Loftware Connector for SAP: Linking SAP® with your Enterprise Labeling Infrastructure

The Loftware Connector for SAP Applications takes ERP system label printing to a new level, driving a seamless flow of supply chain and manufacturing operations. Organizations that use the Loftware Connector for SAP Applications are able to:

• Centralize control of the SAP label printing function
• Easily integrate SAP Applications with the label printer infrastructure
• Improve label production throughput with no coding changes to the label originating SAP Applications
• Ensure fast and reliable label production utilizing Loftware capabilities to support load dividing, automatic failover, and automatic notification of label printing status
• Offload the resource intensive task of creating and printing labels from business-critical SAP Applications to deliver better system performance
• Eliminate maintenance programming requirements by using menu-driven

Unmatched SAP Integration Options

The Loftware Connector for SAP Applications provides the greatest range of SAP integration options available from any vendor in the industry.

The Loftware Connector for SAP Applications supports SAP label printing via:

• External Output Management System (BC/XOM XMI) Call
• RFC Listening (Call Function, Destination)
• IDoc via ALE

The ‘No Coding Required’ Solution

The Loftware Connector for SAP Applications is the ‘no coding required’ labeling solution. It seamlessly integrates with the spooling system in your SAP instance. The SAP instance issues a label request and inserts it into the standard SAP spooler queue. The Loftware Connector, working with a Loftware Print Server® (or multiple Loftware Print Servers) delivers the right label to the right printer at the right time. The Loftware Connector for SAP Applications not only assures fast and reliable transmission of the data needed for label processing from SAP, but also intelligently filters and automatically collects and retrieves any additional label data needed to successfully complete the request. This powerful feature eliminates custom scripting and other cumbersome tasks required to implement a full-scale enterprise-wide labeling system. The Loftware Connector for SAP Applications creates a single, integrated, SAP-driven label output management solution out of multiple heterogeneous printers and printer networks, regardless of whether those printers are located near the SAP instance or dispersed globally. Now you can have a centralized configuration and label output management control point for all manufacturing, warehouse and supply locations worldwide, and view the label production from within the SAP spooler using existing standard SAP tools.

High Throughput Label Production

The Loftware Connector for SAP 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 SAP Applications includes Filters that address all of the special Business Logic associated with corporate marking systems without having to change SAP 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 transaction. 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 SAP Applications enables you to print multiple label formats, use multiple printer types, and automatically determine which label or labels to print and where to print them.

SAP Label Printing

Label print requests can be triggered via any of the following events in SAP:

• User exit/business add-in
• Custom transaction
• Output determination
• Work flow events
• Standard output control

Print data lookups from the Loftware Connector for SAP Application System may take any of the following forms: call any SAP-provided or custom RFC; call any SAP-provided or custom BAPI; or query any SAP-provided or custom data dictionary table or view. Print data lookups from the Loftware Connector for SAP to other business systems may be made by using SQL Statements, Web Services, File Transfer, as well as other mechanisms. Simple cross-reference lookups may be maintained directly in the Loftware Connector for SAP.

What happens if a label reprint request does not include all of the required data?
A very powerful feature of the Loftware Connector for SAP Applications is its ability to dynamically configure and retrieve label content data not available originating Label Print Requests. The additional label content data necessary to complete a label request, can come from the originating SAP Application database and/or from any other application or database. Technical Support Loftware backs its product offerings with a team of industry professionals dedicated to delivering outstanding technical support. Also available from the Loftware website are downloadable upgrades and documentation.