User guide

Printing Labels from SAP R/3 2009

Printing methods

Introduction

This white paper presents the options for bar code label printing from SAP R/3. It describes the

fundamentals of different printing methods and provides the pros and cons for each method.

The available output methods for label printing from SAP R/3 are:

• Upload Method (SAPscript)

The labels are created in NiceLabel software and uploaded into R3 through

SAPscript programming. This easy method is commonly used but lacks some

functionality that is available with the other methods. The label can be printed only

to the printer for which the export was made.

• Automated Printing (Middleware)

The labels are created and printed in NiceLabel software that acts as a middle-ware

on some PC computer. The data for the label coming from SAP system is

processed by NiceLabel software, which produces the appropriate printer command

file and sends it to the printer. The same label design can be printed to multiple

printers, not just one.

• Batch printing – JOB command files (Middleware)

Similar to Automated Printing, only the incoming file with data from SAP is

formatted differently.

SAP recommends Upload Method, but with the PC-based labeling software (middle-ware) NiceLabel

you can also use the Automated Printing or Batch Printing options that will give you more versatility

and freedom for your label layouts.

There are some other methods to print labels from SAP R/3 that are not connected to the

NiceLabel software. Those two methods will be mentioned briefly in the document.

• SAPWin

• Direct printing from SAP (SAP Smart Forms)

Upload Method

The upload method has been recommended by SAP as the most popular way to print bar code labels.

You can use NiceLabel software for bar code label design and preparation of the ITF file. The ITF file

contains description of the label. To actually prepare the ITF file use the command Export to SAP in

NiceLabel Pro. The SAPscript ITF file is uploaded to SAP R/3 system and labels with bar codes are

printed directly from SAP system without any middleware or additional label processing. This operation

is also very user friendly because there is no need for users to understand the printer’s programming

language.

NiceLabel software is used solely for label design. After you have designed the label with NiceLabel,

SAP R/3 handles all procedures. You do not have to maintain any middleware solution.

For detailed information about the Upload method please refer to the chapter