Communication Is Key: "The Many Languages of a Thermal Label Printer"

Can you imagine a World where we could not communicate with one another? Having the ability to communicate with each other, and thus being able to work together towards a common goal, is probably the single most important characteristic to the development and evolution of mankind. Communication is prevalent and necessary in almost every aspect of our lives. We need the ability to ask for things we need, to ask questions and find answers, to explain things, to express how we feel, to negotiate and understand one another, among many other reasons. Without the ability to communicate, the World would descend quickly into chaos and isolation.?

Similarly, in order for a label printer to perform correctly, the user needs to be able to communicate the proper data to it. Without the ability to communicate properly, the printer can malfunction causing it to misalign with the label it is printing on, print incorrectly, or even not print at all. The printer needs to know what it is you are trying to tell it to do, and more importantly, it needs you to tell it in its own unique programming language.

Communication Is Key:

It is common for each label printer manufacturer to have their own unique programming language for their respective printers. This can make it difficult and costly when trying to replace printers, or when trying to reformat labels you already designed to accommodate a new printer. Think of each label printer manufacturer as its own foreign country that speaks in its own foreign tongue. If you wanted to purchase a machine that only understood and responded to that particular country’s language, then you would need some sort of way to communicate in that country’s native language.

Just as there are different avenues and resources to help you communicate in a foreign language, there are also different ways to communicate data to a printer. Let's take a look at some of the most common ways to communicate data to a printer:

Third-Party Label Design Software:

The first, and most common, would be simply using a third-party label design software. Think of this as hiring a translator to do the talking for you. You essentially tell the software what you want to communicate to the printer and the software translates that to the printer in its native programming language. The downside of using this method is you must purchase a third-party label design software, which can be costly and unnecessary depending on the general design of the label itself, and much like using a translator to translate a foreign language, is not always the most accurate.

Printer Drivers

Another popular method would be to use a printer driver to communicate the data to the printer. Printer drivers are software you can download to your computer that allows your PC to communicate to your printer and tell it what to do. There are cons to this solution as well though. First, you must have your printer hooked up to a computer, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi at all times in order for the printer to function. Second, if your office has multiple printers, you will need printer drivers for each printer installed on your computer. And finally, you will need to keep up to date with updating your printer drivers or risk printer malfunctions.

Raw Printer Code

Furthermore, there is the method of sending raw printer code to communicate data directly to the printer. Think of this as learning a foreign language yourself and then attempting to explain something, in great detail, to someone in that foreign language. This method is time consuming and also very difficult to create even the most basic of labels. The user must have the knowledge and ability to understand and write basic code, and must also have an understanding of the specific printer’s manufacturer language as well.?

The Many Languages Of A Thermal Barcode Printer:

It is for these reasons that all GoDEX printers are purposefully designed to understand and communicate, right out of the box, four different languages, including three emulations. That means that GoDEX printers are fluent in four different programming languages, making it far easier for the user to communicate data to them. GoDEX printers can understand and communicate in GoDEX’s language (EZPL), Zebra’s language (GZPL), Eltron’s language (GEPL), and even Datamax’s language (GDPL). That is the equivalent of being an international businessman and knowing English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. This ability to understand and communicate in so many ways offers an incredible advantage, and makes replacing printers easier than ever.

GoDEX Printers also come with a free and optional label design software called GoLabel, which allows the user to effortlessly design and print labels in minutes. This means you don’t need to spend extra money on a third-party label design software that you may not even need. GoLabel was designed to have a user-friendly interface and communicate data to your printers accurately and efficiently. GoLabel software can even create a barcode, and then translate that barcode into printer code for you to copy and paste elsewhere. This can help tremendously when trying to reformat labels, or when trying to design a new label for print.?

Lastly, GoDEX printers also have the ability to be programmed for standalone operation. This means the printer will print without the use of a PC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or any other device. It is as simple as integrating a USB scanner or keyboard. This gives GoDEX printer users the ability to print from a computer, their smart phone/device, a standalone keyboard, a USB scanner, or if the printer has an LCD panel, directly from the printer itself. Pick the option that is right for you and take solace in knowing that whatever you choose, your GoDEX printer will print effectively and efficiently. With a full line of mobile, desktop, and industrial printers to choose from, and access to endless accessories and options, GoDEX printers have garnered the reputation of being the most versatile, cost-effective, plug & play printers on the market.?