Using PRINTERNAME vs. PRINTERNUMBER to Identify Target Printer in Drop Files

Description

Information on PRINTERNAME and PRINTERNUMBER values used in drop files to identify a target printer. How to determine the best choice based on environment or process considerations.

How to determine which identifier type to use

• PRINTERNAME - the printer name value refers to the printer alias that has been configured in the LLM Device Configuration screen that is accessed by selecting the File dropdown menu Devices or by pressing F6 in Loftware Label A label is a design area on the computer screen where a label format is created or edited. Manager, LLM_WIN Design. Printer Alias is not a required value when configuring a printer.
  
  
• PRINTERNUMBER - the printer number value refers to the Line number location of the printer in the LLM Device Configuration screen. The number of available printer numbers is equal to the printer seats of the Loftware License in use.
  
  
• Drop File use considerations - Use of the PRINTERNAME value will allow the reassignment of the printer within the LLM Device Configuration screen without requiring a change to the drop file creation process. If the PRINTERNUMBER value is used in the drop file and the target printer is moved to a different line location in the LLM Device Configuration, the process that creates the drop file must change to the new PRINTERNUMBER value.
  
  
• Premium Component considerations - The Loftware Connectors (Oracle, SAP, and JAVA) all require the use of unique aliases (PRINTERNAME), as multiple Loftware Print Servers can be configured. This allows for changes at the business rule level, without having to make local configuration changes.