How do you connect a label printer to the browser?
The workstation, driver, printer and label stock all affect the result. PrintStation connects them, and LabelRules checks them together before the station prints production labels. Each label is a PDF on 100 × 150 mm stock.
- Connect the workstation: install the PrintStation connector app on the workstation and enrol it, with its label printer, in SmartFACT PrintStation for your organisation. Nothing is installed for LabelRules itself.
- Turn PrintStation on for the station: an owner turns on PrintStation printing in Printer setup, with a second sign-in factor. The station’s label stock sets the PrintStation profile: 100 × 150 mm at 203 or 300 dpi.
- Check a real label: LabelRules prints its own qualification label through PrintStation. A supervisor scans it, measures it and confirms one label came out the right way round. Until then the station refuses production labels, and a new printer or route needs a new qualification label.
Prepare the work. Then choose to print.
Accepting a run records the exact label and copies to print. Print with PrintStation then sends the run’s retained PDF and opens the PrintStation panel, where the copies go to the printer. Nothing is printed from a browser print dialogue.
- A submission is recorded: PrintStation reporting a label as submitted means the printer accepted the request. It does not establish that a usable label emerged.
- The operator checks the output: check the size, content and barcode on the physical label. A browser preview alone cannot qualify the hardware.
- Uncertainty holds the printer: an ambiguous send is marked as unknown and holds that printer until someone checks the output and reconciles it in PrintStation. Nothing repeats it automatically and risks a duplicate label.
What LabelRules does not do
- Send native ZPL or other raw printer commands: each label is a PDF.
- Print label sizes other than 100 × 150 mm.
- Print production labels on a station whose printer has not passed its LabelRules qualification label.
- Repeat an uncertain send automatically.
Common questions
Can I print without installing anything?
The LabelRules workspace runs in the browser. The printer is reached through SmartFACT PrintStation’s small connector app, which PrintStation helps you install on the workstation.
Is my Zebra or Windows workstation supported?
The PrintStation connector app runs on Windows and macOS. Bring the exact printer model, driver and label stock for assessment: LabelRules sends each label as a PDF at the printer’s resolution, not as native ZPL, and a brand name alone does not establish that a printer prints it true to size.
Can it print in the background?
With Pro, a station can be routed to a PrintStation destination: a paired computer that prints each accepted run without anyone pressing Print. A run that has not printed within its delivery window shows as held work.
What does Pro offer for on-premises production?
Pro includes on-premises production, with cloud-based authoring. Download and activate an approved configuration, then process new jobs and render labels locally. The local service retains history and uses your qualified print stations. New AI-assisted configuration is authored in SmartFACT cloud.
How does PrintStation know a print request is genuine?
LabelRules signs each request it sends to PrintStation, and PrintStation prints only to workstations and printers enrolled for your organisation.
Related pages
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