oracle database
  • Target Oracle database must be v8.1.7x or higher
  • Oracle Java packages must be installed on the target database
  • A tablespace in the database should be identified or created for the Loftware Connector installation
  • In the case of installing from a client machine, network access to the Oracle server must be available
  • Internet Explorer 6.0 and a telnet session are required to access the forms/mobile forms respectively
  • The MWA server must be installed and configured as well as the Apps INV footprint. URL for forms and telnet URL or IP address/port number for your telnet/mobile session must be available
  • Must have a configured SQLNet connection to the target database. If running the install on the database server, have available the database service name
  • If running the setup from a Linux or UNIX machine, verify that the ORACLE_HOME environment variable is set
  • Must have the Oracle utility loadjava installed. Installation can be verified by checking the <ORACLE_HOME>/bin directory
  • Operating system must support running Java v1.3.1 or higher

Features Specific to Oracle

  • Seamless integration, no programming required
  • Setup all labels with associated data elements and target devices using the Oracle Apps configuration program
  • Label requests can be triggered via any defined Business flow or Transaction within the Oracle System such as ‘Receipt’, ‘Ship Confirm’, ‘Pick Load’, etc.
  • Requests can also be triggered via stored procedures
  • Customize and extend standard Oracle print requests using the Connectors powerful ‘Filter’ capabilities

Assigning label variables to database fields in Oracle.

Java API - System Requirements

  • UNIX, Solaris, HPUX, Linux, or Windows Workstation
  • Java J2EE 1.4 SDK
  • Java J2SE SDK version 1.4.2x  
  • J2SE 5.x is currently not supported
  • Additional requirements may exist if you wish to run the demo applications included with the Loftware Connector installation

Features specific to Java

  • Comprehensive set of Class Packages for accessing the Loftware Print Server from Java or J2EE applications
  • Extensive documentation including JDOC
  • Basic and advanced sample programs
  • Configuration sharing between multiple applications
  • Designed and tested for high volume applications
  • Easy deployment
Two Java applications sharing a single Connector/LPS configuration

Call 800-446-1991 or 513-984-2101 for the RACO Discount Price!

Specifications and pricing subject to change without notice.

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LOFTWARE LABEL MANAGER®, LLM-WIN®, LLM-WINLAN® are trademarks of Loftware, Inc.