Loftware Connector® for Java: Linking legacy applications to your labeling printing infrastructure

The Loftware Connector for Java serves as a high-speed ‘connectivity bridge’ between diverse corporate legacy systems and third-party software applications and the Loftware Print Server®. As a part of the Loftware Enterprise Label Management Solution, the Connector provides Business Managers and Information Technology Managers with the ability to:

• Centralize control of the label printing function of disparate systems
• Easily integrate internally developed systems, third party or legacy applications into one label printer infrastructure
• Improve label production throughput with no coding changes to label originating applications
• Ensure fast and reliable label production using Loftware capabilities to support load dividing, automatic failover and clustering; and automatic notification of label printing status
• Deliver increased labeling productivity without disrupting current business operations or retraining the existing end-users
• Offload the resource intensive task of creating and printing labels from business-critical applications to deliver better system performance
• Eliminate maintenance programming and keep current with changing labeling demands by using the Connector’s powerful set of business logic tool sets

Java Connectivity to the Broadest Range of Applications and Data Sources

The Loftware Connector for Java links a vast range of applications with the Loftware Print Server (or multiple Loftware Print Servers) to deliver the right label to the right printer at the right time. The Loftware Connector for Java can process label print requests from any application via customer written Java code. It can also obtain any required label data from any JDBC Compliant Data Source.

File Drop Connectivity to Legacy Systems and Third-Party Software Packages

The Loftware Connector for Java also includes a File Drop capability that enables it to receive and process label print request files sent to it by any application. File types supported are XML, PAS , CSV and XSLT. As most software applications possess the ability to create files in one or more of these file formats and to send files to another application, the File Drop capability minimizes or even eliminates the programming effortnormally required to create label print request files. The Loftware Connector for Java, at customer-configurable intervals (usually in milliseconds), sweeps a designated Scan Folder for label print request files, processes the contents, and sends the processed data to the appropriate Loftware Print Server for printing.

High Throughput Label Production

The Loftware Connector for Java enhances the processing of label print requests by way of a ‘High Speed’ Queuing System and supports label printing on a ‘large to massive’ scale –100’s to 1000’s of printers.

Intelligent Data Filtering and Decision-Making Tools

The Loftware Connector for Java incorporates filtering that addresses all of the special business logic associated with corporate label output management systems without having to change the originating applications through additional programming or customization. The basic function of a Filter is to find and add missing data to a request coming from a Label Print Request. The Loftware Connector for Java Filters makes it possible to:

• Get up and running in a shorter time frame
• Concentrate label output management and Business Logic in one place
• Remain flexible and readily adapt to changing business requirements
• Maintain Business Logic through a highly configurable interface, eliminating programming tasks

From a single Label Print Request, the Loftware Connector for Java enables you to print multiple label formats, use multiple printer types, and automatically determine which label or labels to print and how and where to print them.

What Happens If A Label Print Request Does Not Include All Of The Required Data?
A very powerful feature of the Loftware Connector for Java is its ability to be configured to dynamically retrieve label content data that is not included in the Label Print Request. The Loftware Connector for Java will retrieve the additional label content data from the originating application database and/or from any other application or database.