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Challenges To Overcome

“One of the major challenges with building the interface with Catalyst was handling the SAP data formats and compatible ISO country codes,” said Bob Briggs, senior software engineer at Neopost/ASAM.

Neopost/ASAM, according to Briggs, also had to develop a shipping manifest system capable of sending a label data image directly to an Imtec print-and-apply label system within the two-second package interval specified on the conveyor model. On top of this, the print-and-apply system would need to affix larger labels (4"x6") on different-sized boxes. Each print-and-apply system includes a Zebra 140XI printer and Imtec Model 3900 label applicator for printing and applying pressure-sensitive labels to each package moving along the conveyor.

System integration with other hardware devices specified in the new Bay Networks shipping operation was also a key consideration when developing the new shipping manifest system. In addition to the Imtec print-and-apply system, the Neopost/ASAM system would need to communicate with a number of Symbol Technologies scanners and Accu-Sort sensors positioned strategically along the conveyor line; Toledo in-motion scales for package weighing; and Nelson Industries conveyor controllers for sorting packages based on carriers and destinations.

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