Provides a form or an application with enhanced functionality. An action or rule can add or change data or print parameters, submit a print request, validate user credentials, open a label template, form, layout, image, reusable object, or application, open a URL in a web browser, or close an application. Actions and rules are similar to business rules, but simpler to create. They are created in Application Design and are specific to a particular application or form. Some actions are available only in applications.

In a single-line text field in Label Design, dashed lines indicating the top, baseline, and bottom of the text. Alignment markers are not printed or displayed in forms.

A connection to a file external to Spectrum that acts as a data source and can serve as the data ref for a document field. An Alternate data source is associated with either a File data service or an HTTP data service.

The background of an application on which you can add forms and transitions. Clicking the application canvas displays the properties of the application.

A workflow that maintains distinct versions of a label template or other item and includes options to request review, approve, and reject the item. An item is checked out to be modified, and checked in to save a new version. After a version is checked in, that version cannot be changed.

A container for fields or label templates. A layer area can contain fields, and a layout area can contain references to label templates.

A scripting component that can be used to retrieve the values of an area's formatting and positioning properties.

The conceptual line on which characters sit by default. Characters with a rounded bottom edge may extend slightly below the baseline. Some characters (such as y) have descenders that extend significantly below the baseline. The baseline is not printed on labels or displayed in forms, but is an alignment marker that can be viewed in Label Design.

Binary Large Object. A data type designed to store a large amount of binary data, such as an image.

A collection of component sets or business rule components that can be used to incorporate logic or to add, change, or remove data or print parameters after a print request is submitted but before printing occurs. Business rules are similar to form rules, but provide more robust functionality. Business rules are created on the Application Design page and can be designed using the Configurator or programmed using XML.

An element within the XML of a business rule that either adds or changes data, incorporates conditional or loop logic, or implements branching.

A type of control or document field in the data entry view of a label template or in a form that can be used to run a data source query, a form rule, or a business rule when clicked by a Data Provider.

A formatting specification that enables you to format some characters within a text field differently than other characters. Format sources are configured within a label template or a reusable object and can be applied to multiple fields.

A type of control or document field in the data entry view of a label template or in a form that can be used to run a data source query, a form rule, or a business rule when the check box is selected or cleared by a Data Provider.

Character Large Object. A data type designed to store a large amount of character data.

In a business rule designed in Configurator, an element that either adds or changes data, incorporates conditional or loop logic, or implements branching. The XML represented by a component block includes one or more business rule components.

In a business rule designed in Configurator, an ordered collection of component blocks that is run when a particular trigger event occurs.

In Application Design, the graphical interface for configuring a business rule by creating component sets, each containing component blocks that are run when a particular trigger event occurs.

A type of data source that allows a Data Provider to enter a value by using a prompt or a button.

The Form view in Label Design, which represents what is displayed to the user in Print.

The view that is displayed to a user on the Print page that allows the user to enter information for a label. A Designer can configure this view in the Form view on the Label Design page.

A repository for the data for use when responding to a print request. Each data map entry is composed of a name (key) and a value.

A name (key) and value pair in the data map for a job.

Person or process that enters data into a form or other data entry view for a label that was configured by a Designer. A user acting as a Data Provider requires the DOCUMENT_PRINTER role or equivalent permissions.

Data reference. The data source used to populate a field with a value. An Input Data Ref is the data source from which a Prompt field obtains data.

A connection to a database, file, or URL that is external to Spectrum and that can be used to retrieve data for use in a label. Data services are created on the Data Services page. To use a JDBC data service to populate a label with data, a Database data source is required.

A local administrator who creates and configures data services for use by Designers who configure Database data sources and Alternate data sources.

A collection of data (names and values) that is specific to a label template or a reusable object. A data set can be used to populate fields displayed in Label Design, in a preview, and when test printing.

A connection to a database that acts as a data source and can serve as the data ref for a document field. A Database data source is associated with a Database data service.

A type of data source that provides the automatically calculated date and time of printing.

Driver Extension Framework format, a special compressed file format for Spectrum data. This format is used to contain a Driver Extension Framework prior to its installation into Spectrum.

For each field, the value specified in the Default Value property for that field.

Person who creates and designs label templates, forms, and applications for use by Data Providers.

A physical printer, print queue, or other target for output, such as an image file or a PDF file.

A user who creates and configures devices in Spectrum. Some Device Admins may have permissions to manage Remote Sites.

A sequence of print jobs waiting to be printed. Also known as a queue or a print queue.

A control field in a form or in the data entry view of a label template that allows a Data Provider to select a printer or other device. A Device Selector is displayed as a browse button and the name of the selected device. Clicking the browse button opens a dialog box from which a Data Provider can select a device. A control can also be used to run a data source query, a form rule, or a business rule.

Options for devices that can be configured in Device Management.

An object that includes settings for a device but cannot be started as a service and cannot consume a device seat. You can use Save As to create a device based on the device template.

A printing method that uses heat sensitive media and no ribbon. The print head is activated as the media moves underneath, heating the media and activating the heat sensitive material in the stock causing darkening of the material. To increase the quality of the print, decrease/increase the speed and increase/decrease the heat as necessary.

A backup solution that provides redundant data protection by using a standby server that has the ability to manually fail over with minimal or no data loss in the event of a disaster.

Core services necessary to support essential Spectrum functionality. Additionally, device connections, data services, and integrations also function as services if your Spectrum environment is configured to support distributed services. In a Spectrum environment with distributed services, multiple Spectrum Application Servers are configured to interact as peers within the Spectrum environment, all accessing the same Spectrum database.

Distinguished name. A unique entry in a directory managed using Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).

Person or process that acts as a Data Provider, entering data into a form or application that was configured by a Designer.

A user who signs off on label templates and other objects created by Designers.

A default role in Spectrum that is designed to be assigned to Designers of label templates, forms, and applications.

A default role in Spectrum designed to be assigned to Data Providers.

A user who views label templates and other objects created by Designers.

Documents permissions are used in Access Control to manage label templates, applications, business rules, forms, images, layer objects, layouts, reusable objects, or workflow templates.

Where reported in the Spectrum user interface for Status, this indicates that the device is unreachable and may be offline.

Datamax-O'Neil Programming Language, a printer control language.

A solution that provides support for a device for which neither the family nor model is displayed in Devices. It typically includes a Generic device, a label template, and any business rules or processes required to run the device.

A type of control or document field in the data entry view of a label template or in a form that can be used to run a data source query, a form rule, or a business rule when a Data Provider changes which item is selected.

Device Specific Option. Any option for a device that can be configured in Device Management.

The number of times to reprint a label by using the same data and without changing the value in any incrementing or decrementing field. Each duplicate printed label is identical.

EasyPlug, a printer command language by NOVEXX Solutions. NOVEXX Solutions originated from Avery Dennison's Industrial Paint & Apply (IPA) line of business.

In the Barcode Wizard, a description of a segment of the barcode data.

Similar to a data service, an end point serves as a connection to data or functionality external to Spectrum. An end point is always on.

In the Label view or Form view in Label Design, a blue box that outlines a field when the field is selected.

Eltron Printer Language, a printer language from Eltron

The number of seconds since 00:00:00 UTC on 1 January 1970, not including leap seconds.

Where reported in the Spectrum user interface, this means that a failure has occurred.

Epson ESC/Label, a printer control language.

An object in Spectrum that represents the location of a Spectrum Application Server and Spectrum Database Server that are associated with a headquarters (HQ). These servers must be associated with a Spectrum license for which Usage is set to Facility and Multi-Site is set to true. Each facility can communicate with only one headquarters. By synchronizing, an HQ can replicate objects to facilities and replicate transactional data generated at facilities back to the HQ.

Automatically rerouting jobs to an alternative or backup device when the primary device fails or is unavailable.

In Label Design, any text, control, shape, barcode, image, or that is in a label template, form, or reusable object. A new field can be created by dragging a type of field from the Library. Note that an area is not a field.

A predefined set of field names with associated parameters that can be added to a label template, layer object, or reusable object to streamline the design process and validate field compliance.

A scripting component that can be used to retrieve the values of a field's formatting and positioning properties.

The identifier assigned to a field or an area in a label template, form, layer object, or reusable object by a user. A field name is the link between a label and data entry. Note that an area is not a field.

A connection to a plain text file or an image file that is external to Spectrum. A File data service or an HTTP data service drives Alternate data sources used in documents.

A print request initiated by placing files into a scan folder that Spectrum monitors. Spectrum responds by printing the label or other document.

A configuration that manages the order in which available labels are inserted into layout areas in a layout. A fill group specifies a start origin, fill direction, and match rule. Fill groups are part of a layout.

A type of area that includes a static reference to a specific layer object.

A type of field with content and formatting that cannot be altered by a data provider. Fixed Text is configured by a document designer.

A control field in a form or in the data entry view of a label template that allows a Data Provider to select a folder. A Folder Selector is displayed as a browse button and the name of the selected folder. Clicking the browse button opens a dialog box from which a Data Provider can select a folder. A control can also be used to run a data source query, a form rule, or a business rule.

The ability to use a printer's native scalable font at print time in place of a TrueType font. Font mapping allows you to print natively and therefore improve performance.

The ability to reference a font and style at print time by using a font file stored in device memory. Using font recall can reduce the amount of data in the print stream and therefore improve performance.

The interface for data entry by a data provider. A form is a separate object in Spectrum, but it can be combined with a label template so that the form serves as the Form view for the label template.

The portion of a label template that includes any interface for data entry by a data provider. It can be configured in the Form view in Label Design.

A formatting specification configured within a label template or a reusable object. A format source can be applied to multiple fields.

A mathematical or logical statement that acts as a data source and can serve as the data ref for a document field. A formula data source can be used to concatenate strings, perform mathematical operations on numbers or perform string operations on text.

Fingerprint/Direct Protocol. Intermec Fingerprint is a programming language for printer applications. Intermec Direct Protocol is a label layout language used by Fingerprint.

A technique in which the ink prints to the edges of a label and slightly beyond. If the label is applied to a surface that is the same color as what is printed, this prevents the background color of the label from showing near the edges of the label.

A group of layout areas. All layout areas in a grid are configured in unison. You can ungroup a grid to produce individually configurable layout areas, but you cannot regroup them.

The group(s) assigned to the user or role. To display, in the ribbon click Home > Group.

The location of a Spectrum Application Server and Spectrum Database Server that are associated with facilities. These servers must be associated with a Spectrum license for which Usage is set to Production and Multi-Site is set to true. Each HQ can communicate with multiple facilities. By synchronizing, an HQ can replicate objects to facilities and replicate transactional data generated at facilities back to the HQ.

A connection to plain text data or image data that is external to Spectrum. A File data service or an HTTP data service drives Alternate data sources used in documents.

A type of data source that alters a starting value by adding (incrementing) or subtracting (decrementing) a consistent value.

A connectivity bridge between Spectrum and another application. An integration enables an administrator to route print requests initiated by users in another application through Spectrum to be processed.

A default role in Spectrum for use with integrations that need access to Spectrum. This role may be assigned to the user specified as the Run As User when configuring an integration. This role is assigned to the default Integration User. Users with this role assigned, cannot login to Spectrum interactively.

Intermec Printer Language, a printer control language.

A connection to a database or spreadsheet that is external to Spectrum. A JDBC data service drives Database data sources used in label templates.

A SQL query that a data service runs on an external database. The query can be entered as part of the data service or can be passed as a parameter from a Database data source used in the document.

What is submitted for processing. A job is separated into print jobs and print job details based on the processing rules. A job defines which processes to use.

A digital representation of a label generated by a print job. Job details can be altered during the print job by using Formula data sources, Script data sources, and business rules.

A special type of business rule set that is required by generator processes. A job source must include both a business rule and data processors. The business rule must contain a Data Pipe business rule component.

A folder in Spectrum that contains status information about print jobs. For print jobs performed via an integration, you can specify the job target folder. For on-demand print jobs, the default Job Target folder is used.

The name by which a value is referenced. Each data map entry is composed of a key and a value.

A file containing encrypted credentials for accessing a computer.

The output or part of the output from a job, either printed on physical media or stored in a digital file.

The Label view in Label Design, which represents the design of the label. Clicking the label canvas displays the properties of the label template.

An item that specifies the origin of data used to fill variable fields in a label template. Types of label data sources are displayed in the Data Sources pane in Label Design.

A control field in a form or in the data entry view of a label template that allows a Data Provider to select a label. A Label Selector is displayed as a browse button and the name of the selected label. Clicking the browse button opens a dialog box from which a Data Provider can select a label. A control can also be used to run a data source query, a form rule, or a business rule.

Device settings that can be sent to a printer or other device when a specific label template is used to print, overriding options configured for the device in Device Management or in the operating system. LSOs can be configured in Label Design.

A digital representation of a label that can be combined with variable data and used by print jobs to generate print job details.

The portion of a label template that includes the design for printed labels. When editing a label template, it can be configured in the Label view in Label Design.

A type of area that contains a reference to either an existing layer object or to a data ref that resolves to the path to a layer object. A layer area can be added to the Label view of a label template.

A type of object that can contain fields appropriate for the Label view of label template. To be used by a label template, a layer object must be referenced by a layer area in the label template.

An object that defines an organizational structure for printing multiple labels by using one or more label templates.

A type of area that contains a reference to either an existing label template or to a data ref that resolves to the path to a label template.

Device settings that can be sent to a printer or other device when a specific layout is used to print, overriding options configured for the device in Device Management or in the operating system. Layout Specific Options can be configured in Label Design.

Loftware Custom Pack format, a special file format for Spectrum data.

A collection of data (names and values) that was retrieved from a data source and is specific to a label template or a reusable object. A data set can be used to populate fields displayed in Label Design, in a preview, and when test printing.

Routing incoming jobs so that each device has approximately the same amount of work, minimizing idle time and delays.

A Spectrum role with most administrator permissions as well as all of the permissions for a DOCUMENT_DESIGNER and a DOCUMENT_PRINTER. By default, all pages are displayed to users with this role.

A client-side service that must be installed on a remote computer so that it can communicate with the Spectrum Application Server and permit printing. The Loftware Print Agent connects to Spectrum to receive print jobs, provide device and status information, and receive configuration information as needed.

Loftware Object Promotion format, a special compressed file format for Spectrum data. This format is used when exporting objects for promotion. This file format helps avoid file-naming conflicts between Windows and Spectrum and prevents errors due to the Windows limit for file name length.

Label Specific Option. LSOs are device settings that can be sent to a printer or other device when a specific label template is used to print, overriding options configured for the device in Device Management or in the operating system. LSOs can be configured in Label Design.

Loftware Transfer Tool format, a special compressed file format for Spectrum data. This format is used when transferring objects between Spectrum instances or when importing Spectrum objects provided by Loftware. This file format helps avoid file-naming conflicts between Windows and Spectrum and prevents errors due to the Windows limit for file name length.

When version control is used, the portion of the version number preceding the decimal point. A published version or major version is a version in which the minor version number is zero.

A property that allows a Designer or administrator to type in the value for a property rather than select it from a list. For a data ref, value must be the fully-qualified name of a data map entry.

To move data between a Loftware Print Server (LPS) environment and a Spectrum environment. For more information, see the Loftware Spectrum Migrate and Transfer Guide.

When version control is used, the portion of the version number following the decimal point.

Monarch Printer Control Language, a printer control language by Avery Dennison.

A configuration of a Spectrum environment that includes Spectrum instances located at different sites within the same WAN. In a multi-site deployment, each Spectrum instance acts as either a headquarters or a facility.

A font definition that resides in the firmware of the printer.

A value that is unknown. A null value is different from an empty string or a zero value.

An item in Spectrum such as a role, group, user, business rule, application, workflow template, data service, form, image, integration, job, label template, layer object, layout, field data catalog, device, device group, process, reusable object, facility, Remote Site, Spectrum Application Server, or server process.

Permissions in Spectrum associated with a specific object or with a folder that control what actions can be performed on that object or on objects within that folder. Each object has default permissions that can be overridden by exceptions for a specific group or user. A user must have both a role-based permission and the corresponding object access permission to perform an action on an object.

The transfer of a copy of objects specified in a promotion configuration from one Spectrum Application Server to another.

The following types of objects are version controlled when saved in a version-controlled folder: label templates, forms, images, layer objects, layouts, reusable objects, field data catalogs, applications, business rules, processes, workflow templates, and data services. Images do not support minor versions.

OpenType font

In relation to media, the organization of labels specified by a layout. In relation to the Spectrum user interface, a top-level tab.

The number of times to print the content for the labels in a layout. Each page is identical, including the value in any incrementing or decrementing field.

Information that is gathered by a data service or that is part of the configuration of a data service. Parameters can be configured by data service administrators, or data service administrators can make parameters available to document designers to customize for each Database data source.

Printer Command Language, a printer control language from Hewlett-Packard.

Portable Document Format, a page description language from Adobe.

An action that can be granted or denied to roles, groups, and users.

Printronix Graphics Language, a printer language from Printronix.

Printer Job Language. A printer language developed by HP for controlling and monitoring devices at the print job level.

For a Variable Text field, the series of digits 1234567890, repeated until the maximum number of characters allowed for the field is displayed. For a barcode field, a sample barcode that adheres to the specified properties. For an image field, a sample image. Whether placeholder data is used in Label Design is controlled by the selection for Design Data.

A default setting.

A collection of one or more print job details that are grouped by destination, scheduled time to print, and priority.

A single request to use a label template to print to a specific destination. Depending on the values for Quantity, Duplicates, and Pages, a print job detail may generate multiple labels.

See device.

A collection of physical devices. Printer Groups can be used for load balancing and failover.

An object in Spectrum that binds together all of the components to be used when responding to a print request. Among other items, those components may include a label template, layout, device, and a business rule to be used when processing a print request. Processes are created in the Process Design page.

The transitions between the steps in a workflow.

To transfer a copy of objects specified in a promotion configuration from the source server to the destination server.

The act of attempting to transfer objects specified in a promotion configuration from one Spectrum Application Server to another.

A plan specifying objects to promote from this Spectrum Application Server to a specified destination server. It also includes any parameter values to be replaced in data services on the destination server when promotion occurs. In the System Management page, the Object Promotion Source pane lists the promotion configurations for which this Spectrum Application Server acts as the source server.

A record of the success or failure of a promotion attempt. In the System Management page, the Object Promotion Destination pane lists the promotion results for which this Spectrum Application Server acted as the destination server.

A type of control or document field used to collect information from a Data Provider in the data entry view of a label template or in a form. When a Data Provider submits data via a prompt, a data source query, a form rule, or a business rule may be run.

For transition to production, create a new version of the object, incrementing the major version number and setting the minor version number to zero.

When version control is used, a version for which the minor version number is zero. Users with some permissions can print only the latest published version.

The number of times to print a label by using the same data. Each printed label produced is identical except for any incrementing or decrementing field.

A sequence of print jobs waiting to be printed. Also known as a device queue or a print queue.

A type of control or document field in the data entry view of a label template or in a form that can be used to run a data source query, a form rule, or a business rule when a Data Provider changes which item is selected.

See layout area.

A computer outside of your LAN/WAN and on which the Loftware Print Agent is installed. A remote computer has access to devices that are not directly accessible by a Spectrum Application Server.

A client-side service that must be installed on a remote computer so that it can communicate with the Spectrum Application Server and permit printing. The Remote Print Agent connects to Spectrum to receive print jobs, provide device and status information, and receive configuration information as needed.

An object in Spectrum that represents the location of a remote computer. The Loftware Print Agent must be installed on the remote computer so that it can communicate with the Spectrum Application Server and make devices at that location available in Spectrum. Each Remote Site can communicate with only one Spectrum Application Server.

An item that can contain components of a label and a form so that you can incorporate them into labels and forms efficiently and consistently.

Permissions in Spectrum that are assigned to a role and inherited by users who are members of a group to which that role is assigned or by users to whom the role is directly assigned. A user must have both a role-based permission and the corresponding object access permission to perform an action on an object.

The role(s) assigned to the user or group. To display, in the ribbon click Home > Role. For a user, roles inherited from a group membership are not displayed.

A form rule or a business rule. For more information, see "form rule" or "business rule."

SATO Barcode Program Language, a programming language for communication between a computer and a printer.

A shared folder monitored by Spectrum for incoming print requests via file drop. Multiple scan folders can be configured.

A type of data source that provides the result of a mathematical operation or physical manipulation (copy, combine, trim) of other label data or metadata using JavaScript.

A geographical location, such as the location of a Spectrum instance or a remote computer.

A Spectrum Application Server and a Spectrum Database Server that are associated with each other by a Spectrum License.

A single request to print multiple label templates that can be targeted to different devices.

In an application, the form that should initially be displayed when the application is loaded in the Print page.

The states an item goes through when applied to a workflow.

A type of barcode.

A control field in a form that systematically displays the results of a data source query, a form rule, or a business rule in columns and rows.

A type of control or document field in the data entry view of a label template or in a form that can be used to allow a Data Provider to retrieve lengthy data from a database and then manipulate the data retrieved.

A printing method that uses ribbon and non-heat sensitive media to print. The print head is activated as the media moves underneath, heating the ribbon material and melting it onto the label. To increase the quality of the print decrease/increase the speed and increase/decrease the heat as necessary. Also called thermotransfer.

Tec Printer Command Language, a programming language from Toshiba for communication between a computer and a printer.

In a multi-site deployment of Spectrum, information about recent synchronizations that can be used for auditing. During a transaction sync, this data can be replicated from a facility to headquarters.

To move data between Spectrum environments. For more information, see the Loftware Spectrum Migrate and Transfer Guide.

To which output tray to direct printed labels or documents. If a printer has only one output tray or otherwise does not support this feature, this is ignored. For Windows drivers the tray is the name of the tray that supplies the paper. The name corresponds to the configured tray name in the driver setup (not case sensitive). For PCL 5e drivers the tray is the ID number of the tray that supplies the paper. The ID corresponds to the configured tray number in the driver setup.

A means of running an action, rule, or data service. Includes a trigger source if interactive (such as a button, a prompt, or a form) and a trigger event (such as clicking a button, entering text at a prompt, loading a form, or submitting a job). For example, you can specify a particular button as a trigger source that Data Providers can click to perform a query of a database.

An event that is used in conjunction with a trigger source to run an action, rule, or data service. For example, clicking a button, entering text at a prompt, loading a form, or submitting a job.

The name of a data map entry used as part of a data source trigger that has a Do Not Run trigger source. If the trigger key exists in the data map, then no trigger is permitted to run the data source. If the trigger key does not exist, then other triggers can run the data source. In either case, the value of the data map entry is not relevant.

The order in which actions, rules, or data services that have otherwise identical triggers are run. Priority values are compared only if the actions have the same trigger source, trigger event, and trigger key (if any). The type of trigger source is irrelevant. Among actions, rules, or data services with otherwise identical triggers, the trigger source with the lowest value for priority is run first.

A field that is used in conjunction with a trigger event to interactively run an action, rule, or data service. For example, a button that runs a query when clicked, a prompt that runs a query when submitted, or a form that runs a query when loaded.

Whether the trigger is for an action, rule, or data service.

TrueType font collection

TrueType font

Where reported in the Spectrum user interface for Status, this indicates that the device is online.

Default settings that may be configurable by the user.

A configuration of preferences that can be assigned to a user or a group, providing default settings.

A control field in a form or in the data entry view of a label template that allows a Data Provider to select a user. A User Selector is displayed as a browse button and the name of the selected user. Clicking the browse button opens a dialog box from which a Data Provider can select a user. A control can also be used to run a data source query, a form rule, or a business rule.

The user(s) assigned to the group or role. To display, in the ribbon click Home > User.

A type of area that includes a dynamic reference to a data ref that is resolved to the path of a layer object at print time.

A type of field with content and formatting that can change based on data from a data source, such as information entered by a data provider.

The ability to maintain distinct versions of a label template or other object. An object is checked out to be modified, and checked in to save a new version. After a version is checked in, that version cannot be changed.

A sequence of steps a label template or layer object progresses through in Label Design.

A collection of steps and possible progressions defined by XML that can be used to progress a label template or layer object through the workflow in Label Design. A workflow template can call Event integrations to extend the capabilities of workflow beyond Spectrum.

Zebra Programming Language II, a printer control language.