9Trigger System β Automated Printing
Triggers automatically initiate label printing when certain conditions are met. No manual operation needed β the software works on its own.
9.1 When Do You Need Triggers?
- π Monitor a folder: when someone places an Excel file there, automatically print labels
- π Connect to a scale: after weighing, automatically print a weight label
- π Receive network requests: ERP system sends a print command via HTTP, auto-print
- β° Scheduled task: print day's production labels automatically at 8:00 AM
9.2 Trigger Types
| Type | How It Works | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| File Watcher | Continuously monitors a folder, triggers when new files appear or are modified | Others place data in a shared folder, auto-print |
| Serial Port | Listens to a COM port, triggers on matching incoming data | Electronic scales, barcode scanners, industrial equipment |
| Network | Listens on a network port, triggers on HTTP/TCP requests | ERP/MES systems triggering remote print |
| Scheduled | Triggers at configured times (daily, weekly, hourly) | Daily report label printing |
| Manual | Triggers when user clicks a button | Testing triggers, on-demand printing |
9.3 Configuring a File Watcher Trigger (Full Example)
Monitor D:\PrintJobs\ β whenever a new Excel file appears, auto-print labels.
Go to Data β Trigger Manager.
Click "New Trigger".
Give it a name, e.g. "Folder Auto Print".
Select type: Choose "File Watcher".
Configure parameters:
- Directory path: Enter
D:\PrintJobs\ - File filter:
*.xlsx(monitor only Excel files) - Watch events: Check "Created" (trigger on new files)
Select print template: Click "Choose Label" and pick your designed .iba template.
Enable the trigger: Turn on the "Enabled" switch.
Click "OK" to save. Now whenever someone places an Excel file in D:\PrintJobs\, the software will automatically print labels.
9.4 Trigger Condition Expressions (Advanced)
Set extra conditions β printing only when they're met:
{amount} > 1000β only print if amount exceeds 1000{type} = "Return"β only print if type is "Return"{city} contains "Shanghai"β trigger when city field contains "Shanghai"- Multiple conditions can be combined with AND/OR
9.5 Trigger Log
All trigger events are recorded. You can check:
- When it was triggered
- What (which event) triggered it
- Whether it succeeded or failed
- Error reason if failed