The Basic Elements:
Here's what you'll need to use Bundle-Track:
See below for fuller details.
Computer Hardware Requirements
Computer hardware requirements depend on the system it must support
(Desktop Edition, or Network Edition's Server,
or Network Edition's Client), and
on the amount of data involved. Please honor the following recommendations
when preparing your system. We cannot support systems that do not
meet the stated minimum requirements.
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Desktop Edition
|
Network Edition
Server
(Database Server) |
Network Edition
Client
(User Interface) |
|
Operating System
|
Windows XP only
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Any of the following
Windows versions: 98, ME, 2000 SP1, NT 4.0 SP6A, 2003, XP. |
|
CPU
|
recommended: Pentium 800 MHz
minimum: Pentium 400 MHz
(Athalon processors are not supported)
|
|
RAM
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recommended: 256 MB
minimum: 128 MB
|
|
Hard Drive Free Space
|
recommended: 400 MB
minimum: 200 MB
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100 MB
|
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CD ROM
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Yes
|
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Network
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(not applicable) |
Windows NT Server using TCP/IP.
Specific server requirements can vary with your circumstances.
Contact us to discuss requirements
for your facility. |
|
Power Supply
|
un-interruptible power supply (battery backup)
recommended
|
|
|
recommended: daily
minimum: how far back are you willing to fall?
|
Ticket Printer
Daily ticket printing is very demanding on a printer, so you need
a sturdy one.
We urge you to consider the following when selecting a printer
to support ticket printing:
- Require MS
Windows-compatible.
- Prefer EPSON-compatible.
For the standard (built in) ticket, you'll need to use Epson's
FX1050 print
driver.
Otherwise, a custom ticket may be required.
- Prefer continuous-form paper feeds. Otherwise, keeping the printer
loaded may be labor-intensive, and the paper may be much more
expensive.
- Prefer a printer that pulls the paper (tractor pull) over one
that pushes it. Ticket stock tends to be too heavy to push well.
- Prefer fewer and gentler curves in the paper feed pathway. "Bottom
feed" systems tend to work best.
- Prefer newer and more heavy duty models. Other models may not
be able to withstand the stress of daily ticket printing. If you
are thinking of using an older printer, it is a good idea to have
it serviced and to closely monitor its performance.
- In Dot Matrix printers, prefer 9-pin over 24-pin. 24-pin models
will tend to run more slowly and to be less durable.
- To guard against printer downtime, we suggest two printers
rather than one more expensive one.
We generally recommend the following Dot Matrix / Impact printers
from Epson:
- Epson FX-2190
- Epson DFX-5000+
- Epson DFX-8500
Track Feed Laser Printers are also available. We have had
success with Output Technology's LaserMatrix line, but only with
a custom ticket and custom
printer object settings. Other laser printers have not been validated.
Note that laser printers tend to iron out the crease between the
pages, so if you need them to refold, you may need to look into
a powered refolding Stacker too.
Report printing does not require a special printer.
Ticket Paper
Bundle-Track prints tickets on special paper stock designed specifically
for separation into tickets. The stock may consist of sheets of
self-adhesive labels or of perforated cardstock for use with gum-sheets.
You can get Ticket Paper stock from our preferred supplier, R.T.
Barbee Co. (When you talk with Lou Schrum, tell him Bundle-Track
sent you.)
To be compatible with Bundle-Track's standard ticket format, ticket
stock must meet the following specifications:
- "Single-width" format.
- Continuous feed to a dot-matrix printer.
- 7 ½ inch total width excepting the pull tractor edges.
- Vertical separations every 2 ½ inches.
- Horizontal separations every ¾ of an inch.
Custom Tickets may support
other dimensions.
As illustrated below, the standard ticket sheet includes a "header
row " measuring ¾ of an inch in height by 7 ½ inches in width. The
header row contains information about the Lot, the Product, and
the Bundle. Below the header, individual Operations are detailed
on tickets measuring ¾ inch by 2 ½ inch. Corresponding Operation
information is printed on the remaining 2-½ inch center portion
(spine) that remains with the Bundle as the tickets are removed.
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bundle header
|
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section 1 header
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ticket-1
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t-1 spine t-2
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ticket-2
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ticket-3
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t-3 spine t-4
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ticket-4
|
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section 2 header
|
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ticket-5
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t-5 spine t-6
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ticket-6
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ticket-7
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t-7 spine t-8
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ticket-8
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Bar-code Scanners
Using a bar-code scanner can greatly speed your
ticket entry process. We highly recommend it. (But it is optional: users can enter
ticket codes into the system through the keyboard.)
If you are shopping
for a bar-code scanner for use with Bundle-Track, consider the following:
- It must
have Decode capability to read bar-code symbology Code
39 or 3 of 9.
- It must support
a Keyboard Wedge interface to attach to the computer in-line
with the keyboard.
- Check
your own computer to determine which kind of connector your
interface will need, such as PS/2 (circular), USB (flat),
9-Pin (trapezoidal), etc.
- It must be
configured to automatically insert a carriage return after
each scan.
- To configure your LS-1900 series scanner, click
here.
- Laser scanners
are faster than older CCD scanners.
While have not performed comparative testing on available scanning
technologies, we have had positive experience with LS Series
Handheld Laser Scanners produced by Symbol Technologies. We
recommend the LS-2208 (which has replaced the LS-1902C).
Among the many distributors to pick from, one that seems knowledgeable
and friendly is BarcodeDiscounters.com (see sidebar).
