As you might have noticed that 90% of the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) already come with the product barcode printed on it. These barcodes are called UPC, EAN or GS1 barcode.  These barcodes make it easier to handle the SKU at receiving end and point of sale.For the SKU which does not have the pre printed barcode, you need to print barcode labels using a “barcode printer” to make a faster and error free billing at cash counter.

These printers are based on thermal transfer technology where it uses heat to transfer impression using a wax ribbon. There are two method of printing on a barcode printer

The Eltron Printer Language (EPL):  Most of the barcode printers come with an inbuilt language called EPL. Please note that this is not the PostScript or PCL found in most of the laser and inkjet printers.  EPL is a simple printer command language and you can print directly without installing any driver. We recommend using this method.

Windows Driver: Most of the barcode printers come with windows printer that allows Windows to see it as any windows printer. Once you have installed the windows driver, you can print from any application. For example if you print from a word document, it will get printed. But there are a few disadvantages to this approach:

• The windows driver is much slower than when sending commands with EPL.
• We have seen problem with setting up the label size.  It’s quite difficult to utilize the auto sensor for label spacing.
• The print quality is generally poor. Since the EPL method uses the printer’s native fonts, the quality and readability is very high.
• Finally the barcode is printed based on the image which is pre rendered.  We have seen readability problem with smaller barcode. EPL uses the inbuilt fonts for barcode, so it’s better to use this method.

How to use the EPL in FusionRetail 6? (aka dos based barcode printing)

1. You need to create a PRN design file (a txt file) using label designer software that comes with the barcode printer. Ask your supplier to get you one.
2. Convert the file in FR6 format. Please check C:\FusionRetail6\MainFiles\FormatFiles. There are files created for many printers.
3. See this link to see how to setup barcode printing in DOS mode. http://www.rancelab.com/faq/content/18/362/en/how-to-setup-dos-mode-barcode-printing-in-fusionretail6.html

More info : Eltron Programming Language: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eltron_Programming_Language: ltron Programming Language (EPL and EPL2) is a printer control language used to produce printed paper labels for various Eltron (now Zebra) model printers. Newer printers support also the Zebra Programming Language (ZPL). EPL2 is a markup, line-at-a-time language, suitable for printing on media of reduced space, and although it supports bitmaps (and therefore, arbitrary images), its use is usually for labels including barcode information. Each EPL2 line starts with one or more letter (indicating the command), an may be followed by one or more comma-separated arguments. Commands and arguments are case-sensitive.

Keyword : Printer Language , TSPL2; TSPL-EZ , Zebra® and Datamax® emulations, EPL2