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Server Based Barcode Printing (PrintNode)

Overview

Server printing connects the ION app to your printers via an online service called PrintNode. Advantages include the following:

• Simplified Configuration: PrintNode allows administrators to manage printer settings and configurations from a central server, reducing the need for individual client setups and thereby reducing the time it takes individuals to start printing barcodes.
• Effortless Expansion: Adding new printers or users is straightforward, as configurations are managed server-side, facilitating growth without significant client-side changes.
• Consistent Updates: Updates and maintenance can be applied centrally, ensuring all connected printers operate with the latest configurations.

This process requires configuring your printers, creating a PrintNode account, installing the PrintNode client, and entering an API key in your Org settings. You only need to set up the PrintNode client on the computer that will manage the printers once. If you prefer, you can also install the client on multiple computers to manage different parts of your printer fleet.

Steps to Set Up

1. Create a PrintNode Account

• Sign up at PrintNode.
• Start with a one-month free trial. A payment plan is available if you add your card.

2. Install PrintNode Client

• Download and install the client on the machine that will manage the printers.
• Installation guides for different operating systems:
  • Windows
  • Mac
• When running the client, you should see the list of printers under the printers tab.

3. Set Up Printers

Ensure to set up printers on the computer that will run the PrintNode client.

Internet Connection:

• Obtain the printer's IP address by holding the feed and cancel buttons on the printer for 2 seconds and examining what’s printed out.

Windows Users:

• Follow this Windows guide to set up the printer over the network.

macOS Users:

• Follow the macOS guide to set up the printer. Ensure the printer is set as RAW, not Zebra.
• Note: The guide assumes a USB connection. For step 5, choose Internet Printing Protocol within Other Network Printers instead:

• Input the IP address in the format ipp://<printer-ip>/ipp/print e.g. ipp://192.168.1.111/ipp/print
• Follow the rest of the guide, ensuring to select RAW for the Make, not Zebra.

5. Obtain API Key

• Go to your API keys page, log in, and find your API key.

6. Configure ION App

• Navigate to Organization in the sidebar.

• Scroll down to the Barcode Labels section.
• Check "Use Print Server" and enter your PrintNode API key.

Once these steps are completed, server-based printing will be enabled in your ION app across all pages.