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QuickDesign Manual

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QuickDesign Manual

Uploaded by

maintenance AB
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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P

QuickDesign
Product Manual

QuickDesign
QUICKDESIGN
PRODUCT MANUAL
This manual is based on the Help File EPT006583_3 and is for use in the
operation of QuickDesign software.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored
on a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the
prior permission of Domino Printing Sciences plc.
Domino Printing Sciences plc. has a policy of continuous product
improvement, the Company therefore reserves the right to modify the
specification contained in this manual without notice.
© Domino Printing Sciences plc. 2015.
For sales, service and inks please contact:

Domino Printing Sciences plc. Domino Amjet Inc.


Bar Hill 1290 Lakeside Drive
Cambridge CB23 8TU Gurnee IL. 60031
England U.S.A.
Tel:01954 782551 Tel:847 244 2501
Fax:01954 782874 Fax:847 244 1421
www.domino-printing.com

(2) EPT006583 Issue 3 February 2015


Table of Contents
User Guide .............................................................................................................................................. 1
Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 1
Getting Started with QuickDesign....................................................................................................... 1
Starting QuickDesign ....................................................................................................................... 1
More Button.................................................................................................................................... 2
Main Screen .................................................................................................................................... 2
Label Editor ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Label Editor ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Label Editor ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Open a Label ................................................................................................................................... 4
Creating/Editing Labels ................................................................................................................... 5
Printing a Label.............................................................................................................................. 23
Operator Setup ................................................................................................................................. 24
Operator Setup ............................................................................................................................. 24
Step List Setup Tab ........................................................................................................................ 24
Client Setup Tab ............................................................................................................................ 26
General Options Tab ..................................................................................................................... 28
Operator Interface ............................................................................................................................ 28
Operator Mode ............................................................................................................................. 28
Basic Data .......................................................................................................................................... 29
Basic Data ...................................................................................................................................... 29
Entering Products.......................................................................................................................... 29
Associating Labels with Products (Production Plus) ..................................................................... 31
Production Controller ....................................................................................................................... 32
Production Controller ................................................................................................................... 33
Printer Setup ................................................................................................................................. 33
Adding a Production Line .............................................................................................................. 35
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................ 36
User Guide
Overview
QuickDesign is a label design and print control software package, which allows labels to be designed
and downloaded to a variety of coders.
QuickDesign is a Client Server Application (using an industry standard SQL database), allowing
Customer information to be placed within the labels, and offers modules for increased automation.
This User Guide details how to operate the QuickDesign software product:

Getting Started with QuickDesign


Starting QuickDesign

To start QuickDesign:
1. Click on the QuickDesign icon from the desktop, or select QuickDesign from the Start menu
(Program files > QuickDesign).
2. The Login screen appears, as follows:

3. Enter the user name in the User Name field.


4. Enter appropriate password in the Password field.
5. In the Language field, select the desired language.
6. Click OK to proceed, the QuickDesign main screen will display.

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More Button

Clicking on the More button will expand the login screen allowing database connection
configuration, allowing connection to an alternative database.
The database contains all of the information relating to label creation and printer configuration.

Database Path: Enter the path location of the required database.


Server IP Address: For local database, enter 127.0.0.1. For remotely stored databases, enter the IP
address of the server.
DMGR.FDB path: This database contains local configuration only and should not be edited.

Main Screen

The Main screen has two user areas:

• Label Editor
• Basic Data

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User Guide

Label Editor
Label Editor

Initially, the following screen will display.

The three active icons have the following functions:


Opens a new label. Refer to
Creating Labels.
Opens an existing label. Refer to
Open label.
Opens the Production controller.
Refer to Printer Setup.

View the full Label Editor options here.

Label Editor

Initially, the following screen will display.

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The three active icons have the following functions:


Opens a new label. Refer to
Creating Labels.
Opens an existing label. Refer to
Open label.
Opens the Production controller.
Refer to Printer Setup.

View the full Label Editor options here.

Open a Label

Open an existing label from the database.


Use the Find area to search through the Label Name or select the label from the list and click OK to
open in Label Editor.

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User Guide

Creating/Editing Labels

Creating Labels

1. To create a new label, select Label Editor from the main, then click or select Label>New
from the menu.
2. The Label wizard opens. Select an existing printer from the list.
Note: Selecting OK will open the label in the Editor, however it will have default parameters,
including the Label Name (Untitled1)

3. Use the arrows, step through the selection.


4. Select OK to save details and open the new label in the Editor.
5. It is possible to add Elements to the message:
6. When prompted, select the required label information (printer dependent), this can include:
• Format: Options are dependent on the type of printer technology selected. Examples are:
a. Select Raster (for CIJ)
b. Number of Print Areas (For multiple head installations)
c. Horizontal and Vertical Resolution
• Label Parameters: Refer to the target printer documentation for details.
• Label Dimensions
• Label Name

7. To save the label click Save


8. When prompted, click Yes to update the database with your changes or No to cancel the
update.
When completed, click OK.
Refer also to Printer Specific Label Design:

Creating Labels

1. To create a new label, select Label Editor from the main, then click or select Label>New
from the menu.
2. The Label wizard opens. Select an existing printer from the list.
Note: Selecting OK will open the label in the Editor, however it will have default parameters,
including the Label Name (Untitled1)

3. Use the arrows, step through the selection.


4. Select OK to save details and open the new label in the Editor.
5. It is possible to add Elements to the message:

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6. When prompted, select the required label information (printer dependent), this can include:
• Format: Options are dependent on the type of printer technology selected. Examples are:
a. Select Raster (for CIJ)
b. Number of Print Areas (For multiple head installations)
c. Horizontal and Vertical Resolution
• Label Parameters: Refer to the target printer documentation for details.
• Label Dimensions
• Label Name

7. To save the label click Save


8. When prompted, click Yes to update the database with your changes or No to cancel the
update.
When completed, click OK.
Refer also to Printer Specific Label Design:

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User Guide

Print Areas

The print area is the specific section of the label to be printed.


The print area is determined by the following parameters:

1. The number and specification of the print heads (or group/Jets depending on the
technology).
2. The configuration of each print head to give a total configured print height.

Example:
The label to be printed is 200mm high and 250mm long. The printing technology being used consists
of three print heads each 70mm high.
The three heads must therefore be configured to print three print areas of the following heights:

Configured Total
Print Print Head
Printed Area Configured
Head Height
Height Area Height
1 70mm 70mm 70mm
2 70mm 70mm 140mm
3 70mm 60mm 200mm

These heads will therefore print in this configuration along a designated label length of 250mm.

Inserting Elements

Label Editor Icons

The following icons are on the toolbar:

The active icons have the following functions:


Insert Text. Refer to Inserting a Text Element.

Insert Variable data. Refer to Inserting a Variable (Data


Field).

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Insert a Barcode. Refer to Inserting a Variable (Data


Field).
Insert a Figure. Refer to Inserting a Figure (Form).

Insert a Picture. Refer to Inserting a Figure (Form).


Insert a Picture from a database. Refer to Inserting a
Picture from a Database.
Insert a Clock. Refer to Inserting a Clock.

Insert a Counter. Refer to Inserting a Counter.


Insert a Printer Database. Refer to Inserting a Printer
Database.
Insert a Script. Refer to Inserting a Script.
Insert a Link. Refer to Inserting a Link Element.

Insert a Printer SSCC. Refer to Inserting a Printer SSCC.

Insert a Printer User Prompt. Refer to Inserting a


Printer User Prompt.
Insert a Shift Code. Refer to Inserting a Shift Code.

Insert a Printer Variable. Refer to Inserting a Printer


Variable.
Insert Data Field. Refer to Inserting a Data Field.

Label Editor Icons

The following icons are on the toolbar:

The active icons have the following functions:


Insert Text. Refer to Inserting a Text Element.

Insert Variable data. Refer to Inserting a Variable (Data


Field).
Insert a Barcode. Refer to Inserting a Variable (Data

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User Guide

Field).
Insert a Figure. Refer to Inserting a Figure (Form).

Insert a Picture. Refer to Inserting a Figure (Form).


Insert a Picture from a database. Refer to Inserting a
Picture from a Database.
Insert a Clock. Refer to Inserting a Clock.

Insert a Counter. Refer to Inserting a Counter.


Insert a Printer Database. Refer to Inserting a Printer
Database.
Insert a Script. Refer to Inserting a Script.
Insert a Link. Refer to Inserting a Link Element.

Insert a Printer SSCC. Refer to Inserting a Printer SSCC.

Insert a Printer User Prompt. Refer to Inserting a


Printer User Prompt.
Insert a Shift Code. Refer to Inserting a Shift Code.

Insert a Printer Variable. Refer to Inserting a Printer


Variable.
Insert Data Field. Refer to Inserting a Data Field.

Inserting a Text Element

To enter simple text into a label:

1. Either click on the Insert New Text Element button or select the Insert pull-
down menu to choose the desired element type.
2. Click in the label where you want the element to appear.
3. The Edit Element dialogue opens, enter the required text into the white space. Click
OK to insert into the label.

Depending on the printer type, options are available, click here for more information.

Inserting a Barcode

1. Click on the Insert Barcode button.


2. Click on the label where you require the element to appear.
3. Select the required Barcode type from the displayed list.

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Note: Available Barcode type is dependent on the printer technology that the label is being created
for.
4. Click OK.
5. Populate the barcode with the required data.
6. Click OK to insert barcode into label.

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User Guide

Inserting a Picture

It is possible to insert a picture from a file.


Note: Not available with D-Series.
Formats supported: Windows Bitmap or JPEG.
1. Either click on the Insert Picture button or select Insert > Picture from the pull-down
menu.
2. Click on the label where you would like the element to appear.
3. A browser window will open, select the picture to insert and click Open. The picture will be
placed in the label.

Inserting a Clock

1. Click on the Insert Clock button and click inside the label where you want the clock to
appear.
2. The Clock Properties dialogue will open. Set the clock properties:
3. Click on OK.

Inserting a Counter

1. Click on the Insert Counter button and click inside the label where you want the
counter to appear.
2. The Counter Properties dialogue will open. Set the counter properties:
3. Click on OK.

Inserting a Shift Code

A shift code is a printed code that changes depending on a configured shift pattern. Typically this is
used to differentiate between shifts with simple identifiers, such as Shift 1, Shift 2, etc.

1. Click on the Shift Code button and click inside the label where you want the counter to
appear.
2. The Shift Code Properties dialogue will open.
3. Select Add and enter the details of the shifts
4. Click on OK and the shift code will appear in the label.
The Shift Text can vary depending on the shifts set, therefore ensure you allow space provision within
your label for any variation in shift text length.

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Inserting a Printer Database

Note: Available with V-Series printers only.


V-Series allow for variable information from a populated database to be included within the label.
This database element must reference the same connection details as those used within the printer.
This can be used to print individual labels with unique data.
1. Click on the Insert Printer Database button and click inside the label where you want
the variable to appear.
2. Enter the required parameters for the database source and parameters.
3. Click OK.

Inserting a Printer Script

Note: This functionality is available for use only with A-Series Plus, i-Tech and V-Series printers.

1. Click on the Insert Script button.


2. Click on the label where you require the element to appear.
3. The Script dialogue will open, enter the required parameters:
Name: Enter the name of the script
Representation: Enter the textual representation that appears within the label
Script: Area for inserting a printer script, using the scripting language defined.
Update Seq: Check this box to sequence any counters within the label. (Seg = Sequential)
Update RTC: Real Time Clock, using this will update label elements with the printer time at the time
of print.
Fixed Length: Number of characters in the script field.
Padding Char: Characters used for padding to ensure the field length is consistent.
Note: For further details, refer to printer scripting documentation.
4. Click OK to insert into the label.

Inserting a Link Element

A link element is used to associate 2 items within the label. This is restricted to linking GS1 text
elements into barcodes.
Note: Not available with A-Series or C-Series printers.

1. Click on the Link Element button and click inside the label where you want the Link to
appear.
2. The Link dialogue will open. Select the Link element to insert into the label.
3. Click on OK to insert into the label.

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User Guide

Inserting a Data Field

1. Click on the Data field button and click inside the label where you want the data field to
appear.
2. The data field dialogue will open.
3. Select the data field to insert into the label.
4. Click on OK to insert the data field into the label.

Inserting a Variable (Data Field)

Variable elements contain dynamic information, such as clocks, user prompts, counter (serial
number), link or data fields.
Frequently used variables, such as clocks, counters and user prompts can be inserted directly from
the toolbar, therefore the insert variable button is mainly used for creating expressions that
reference other variables.
To insert a variable:
1. Click on the Insert Variable button and click in the label where you want the variable to
appear
2. The variable dialogue will open. To add a variable to the list, click on the New
button and follow the procedure for adding a data field.
3. This will output an expression within the text area in the window.
4. This field can be edited to add additional elements or fixed text as well as customised
expressions.

Inserting a Printer User Prompt

1. Click on the Insert User Prompt button.


2. Click on the label where you require the element to appear.
3. The User Prompt dialogue will open. Enter the required parameters:
Name: This is the name of the user prompt, it can then be used in other labels created.
Prompt Hint: If required, enter in a hint to remind the user of the input data.
Mask: Select the required input using the tokens to populate the Mask. Details of each mask token is
given beside it.

4. Click on the Test button to test the prompt, a green tick will display if the
criteria is met.

5. Click on the Close button.


6. Click on OK to insert the User Prompt into the label.

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Inserting a Printer SSCC

Note: This functionality is available for use only with M-Series.


An SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code), is an 18-digit number used to identify logistics units.
The SSCC is typically encoded into a barcode.

1. Click on the Insert Printer SSCC button and click inside the label where you want the
counter to appear.
2. The Edit Element dialogue will open. Set the SSCC data as required.
3. Click on OK.

Inserting a Printer Variable

A printer variable is used when a separate data source will be providing the target printer with data
at runtime. It specifies how that data will be used.
Name: Enter the name for the printer variable.
Length: How long the variable will be (if fixed text).
Offset: Where to start in the referenced variable. For example, if the variable text was "ABCDE", an
offset of 2 would give "CDE" (for fixed text).

Editing Label Parameters

Format

This allows the print resolution (or raster selection) and the number of print areas of the open label
to be changed.
1. With the label open. Open the Format Label dialogue by selecting Label > Format from the
menu.
2. Set the required parameters:

Page

This allows the size of the open label to be changed.


1. With the label open. Open the Page dialogue by selecting Label > Page from the menu.
2. Set the required parameters:
Decide page size. Menu Label > Page.
Width and height of label can be changed, depending on the target printer. Size limitations reflect
the limitations of the target printer. Change the width and height combo boxes as desired. For print
and apply, decide print rotation to specify which direction is the long dimension.

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User Guide

Label Notes

Record diverse notes and label properties.


Item Enter a label description.
Description
Item Notes Enter notes about the label. Used to store
properties in some legacy situations.
Label Label name when stored in the printer (printer
name in dependant).
printer
Label The version of the software used to make the
Version label.

Editing an Element

Appearance

Available Elements depends on the target printer. Selections that are greyed out are not supported
by the printer.
Typeface Select a typeface. True
Type fonts are denoted
by TT. Printer fonts are
denoted by a printer
icon.
Vertical Size in 1/72 points per
Size inch.
Horizontal Horizontal stretch. For
Size True Type fonts, it is
shown in percentage.
For printer fonts it is
shown in 1/72 points per
inch.
Bold
Italic
Underline
Left
Justify
Centre

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Right
Justify
No
Rotation
Rotate 90 Rotates element 90
Degree degrees anti-clockwise.
anti-
clockwise
Rotate Rotates element 180
180 degrees
Degree
Rotate 90 Rotates element 90
Degree degrees clock-wise.
clockwise
Left Align Left align multiple
selected items.
Right Right align multiple
Align selected items.
Top Align Top align multiple
selected items.
Bottom Bottom align multiple
Align selected items.
Centre Centrally aligns a item
Align within the label on a
horizontal axis.
Shape Select shape type, and
Only line thickness.

Properties

To edit the properties of the element, either double-click or right-click and select properties. This
gives the opportunity to change the contents of the element.

Format

The format screen allows editing of properties that affect the way the element goes to the printer,
as well as some of the lesser used display options.
Right-click on the element and select format. This gives the opportunity to edit these parameters:
Item The name of the element.
Name

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User Guide

Text Only • Max Characters Per Line: Gives the


opportunity to show the user how much
space an element could take if Max
Characters are use. This does not affect the
printout.
• Word Wrap: Where to wrap text around to
the next line. Note that this looks for the
nearest available space in the text, in order
to avoid splitting words.
• Word Wrap Line Max:The maximum
number of lines the element is allowed.
Barcode • HR Font Height: The height of the human
Only readable text in 1/72 points/inch.
• Quiet Zone: Blank space to left and right of
barcode in barcode segments.
• Bearer Bars: Encloses barcode in a box or in
horizontal lines. Note that for rectangle
that a minimum quiet zone is enforced.
• Print as Graphic: If checked, the printer
receives a bitmap representation of the
barcode to render and does not use printer
barcode fonts.
Bitmap • Name in Printer: The name of the bitmap in
Only the printer, if used.
• Printer Generated: If checked, this tells the
label to use the bitmap stored in the
printer. If checked then there must be a
value in the Name in Printer field.
• Native Size: If pressed, this will resize a
bitmap such that it shows in native size on
the label, according to the dpi of the printer.

Where Clause

Hide or show the element based on run-time criteria. This is often used to show or hide bitmaps,
based on a formula.

Expression

Create a complex expression.

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Expressions

Every label element uses an expression to determine what it will display.


To view the expression right click on the element and select Expression.

Simple Text

Hello World will print «Hello World»

Expression

An expression is always enclosed in curly braces. This tells QuickDesign it is an expression.


{Date()}
Will print today's date.
{WARENR}
Will print the contents of the WARENR field.
Expressions and simple text can be combined:
Today's date is: {Date()} will print «Today's date is: 12/03/2012»
Expressions can contain user keyed parameters:
{MyField} This field will show in User Keyed Parameters, which will be available in Operator Setup.

Expression Builder/Data Source

Expression Builder

The Expression Builder is displayed by right clicking the element and selecting the expression.

More: Displays advanced expression features.


Refresh: Recalculates the expression and displays the result in the element.

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User Guide

More

Data Source

The Data Source provides access to data sources and functions for use in expressions.

User Keyed List of parameters to be entered before printing.


Parameters

Products Fields available from the product list. Hover the mouse over
the graphic for more information.

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Customers Fields available from the customer list. See Products for
details on operation.
Production Fields available for common production labelling scenarios.
The fields are listed by label type.

Functions Complete list of functions available within QuickDesign.


Examples Commonly used expressions.

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User Guide

Phrases

Table Phrases

Table phrases are used to store commonly used phrases for labelling.
Open the Phrase Editor from the Show > Phrases menu.
• Country: What language the phrase is in.
• Phrase Name: A unique value name for the phrase.
• Table Name: A unique value name for the table these phrases will be in. Used for
categorising.
• Phrase: The actual phrase that will be printed.
In the expression editor, use the TABLEPHRASE function. All three arguments; table, phrase, and
country code can be substituted by expressions. An example is provided below.
Example: A Multi-Lingual Label Design

For every element using text, set up a TablePhrase with the following syntax:
{TABLEPHRASE('MyLabelCaptionTable', 'Caption1', CountryNo)}
For the coding automation command, carry out the following:
1. ParamValue(CountryNo, 1)

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2. LabelStore(MyLabel, MyPrinter)
3. LabelSelect(MyLabel,MyPrinter)
This tells the label editor to use all of the USA phrases. A different value for CountryNo would result
in a different set of phrases being used.

Product Phrases

Product Phrases operate in a similar fashion to Table Phrases. They are, however, based on the
product list. There is a tab in the products form that allows the user to create more fields for a given
product.
These are then accessed with the WAREPHRASE function. This function first finds the right product,
then the right phrase.
{WAREPHRASE(ProductNo,PhraseFieldName,CountryNo)}

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User Guide

Printing a Label

1. Within the Label Editor, click Label > Open button.


2. The Label Open dialogue will open, select the desired label from the list. Use Find field to
search for the specified Label Name. Click OK to open the label.
3. From the menu select Label > Print. The Production Label Print dialogue is displayed:
• To print to a printer defined within QuickDesign verify the Application Printer radio button is
selected and from the list of available printers select the required printer and click OK.
• To print to a printer defined in Windows verify that the Windows printer radio button is
selected and from the list of available printers select the required printer and click OK.

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Operator Setup
Operator Setup

Operator Setup enables the Operator Mode to be configured. This allows the procedural steps to
print a label in the Operator interface to be defined.
• General Options
• Client Setup
• Step List Setup

Step List Setup Tab

Use the Step List Setup tab to construct a list of defined procedures. Each Step should consist of
specific identifiable part of the process (Select Label, Select Printer) and be made of a single or
combination of sub-steps which are selected from a defined list.
1. From the Step Lists area of the dialog, select New.
2. Give the step a relevant name and press Enter.
3. From the Step Options area of the dialog select New Step and select one of the defined
options described in the table below.

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User Guide

Select Options:
Database • Internal database
• ODBC (external) Database (Select and specify key field and
secondary field if required)
Select Product Options:
• Mask field: Select the field from the drop down list and specify
the product identification sequence you wish to include. As an
example, A90* will display all matches beginning with A90 from
the selected field.
Note: A database must be selected to use Mask Field in the Select
Product step
• Default product. Specify a single product. Operator has no
options.
• Specify the format the results are displayed in the Show Options
area.
Select Label Options:
• Enable search capability. Displayed labels can be limited to those
of compatible printers
• Automated: Specify the label or database field that defines it. No
operator options available.
• Specify the format the results are displayed in the Show Options
area.
Prompt User No configuration required.
Populate No configuration required.
Product
Information
Select Printer Options:
• Automated: Specify the printer. No operator options available.
• Operator Choice: select the options required regarding printer
type that the operator can select from.
• Specify the format the results are displayed in the Show Options
area.
Print Preview Options:
• Display Print Preview: Activate the feature. If unchecked no print
preview will be displayed.
• Require Second Signature: Specify if a password protected
confirmation of the selected label is required.
Check Label Check label for missing information: Label will be checked to ensure all
fields are completed and valid. Specify instructions to operator should an

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error occur.
Store Label Store location can only be specified when an automated printer has
been selected which supports storage locations.
Send Label Select if confirmation is required.
Send to USB No configuration required. Operator will be required to enter label name
and select USB drive.
Restart Select to re-run start-up sequence.
4. Add more steps as required to define the operations required in your Step List. Use the
Move Up and Move Down buttons to order the list as required.
5. When complete select Save.
Each step list can be assigned a button in the Operator User Interface via the Client Setup tab

Client Setup Tab

Use the Client Setup tab to assign a step list to a specific client. A client typically will control one or
more printers.
In the illustration below the Client is Line 1.

Create Client

1. From the Select client setup to edit drop down list, select New.
2. Enter a name and select Save.
The new name will appear in the Client Name box

Assign Step List

1. Give each required button a name


2. From the Step list assigned drop down boxes, assign a step list to associate with each button.

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User Guide

Note: If no step list is assigned to a button then the button will not be displayed in the user interface.

Enable Buttons after Steps

This feature will enable buttons on the Operator Interface which the operator can use to progress
through the step procedures. Where buttons are not enables they will be greyed out and not
selectable.
Referring to the illustration below:

The settings will result in the following button behaviours:


Button Description When enabled
B1 Select After Start up
Product
B2 Select Label After B1 (Select Product)
B3 Select After B2 (Select Label)
Printer
B4 Send to Print After B3 (Select Printer)
B1 Select After B4 (Send to Print)
Product

Note: The enabling of Button 1 (Select Product) after Send to Print results in a loop returning the
operator to the beginning.

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QuickDesign

General Options Tab

This tab is used to configure the local machine (PC) by selecting Client and specific Display and Log
options.

Client Options

Used to select the Client to apply to the local machine (PC).


A client typically will control one or more printers. Assign the client type to the local client PC. This is
usually located on the production line.
The client type will contain the information specified in the Step List Setup and Client Setup tabs. If
these have already been created then this process does not need to be repeated.

Display Options

• Show Customer logo: Navigate to where the logo s stored. The log will be displayed on the
top right of the Operator Interface.
• Show Status Information
• Show On-Screen Keyboard

Log Options

• Log operator activity. Specify a location for the log file.


Operator Interface
Operator Mode
The Operator Mode user interface is designed to provide operators with a simple and easy to use
method of sending messages and labels to printers.

28
User Guide

Basic Data
Basic Data

Basic Data on the Main Menu allows you to enter information about your own company and enter
product information. For more information about this, refer to:
• Entering Products
• Associating Labels with Products

Entering Products

There are two methods of entering products in QuickDesign:

Manual Data Entry

To enter a product manually:


1. Click Basic Data > Product on the main menu. The Product window is displayed.

2. Click Insert .
Enter the following information (as appropriate to the application):
a. Product Information
• Product No.: QuickDesign will automatically generate a product number for
you. This may be modified.
• Product Name
• Product Category No.: Enter relevant category details if required.
• Is Active: Indicates the product is live within QuickDesign.
Type your drop-down text here.
b. Production
• Barcode Primary: Barcode on the primary packaging.
• Barcode Sec.: Barcode on the secondary package.
• Barcode Sec. Alt: Alternative barcode for secondary packaging.
• Barcode Pallet: The barcode on the transportation package.
• Units in Primary: Number of units in a primary package.
• Sec. to Primary Ratio: Number of primary packages in a secondary package.

• Pallet to Sec. Ratio: Number of secondary packages in a tertiary package.


• Production Line No.: Which production line will be used (Optional).
• Shelf Life Days: Product shelf life in days from the production date.
• Gram Weight Per Secondary: Weight per secondary in grams.

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QuickDesign

• Max Weight on Pallet: Maximum weight (in grams) that can be stacked on a
pallet.
• Sec. to Layer Ratio: Number of Secondary packages per pallet layer.
• Litre Volume: Number of litres in a Secondary Unit.
• Data Area ID: This is a numeric value that can be used for customised
functionality.
• Finished Product: Confirms output is a finished product.
• Raw Material: Confirms output is a raw material.
• Alt. Primary Label: Select the alternative primary label for this product.
• Alt. Secondary Label: Select the alternative secondary label for this product.
• Alt. Pallet Label: Select the alternative pallet label for this product.
• Extra Label 1/2: Select any additional labels as required.
• Half Pallet: Indicates half pallets are allowed..
• Label Text 1/2/3: These are additional fields for text that may appear on the
labels.
c. Cost
Enter costs specific to the production of this product.
d. Miscellaneous
Additional fields that may contain data for labels.
3. Click the Save button.

Data Import

This is used to import a list of products using a .csv file.


To import a product:
1. From the Menu, select File -> Import. This displays the File Import Wizard.
2. Click the ... button and select the .csv file.
3. Click on the --> button.
4. The .csv file contents are displayed on the left side of the screen. The QuickDesign product
table fields are displayed on the right side of the screen. Using the > button, map fields from
the .csv file to the fields in the product table. The field WARENR must be completed with a
value.
5. Click on the --> button.
6. A preview of the data is displayed. If any products with matching WARENR fields are found
you will be informed. If required, click the <-- to amend or click --> to continue.
7. Click on the Import button to perform the import.
8. When prompted, "Are you sure you want to import these records" confirm to continue.
9. Any issues with the import will be displayed. Click <-- to resolve, otherwise click Done to
complete or Cancel to abort.

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User Guide

Associating Labels with Products (Production Plus)

Labels can be associated with products in order to facilitate line automation with modules such as
Production Plus.
Within Basic data/Products/ there is a Labels section.

Labels are associated to products by using drop-down menus.

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QuickDesign

Production Controller
The Production Controller allows printers to be added and configured.
The main screen area shows existing production lines, printer groups, printers and connections.
These can be edited or deleted by selecting the item and right clicking.

The active icons have the following functions:


This will exit the Production Controller .

This opens the Production Line menu, allowing a new production line
to be set.
This adds a Printer Group, allowing groups of similar printers to be
setup.
Note: Printer Group must be added before adding the printers.
This will add a new printer. Click Icon, then click in white working
space. Refer to Printer Setup.
This adds an additional connection protocol to a printer.

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User Guide

Production Controller

The Production Controller allows printers to be added and configured.


The main screen area shows existing production lines, printer groups, printers and connections.
These can be edited or deleted by selecting the item and right clicking.

The active icons have the following functions:


This will exit the Production Controller .

This opens the Production Line menu, allowing a new production line
to be set.
This adds a Printer Group, allowing groups of similar printers to be
setup.
Note: Printer Group must be added before adding the printers.
This will add a new printer. Click Icon, then click in white working
space. Refer to Printer Setup.
This adds an additional connection protocol to a printer.

Printer Setup

To set up a printer (also known as the Production Controller):

1. Select Label > Printer Setup from the menu, or click

2. Click on the Printer button.


3. Click anywhere in the large white area.
4. The Printer Item dialogue box is displayed.

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QuickDesign

5. Enter the following:


• Name: Name of printer
• IP Address: IP Address of printer
• Printer Series: Select a series
• Printer Models: Select a printer model.
5. Click OK to save and close the printer item dialogue.
6. Go to File -> Exit from the menu to close the Production Controller.

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User Guide

Adding a Production Line

A Production line can be added within the Production Controller in a similar way as a printer is
added.

To add a production line, within the Printer Controller Screen , select the production line object
and then click into the working space.
The Production Line menu will open, in here the production line can be assigned a name.
Use the green tick to save the production line.

Note: Objects cannot be moved within the production controller. Therefore, to configure the printers
into a production line, the production line should be added first and then add the printers onto the
line.

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QuickDesign

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Cause

If you can’t login with a previously defined username and


I can’t login password, the default login of admin/admin can be used.

If pop-up windows appear when the application is loaded,


then the application is running in demo mode and without
a license key.
I get Pop-up windows
If you have an issued license key issued then place this
when I load the
into the QuickDesign executable directory on your
application
machine.
If you do not have a license key, contact your local
representative.
An ‘unable to connect to database’ error is likely to be as a
result of the firebird service being disabled.
QuickDesign uses a Firebird service to access the internal
database and run the application. Going to the task
manager and starting the firebird service should resolve
I get an ‘Unable to this issue.
Connect to database’
start-up error Alternatively, if a previous version of QuickDesign has
been installed on your system, there may be a conflict, in
this instance stop the firebird service before uninstalling
and re-installing QuickDesign.
Once re-installed ensure the firebird service is running
before opening the application.

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User Guide

In order to create a label QuickDesign requires a printer to be


configured in the production controller.
When I start the label editor I
As all printers are different QuickDesign uses printer
can’t create a new label
characteristic to load different label options, without a printer
being defined a label can not be created.
If the label has not been received at the coder at all, it is likely to
be a connection issue.
Firstly check the IP address and settings on the coder, and
ensure they are mirrored within the printer settings in the
production controller.
My label/message does not
You can check communications with the printer by right clicking
get to the printer
on the coder in the production controller and clicking ‘start
communications’. If this shows online, then a connection is
established.
Once a connection is established, the label should send to the
printer.

Operator mode can be accessed through either a Print login, or


I can’t access Operator mode through the label editor from the Show/Operator setup

No, QuickDesign adjusts the label characteristics to map the


Can I send a label designed
protocol and capability of each coder individually.
for one coder to another (for
In some cases a label may be sent to another coder, but
example an A-Series to a G-
typically the label parameters and elements will be inaccurate
Series)?
at the coder.

If you can’t see the Production Menu in the launch screen, then
I can’t see the Production you do not have access to the Production Plus Module, to
menu in the Launch Menu enable this module via an upgraded license key, contact your
local representative.

If you can’t see the Filewatcher object within the production


I can’t add a Filewatcher
controller window, then you do not have access to the Unite
object in the production
Module, to enable this module via an upgraded license key,
controller
contact your local representative.

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