When you want to get started with your own ZPL labels, you will notice the internet is full information about this topic. But how do you know the information found is applicable to your 3PL/Nekovri Dynamics solution? Make sure you can take advantage of the benefits of ZPL and read more about the quick wins.

In a series of four blogs, we will take a deep dive in the world of ZPL labels, how to change your own labels and share some tips & tricks. Let’s start with the backbone of a good ZPL layout: the set-up.

3PL/Nekovri Dynamics

The ZPL editor in 3PL/Nekovri Dynamics enables you to generate ZPL codes that automatically include the values from the database. For example:

  • A SCC label with information about a pallet from your stock (reprint) or storage or shipment;
  • Destination label for the pallet; with the information from shipment – such as delivery address, references, and the number of pallets. But the content rules of a order pick pallet can also be printed;
  • Entry/withdrawal receipt on A7/A8 (size of a business card), including document number, references and detachment location;
  • Tag with more detailed information about the article and size of the batch;
  • Goods in/-out number on a ‘mini label’ to simplify the process of document capture.

This can also be executed outside 3PL/Nekovri Dynamics, however, using 3PL/Nekovri Dynamics offers a number of benefits:

  • One action to collect information;
  • Print directly from the scanner in the warehouse;
  • Standardization in printer driver and appearance of labels.

 

Set-up of a label

Coordinates: The ZPL code is processed by the printer by means of coordinates – comparable to how a chessboard works. Every line of text gets a position; an X and a Y coordinate. The position is specified in dots. So, an X-Y of 50-100 is printed 50 dots from left and 100 dots from above.

DPI/DPMM: The amount of ‘dots per inch’ (dpi) is a setting which controls how many dots the printer prints per inch. By doing so, it gives you an indication how to calculate the number of dots to inches or millimetres. If your printer is working with 300 dpi (equal to 12 dots per mm), then this means that a text with X-Y coordinate 48-96 is printed at 4 mm from the left side and 8 mm from above. Thus, you can accurately determine where a text is printed.

Text boxes: You can compare each part of the ZPL with a text box in Microsoft Word. The different text boxes are not interrelated. They do not “know” anything and can overlap. They also do not “know” the size of the label, and can therefore cross the edge. By positioning the boxes correctly and adjusting the height and width, you can prevent the text from collapsing. Please take into account the font and size you use in your labels.

Font and font size: The font and size can be defined per text box. However, it is also possible to define a standard for the entire label. There are a number of fixed fonts available in ZPL printers. Alternative fonts (TTFs) must be loaded into the printer.

Useful sources:

 

These postings are provided “AS IS” with no warranties and confer no rights.
You assume all risk for your use.