PRint PD417 2D barcode in ZPL via smartforms

[Former Member]

Hello all,

We've a requirement to print a PD417 2D barcode on a label. We're using a Zebra printer to print this label so in the smartform we generate ZPL code.

This 2d barcode is created from a string we create in the smartform. See the ZPL code below:

^FO50,465CVY^BY3,2.0B7N,8,5,,40,N^FR

^{FDUNH60000001IFTMIN:D:96B:UNVGL1.6/CUSTOM1.0'BGM787&VAR1&9'&VAR2&'&VAR3&'&VAR4&TODZ02CPT'&VAR5&'NADCN++&VAR6&'GID01'MEAWT+&VAR7&'PCIZZ1+&VAR8&'&VAR9&}FS

As you can see it it's actually a EDIFACT message.

If we send this code to the printer SAP places a space between some fields. In the above example SAP will place a space between 9' and &VAR1& which results in an error when you read the EDIFACT message. In the coding there is no space but some how SAP places this space before sending it to the printer.

We currently running SAP ECC 6.0...

Anyone seen this issue before or does anyone know a solution?

Kind rgds,

Patrick

[Former Member]

All thanks for the quick reply!

I've solved the issue eventually by changing the device type to LB_ZEB2. We used a other "Z" device type and probable this type does a false translation of the ZPL code.

Anyway, thanks and I rewarded points to you both!

[aidan_black]

Hi,

For the Zebra ZPL2 printers, the barcode fonts are resident in the printer itself. To print 2D barcodes to a Zebra ZPL2 printer, it is recommended to necessary to use a sapscript form and the workaround method described in SAP note #179534.

The label with the 2D barcode must firstly be designed via a third party program like Zebra's label design program BAR-ONE. All print data including all printer sequences are created by this program and uploaded into the SAP system. Basically you design the label with the third party software and then you upload the label file to a standard text in SAP via transaction so10. Then the text is copied to the MAIN window of your SAPSCRIPT form. This also contains the

ZPL2 print commands.

SAP only replaces the symbols and besides that it sends the print data which was uploaded to the printer. The device types LB_ZEB or LB_ZEB2 should be used to create the spool and print.

regards,

Aidan

[Former Member]

Hello

In general, the steps of note SAP 197177 are used for 2D barcodes.

In SMARTFORMS a command node instead of a PRINT CONTROL command (SAPScripts) is used.

You can also check via the method 2 of Note 5799, what is the actual command sequence sent to the printer is.

I hpe this helps you troubleshoot further.

Regards.