The Labeling Answer ®
B
ARCODE
L
ABELING
S
OFTWARE
TM
The Industry Leader.
B
ar code labeling has become an integral part of nearly every
industry. The demand for an accurate, reliable, easy-to-use AS/400
bar code labeling software has made Barcode400
the industry’s choice for designing and
printing labels.
T.L. Ashford is committed exclusively
to the development of bar code labeling
software. This commitment has kept us
on the cutting edge of a diverse and
ever-changing marketplace.
Bar Code Labeling Software
T.L. Ashford’s AS/400 Barcode Labeling Software makes labeling easier than ever with a new Graphical Designer (WYSIWYG). It offers all the advantages of PC software while maintaining direct communica -tion with the AS/400. No programming is necessary .
Native AS/400 Software
(All label processing is done on the AS/400! No personal PC required)
No Programming Required:
You can print labels using your existing AS/400 DataBase without programming!
• Simply tell Barcode400 what file you want to use, then start designing your label.
• As you design the label, simply select the database field you want to use from a list and tell it where you want the data to print on your label, and how you want it to look. You can print the data field as a bar code, text string or even a graphic. Rotation, reverse image, and enlarged characters can be used to make the label look exactly the way you want.
• Once the label is designed, it is immediately ready for printing; prompt screens are automatically generated allowing you to randomly access and print labels from your AS/400 database file. Or, if you wish, batch mode can be used to automatically read the file and print labels...without programming!
Easy Integration:
Barcode400 is as flexible as you want it to be. The more technically inclined will appreciate the advanced functionality offered by this package. Because all processing is done directly on the AS/400, you can easily print labels from your existing AS/400 application programs. A few simple statements placed inside your RPG, COBOL, or CLP program instructs Barcode400 to dynamically merge variable data into a previously designed label format and print it! It easily
integrates with all AS/400 ERP / WHM Systems.
• Inside your RPG, COBOL, or CLP program you simply make a PROGRAM CALL to Barcode400, passing a few parameters: label name, label qty, name of a data structure holding data, output queue.
• Because printing with Barcode400 is external to your application program, the label printing process is completely dynamic!
• Hard coding Output Specs is no longer necessary. The label format can be changed by non-programming personnel, without changing or re-compiling your application program.
• Because the process is dynamic, different labels can be printed back-to-back simply by passing a different label name parameter. Create new label formats, change existing formats, without changing or re-compiling your
application program.
• Best of all... because the process is dynamic, you can replace your existing printer with a printer from another manufacturer, without changing or re-compiling your application program. Barcode400 will
dynamically modify the data stream with the language of the new printer.
Native AS/400 Software
Why Barcode400?
No Programming Required:
System Integrity:
All data, programs and label formats are centrally located on the AS/400.
• AS/400 Reliability
• The entire labeling system can be backed up as part of the routine AS/400 backup procedure.
• One label format, centrally located and available to all users, eliminates the headache of maintaining the
same label format on multiple Personal Computers.
• One person can be put in charge of maintaining label formats, even if your company has remote sites!
For example, a programmer or non-programmer at the corporate office in New York can design formats for its manufacturing and distribution centers in Tennessee and California.
• Timely... label formats and graphics become available to all users the instant they are saved.
Connectivity Assistance:
With over 16 years experience, we know how to get you connected and printing from the AS/400.
• T.L. Ashford will assist you in connecting your printer via: • Built-in or External Twinax
• Ethernet • TCP/IP
• Dumb Terminals • ASCII Controllers
• Parallel or Serial Ports on back of PCs connected to the AS/400
Graphical or 5250 Label Design:
It’s your choice! Both the Graphical and 5250(green screen) Label Designers are provided with Barcode400 at no additional charge.
• The Graphical User Interface(GUI) and AS/400 work together using the Client/Server Paradigm. The label format along with all of it’s components are located on the AS/400 and accessed as needed by the Client Program during the Label Format Design phase.
• The 5250 designer can be used on any display station; a PC is not required.
• Labels designed using the 5250 interface can be edited on the graphical interface and vice versa. For example, while on the shop floor you are informed that the characters on a label format are too small. The label format can be changed right on the floor at a dumb terminal, without trying to locate a PC.
Supports all popular bar code printers:
The purchase price includes all currently supported printer drivers (note: The RF Print Module is sold
separately). Currently supported manufacturers include: Zebra, Printronix, Intermec, Sato, DataMax, Eltron, Monarch, Tharo, Genicom, ATC, CIE ,RJS,TEC, Novexx, Avery.
One Simple Low Price:
Throw away the complicated pricing charts*.... there is NO TIERED PRICING!!!
• Barcode400 is multi-user (unlimited users).
• Compliance labels are provided at no additional charge (Some restrictions apply).
*T.L. Ashford offers two optional enhancement products: RF (Radio Frequency) module and Graphical Transfer module. See pricing sheet.
System Integrity:
Connectivity Assistance:
Graphical or 5250 Label Design:
Supports all popular bar code printers:
Print directly from your AS/400
All data and programs reside on the AS/400.
No uploading or downloading required.
ACCESS POINT
RF HANDHELD MODEM
5250 TERMINAL PC WITH 5250 CARD
REMOTE PC PC WITH TCP/IP PRINTER WITH BUILT-IN TWINAX
TWINAX
ASCII
CONTROLLER
RF CONTROLLERHere are a few examples of how printers can be connected to the AS/400 using Barcode400.
ETHERNET
MODEM
Label design is easy
1. Log On to the AS/400 2. Click the “New” button 3. Place text, lines, boxes
&
graphics
4. Select AS/400 data fields 5. Click “Save” button 6. Print the test label
The 5250 designer is just as easy to use. Simple down and over (x,y axis) commands are used to complete the label format. Pop up windows appear as you navigate through the design of the label format.
Graphical Label Designer
Traditional 5250
Label Designer
Graphical Label Designer
Traditional 5250
Label Designer
Compliance Labels Provided
T.L. Ashford is “The Labeling Answer”. Whether you’re designing a small jewelry label or a large 55 gallon drum label, it is easy to do. Compliance labels needed to meet your customer’s and your company logo are included at no additional charge. No program-ming experience is necessary to easily design labels for your company’s specific needs.
Create your own labels
Using Barcode400’s flexible design features
LOGOS / GRAPHICS BOXES / LINES LARGE CHARACTERS BAR CODES SYSTEM DATA ROTATE FIELD REVERSE TYPE TEXT BLOCKS INCREMENTING NUMBERS
Here are some example labels
Our Technical Support Team
is here to help.
Our Technical Support Team
is here to help.
• Fully trained technical support
service provides courteous
response to your questions.
• Expedient problem resolution
• Access to vast technical library
• Formal training
• Always courteous
Toll Free Technical Support Hot Line
800-541-4893
Technical Support Team
Total Customer Satisfaction. This is the primary goal of T.L. Ashford. With the best technical support in the industry, we achieve this goal. Our technical support team is fully trained in all aspects of barcode technology. Each member of our technical suppor team works closely with our software developers. This allows us to provide quick and complete solutions to your bar coding needs.
The answers to your questions are a telephone call away . Access to the
barcode labeling expert is that simple. Call our toll-free number and receive courteous
assistance with the T.L. Ashford Barcode Labeling Software, midrange software, setting
up printers, proper connectivity and barcode applications.
Technical Resources
The T.L. Ashford library provides our technical support team access to a vast collec tion of information to better inform our customers. The library contains volumes of current and historical barcode industry technical information including:
• Company Compliance Label Specifications • Barcode Symbology Specifications
• Printer Manufacturer Technical Reference Manuals • Printer Manufacturer Operations Reference Manuals • TLA Printer Setup Reference
• IBM Mid Range Technical Manuals
T.L. Ashford operates several IBM midrange systems including the AS400, System 36.
Thermal, dot matrix, and laser printers from all major manufacturers are available to our technicians as well. Our support team is knowledgeable with this hardware and ca simply and easily explain any difficulty you might encounter.
The key to a quick solution is immediate access to information. T.L. Ashford has co lected stores of information in our database. Technical and general information rangin from simple T.L. Ashford software questions to the most complex connectivity situations A simple query by a Technical Support Member can produce a scenario of probable causes and a speedy resolution.
Technical Training
Formal training sessions are available at T.L. Ashford. Each of these
sessions is conducted by a member of the Technical Support Team. Education and train ing is offered at no cost to all T.L. Ashford users under a maintenance contract. Each stu dent receives hands-on training in all aspects of the T.L. Ashford Barcode Labeling Software.
Advanced Functions
While the T.L. Ashford Software is easy enough to be used by anyone, the more tech-nically inclined will appreciate the advanced functionality offered by this package. Below are two features that add flexibility and unlimited possibilities for application development.
Calling from within an existing
RPG or COBOL program.
Define your label fields here. As your program processes, move information into these fields.
Running in Batch Mode...
Printing without operator intervention
Automate label printing by placing a single CL or OCL statement into your job. The following is a CL program example:
*Above functions run on Sys/36 with slightly different syntax. Example
Software Features
& Highlights
■ Easy to use.
■ Installs in less than 10 minutes. ■ Multiple users at the same time.
■ Resides on your AS/400 (System 36 also available) ■ Both Label Designers Included
✓ Traditional.
✓ Graphical (WYSIWYG)
■ Easily integrated into existing application (WMS, ERP, Legacy): ✓ Uses your existing files without programming
✓ Call from within an existing program: • RPG.
• COBOL • CLP
✓ Variable data can be incorporated from various sources: • system time and date
• operator entry • data files • control numbers
✓ Interactive batch feature allows labels to be run from your procedures without operator intervention. ■ Can run from remote locations.
■ Print labels with: ✓ bar codes ✓ large characters ✓ reverse images ✓ lines ✓ boxes ✓ logos / graphics
■ Supports all popular bar code symbologies: ✓ Code 128 ✓ EAN ✓ Maxicode ✓ PDF417 ✓ I 2 of 5 .) ✓ Code 39 ✓ UPC ✓ Postnet ✓ and many more ■ Print modes:
✓ interactive ✓ batch ✓ on demand.
Questions & Answers
Call Us For More Information
1-800-541-4893
© 1996, T.L. ASHFORD & ASSOCIATES
Can I use/call the Barcode Labeling Software from within my existing RPG & COBOL program?
Yes. External program calls can be made to the Barcode Labeling System very simply.
Can I use my existing data files to retrieve informa -tion to print on my labels?
Yes, you can use any data file on your System/36 and AS/400.
Can I automatically print labels from my existing procedure?
Yes, one single statement properly placed inside your job stream (CL or OCL) will cause labels to print automati-cally.
Are my data base files updated?
No, we do not update your data base files.
Is your software pricing user based?
No, there is no tiered pricing. Unlimited users per CPU may access the software .
Is technical support available?
Yes. Call the T.L. Ashford Technical Support Team. Three months of unlimited toll free phone support is included with your purchase.
Are software updates and enhancements provided?
A low cost annual Software Maintenance Program (SMP) is available to all users of the software. The SMP provides unlimited toll free phone support and access to all upgrades/updates for a shipping and handling charge.
Are both designers included with the software.
Yes, you have a choice of designing your labels in either the Graphical or Traditional Designers.
Do I have to be a programmer to use this software?
No, anyone can design and print labels using this software.
Can more than one person use the software at any given time?
Yes, several users can use the software at the same time. For example: Someone can be designing a label while someone else is printing labels. You can even design or print labels at remote sites if needed.
Can I design a label at any terminal on my System?
Yes, you can design and print a label on any terminal connected to your midrange system.
What kind of guarantee do I get with this software?
You get a 30 day money back guarantee, “no questions asked.”
Can I use the Graphical Designer on my System/36?
No. The Graphical Designer is currently available only on the AS/400.
Do I need a PC to design labels?
No. A Traditional Designer is included with the package.
Do I have to download data to my PC before printing labels?
No. All data remains on the AS/400.
When I use the Graphical Designer do I have to backup the formats on the PC?
No, all formats are stored on the AS/400 and can be accessed by anyone on the AS/400 with the proper securi-ty clearance.
Can I use both designers?
Yes, as a matter of fact labels designed with the Traditional designer can be edited with the Graphical Designer and vice versa.
®
T.L. Ashford Suite 124
525 West Fifth Street Covington, KY 41011 606-291-7555 Fax: 606-291-1804 www.tlashford.com