ItemPath is an innovative Cloud-based solution for managing inventory and tracking items, goods and assets. It is designed to be accessible from anywhere via a web browser running on top of any operating system in any Internet-capable device. Sounds simple, right? It is – and it is very simple to use.
Unfortunately, ItemPath’s developers found that printing barcode labels and tags from anywhere wasn’t quite as simple. Early ItemPath users either had to pre-print and then scan barcodes into the system or configure intermediate solutions to allow ItemPath to communicate with a printer. What was missing was a label/tag printing system that was compatible with ItemPath’s Cloud solution without restriction to specific locations, devices or operating systems. What was needed was a printing system “that was smart enough to connect to ItemPath in the Cloud.”
The solution was Zebra Technologies’ Link-OS environment and Cloud Connect system. Link-OS eases integration, management and maintenance of Zebra printers, regardless of location, and the Cloud Connect app facilitates direct interaction with Cloud-based applications, such as ItemPath.
The result? ItemPath is the first Cloud-based application that allows users to print barcode tags and labels wherever the desired printer is located – without inefficient workarounds. Users issue secure print commands directly from their browsers with no printer drivers, plug-ins, USB or Bluetooth connections required. The device issuing the print command and the printer executing that command needn’t be located within the same network – both need only be connected to the Internet. ItemPath users can even monitor printer status via their Internet browsers. This solution is as easy to set up as ItemPath is to use.
Zebra components deployed in this printing solution include:
- Cloud Connect: Allowing Zebra’s Link-OS printers to interact with the Cloud by forwarding data from any port.
- QLn-Series Printers: Rugged, user-friendly, always-at-hand mobile printers often used for asset management, bag tagging and document and records management.
- iMZ-Series Printers: Lightweight, compact mobile printers that deliver a variety of wireless options, ideal for direct store delivery, field service, invoices and receipts and escorted shopping.
- ZT200-Series Printers: Industrial printers capable of all barcode print applications including tracking of lab samples.
- ZD500R RFID Printers: The desktop solution for generating UHF RFID labels and tags.
Bottom line: ItemPath and Zebra have collaborated to create the only Cloud-printing solution that does not requireworkarounds involving browser plugins, printer drivers, additional software, pairing of device and printer, or mating the device and printer to the same network or host. ItemPath and Zebra allow your enterprise to centralize storage and control of label data in one place while printing anywhere with nothing more complicated than a familiar browser.