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Setting - Pharmaceutical Research Lab
Objective -
Print very small bar code labels. Plates were being stored at low temperature. Integrity
of the system was key. Numbers could not be duplicated. Sequencing of the number was
custom and unusual.
Evaluation -
The user needed to get lists of numbers to print from existing network. This interface
would benefit from being very simple. There was limited space on the vial and the labels
had to be small. Labels would have to be durable enough to be stored at -70 Celsius. Also
needed was a number list generator with complex logic for putting together large lists
from few instructions. We also noted that the users of the system were reasonably
proficient with computers. The system would have to be easy to use and rock solid in it's
accounting of numbers.
The System -
One Windows95 laptop and a thermal transfer printer with adequate capacity for this narrow
web label application. We incorporated a number of modules we had already developed for
other clients. This kept the costs down. Below, we have listed some of these modules and
their benefits.
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Key
Components and Their Features / Benefits |
| Databasing
- We maintained an archive of the numbers which were printed. This archive would have to
be accessed fast as it would be evaluated for every printed item as they were loaded into
the list or printed. The user could get a list to print from the existing network in a
standard format. They could also generate a list from the "Wizard" (see below).
Upon printing, the user would be notified if particular numbers had already been provided.
The user could over-ride the system if needed. |
| Ultimate Printer
Connectivity - Due to their small size and engineered materials, it was important
to use these labels wisely. We could not have the printer run-on, out of control or print
lots of blanks. First, we incorporated an existing label design that conserved materials.
We grouped the numbers for efficient printing and utilized a printer that had a
"backfeed" mechanism. The user could pause or cancel the printing on either the
software or the hardware and it was immediately recognized by the other component. The
printing process can be paused or cancelled without extra supplies being wasted. |
| Bar Coding
- The unique sequencing of the label number also required that the human readable
interpretation be slightly different than the bar code. Because the design of the labels
was compiled for each label printed, we had ultimate flexibility and could even change the
layout of the label based on field values. |
| Complete User
Interface - The items chosen (by either import or the wizard) are presented to
the user in a list form. There is also an "archive status" to show if the item
has ever printed by the system. Printing starts where the user has positioned the cursor.
The cursor proceeds through the list as the printer prints. The items are marked as
archived as they are entered into the database. The user can Pause the printing. The user
can Cancel the printing. The user can restart printing and move the cursor to move the
starting point. The application is 32 bit Windows95 and will run in the background if
needed. |
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* Download this page in Word 6.0 format
for viewing and printing CasePharmaceutical.doc |
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