Centralized, automated & fast label printing
Automation and database-based label printing should do one thing above all: avoid errors and reduce costs.
Instead of using a separate label for each product, the aim should be to work with shared blank templates and fill them with content from a database.
At the time of label printing, the required data is selected or entered within special print dialogs or triggered by special events. Events that can trigger a print are, for example, the saving of files that contain print data - furthermore: entries on the printer, the operation of a scale or scanner, a change in a database and much more.
So the question is, how can misprints and costs be avoided?
High costs can arise, for example, if too many labels are used. If changes are necessary, each label must be adapted. When using memory cards, it must be ensured that the print data is always up-to-date. How often do changes and updates occur? And, above all, how much effort is involved?
Changes in a shared database, on the other hand, are made quickly and are available immediately.
A central database provides all shared data.
In a decentralized printing environment, each workstation requires corresponding printing software that accesses shared data. In a centralized printing environment, a common automation software that reacts to events at the workstations could be used.
Why the cloud?
A cloud environment is primarily about being able to access shared data as easily as possible from any location (e.g. home office). Ideally, all templates, files, etc. and SQL data are managed in the cloud so that every user can use the same data.
Valentin or Loftware / NiceLabel?
For optimum printer support, the original Valentin software and drivers are the best choice. If printing from any Windows application, the Valentin driver should also be used.
Loftware/NiceLabel is required for Automation and Cloud. However, please note that this software is only available as a subscription.
The entire label printing process on a single platform
Locally on site or in the cloud
Loftware offers two different systems for mapping complex label printing systems and standardizing them throughout the company.
- NiceLabel LMS for local installation
- Loftware Cloud, for using data shared in the cloud, but with local implementation of the printing solutions.
Both systems are available in different configurations.
Automated label printing from anywhere,
whether in the local network
or in the cloud ...
Nicelabel LMS – a comprehensive label management system
The NiceLabel LMS is a comprehensive system for companies that want to implement a quality management system and/or automate their printing processes. The LMS software includes everything needed to standardize, centralize and control labeling processes.
The Nicelabel LMS software is available in two versions: Pro and Enterprise. These differ significantly in their features. The Enterprise version includes a label designer, an Automation configurator and manager, a document management system with quality assurance, an online printing system, an integrated printing system, a non-production environment and a change and transport system. It is scalable from five to practically any number of users and can be extended to include remote sites, suppliers and contract manufacturers.
If a document management system is not required, but automation is, the simpler Automation Easy version can also be used. This is already included in the PowerForms Suite.
Loftware Cloud – the label management system for the cloud
Loftware Cloud is the further development of the previous locally installable desktop applications. Loftware Cloud is available in different versions. The following overview shows which version corresponds approximately to the previous versions:
- Cloud Designer – NiceLabel Pro
- Cloud Essential – NiceLabel PowerForms Suite
- Cloud Business – NiceLabel LMS Pro
- Cloud Compliance – NiceLabel LMS Enterprise
In principle, all cloud software can also be used locally as before. The main advantage is that all data can be stored and used in the cloud. Setting up different users has also become much easier. It is relatively easy to access shared data from different locations, from the home office or even from customers or suppliers.
However, secure access to shared data for internal and external users is much easier to set up. A decisive advantage.
Loftware software as a subscription
The cloud and locally installable software is now only available as a subscription model. The bookable period is usually one year and is extended accordingly. However, the previous maintenance contracts no longer apply, so that you can always work with the latest software automatically.
In addition, online training courses are available for a fee, in which basic functions of the software are explained. Extended support contracts are available as an option.
Loftware Licensing
Licensing is printer-based. This means that every printer used (incl. IP address) is counted as a license, regardless of whether it is used locally or via online access. A printer that has not been used for seven days releases its license again.
Downloads & Links
System administration
The following description refers to the LMS Enterprise software. In principle, it also applies to the corresponding cloud versions.
Document management system
The Document Management System (DMS) was developed specifically for labeling purposes and is an HTML5 web application that stores all documents in a centralised, indexed database. The web application offers a browser-based user interface that enables enterprise-wide access and faster design and approval processes without the need to install or manage software on local computers.
The Control Center as a central administration point
Secure centralized storage
All label documents are stored in a central SQL database. Users check documents in and out to prevent potential conflicts caused by multiple users editing the same documents at the same time.
Automated versioning
Versioning allows multiple users to make changes to a document without overwriting previous versions. It furthermore helps track all changes and creates a change history.
Unique indexing and search functions
All label template elements are indexed for quick and easy searching. This allows templates to be found, compared visually and changed more quickly. Not only can labels be searched by name, they can also be searched by content such as text fields, variables, fonts and barcodes. The database repository outputs instant results from the entire labeling environment to help eliminate redundant or duplicate label variations.
Secure electronic approval workflows
The publication approval process automates the submission of label documents to quality control managers for review and approval. All stakeholders are notified by email and can approve or reject changes from within the web application.
Label comparison enables quality assurance
The label comparison feature arranges two labels or versions side by side and graphically highlights the differences. This makes it easy to spot differences unnoticeable to the human eye. This results in unprecedented levels of quality control, label data accuracy and unique template consolidation capabilities.
User, process and device management
In addition to document protection, it is equally important for access to the labeling system itself to be correspondingly strictly secured.
Secure, role-based access control
Role-based access control (RBAC) controls access to documents and resources according to the roles (permissions, responsibilities) of individual users. RBAC is supported via Windows Active Directory authentication. NiceLabel provides administrators with unlimited possibilities for granting users precisely the level of access they need. Simultaneously, administrators also have the controls to ensure users only gain access to specific software functions (e.g. label design, manual printing) and documents (label templates).
Device management and notifications help keep unplanned downtime as short as possible
Device management and notifications provide a real-time overview of all connected printers, active print jobs and connected clients to allow IT support to quickly resolve outage issues. Notifications of error states can be issued automatically by email.
History and reports enable full traceability
The history and reporting functions provide full traceability of all label printing and label change processes. All records are retained and can be accessed for internal and regulatory audits.
Non-production environment
LMS Enterprise includes a development environment – in which changes are first carried out – and a production environment that is used by end users. Additional third or fourth level environments are licensed separately.
Change & Transport System
The NiceLabel Change & Transport System (CTS) is a tool for transporting changes between development and production environments. The system also enables changes to be transferred between decentralised servers.
Print management and analysis
Printed labels are automatically archived and can be reprinted as required. At the same time, it is also possible to analyse the labels and printers that are most frequently used. This allows optimisations to be achieved, e.g. by replacing rarely used labels.
Loftware Cloud
Loftware Cloud
Loftware Cloud shifts all document management processes, user administration, etc., directly to the cloud (Microsoft Azure platform), thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated server. Only the label design is performed locally, but this is location-independent.
Central administration
Administration is performed centrally by the administrator from any PC using a dedicated account.
Registered users (internal or external) receive an email following activation by the administrator and can log in directly, download the client software as required, install it and activate it via the account.
Saving label templates
Loftware Cloud provides a centralised and secure storage system for all labels and other project files. Users can access the latest version of a label template at any time and from anywhere via a secure browser.
Approval of label templates
Loftware Cloud digitizes the quality assurance workflow. Documents can be marked for review and approval once they have been completed. The quality control manager is automatically informed and can approve or reject the changes (versioning).
Applications
Loftware Cloud allows customized labeling to be used throughout the company. Moreover, it can be extended to external business partners, such as suppliers, contractual partners and third-party logistics providers, so that each partner can print the data that is intended for them.
Printing is performed via locally installed printers.
Loftware Cloud helps companies of all sizes manage labels, from label design through to printing – and every step in between.
Integration
Active automation projects can be controlled under Integrations. Furthermore, special cloud applications can be integrated from which a print process can be started.
The printing process
Company users or external service providers can log into Loftware Cloud via their account, load the desired label template and print it locally. This ensures that every user always works with up-to-date data and the templates intended for them.
Printing can be done either directly from the Control Center or via a print application (Web Client).
Please note that each printer used requires a license. The maximum number of printers can be specified in the applications.
Remote maintenance
Remote access allows administrators to access the Control Center at any time, to customize settings, check controllers, etc. It is also possible to make access available to a NiceLabel employee, allowing him or her to offer assistance at any time.
Other advantages
Licensing is based on the number of printers used, so each user can download and use the software they need. If there are three label designers, the software can also be installed and used on three PCs. Likewise, if there are five locations, each with different printer lines to be mapped in Automation, the software can also be used as often as needed. The number of printers in actual use is the only limitation.
Loftware Cloud Designer
Those who do not need the extensive functions such as automation, approval and analysis procedures can use the Loftware Cloud Designer. This offers all the options of a locally installed designer, with the storage and printing function in the cloud i.e. different users can access common data in the cloud. However, the design of the labels takes place locally.
Labels are normally designed locally, but can now also be designed directly in the ControlCenter in the cloud. This means that changes can be made to various label files from any PC via the “Edit” menu item without having to install any software.
Downloads & Links
Integriertes Drucksystem
Automation
Companies can significantly reduce their printing expenses and achieve new levels of accuracy and productivity by leveraging the unique integration capabilities of the Automation module. The functions of the Automation module enable the integration and automation of printing from the company’s existing systems. With Automation, complex print processes can be simplified, errors prevented and printing productivity improved. Predefined data inputs, data mapping, individual mapping of the printing environment and printing processes facilitate the most accurate representation of the existing system. Setting up different production lines separately also simplifies the maintenance of one line while the other areas remain active.
Prefabricated configuration elements simplify implementation
Automation is scalable in order to meet a broad range of integration requirements of practically any number of printers. It provides unique options for connecting to other barcode labelling applications – ranging from simple file monitoring and the latest web services technology to predefined integration with SAP® and Oracle applications.
Data mapping enables no-code integration
Loftware Automation receives and transforms data in any desired format, thereby rendering the adaptation of existing systems or applications unnecessary. The integrated data filtering tool helps extract data from common file formats such as XML, CSV or other text files, and assign variables.
Configurable workflows
Existing workflows can be mapped through different actions on the basis of individual logic. Incoming data can control these actions as needed, making different workflows possible with just a single configuration aided by conditional queries. In other words, the label templates, printers and other logics to be used are dynamically determined depending upon the input data.
Proven production line mapping can then be copied and connected to different data sources. This allows the system to be expanded as desired without having to “reinvent the wheel”.
Error prevention = cost savings
Having hundreds of different label templates or printing data on a memory card should finally be consigned to the past.
Dynamic contents belong in a database whereas variable contents, such as print triggers, should reside in a text file. This allows any printer to be controlled with standardised and always up-to-date data. Updates to the printing data can be achieved with just a few label templates and adjustments in a database.
This saves time and money and makes a significant contribution to error prevention.
Automation Printer Control - call up individual label data directly via input on the Valentin printer
Carl Valentin Automation Printer Control (CV-APC) is an add-on that connects Valentin printers to a TCP/IP server from Automation. This service therefore provides an additional trigger type: The printer.
Printer input - APC scheme & example
The automation welcome message is used to generate a query text (e.g. article number) and display it on the printer. This number can be entered and sent via a keyboard or scanner connected to the printer. This input initiates a trigger to which Automation responds. Printing processes are started according to the configuration in Automation.
Nested configurations can be used to display and process further subsequent queries on the printer. A database can be used to define which text is to be displayed on the printer and still needs to be queried, depending on the product.
Status dialogs can be displayed in APC to show the status of the printers used. In conjunction with an IIS server, this is also possible from other PCs or smartphones.
Printer displays – example:
Downloads & Links
