Introduction
Next Plus can be integrated with a variety of label printing applications to automate and streamline barcode label generation within manufacturing and logistics processes.
This article presents a case study of integration with BarTender, a widely used barcode label design and printing software. While the specific technical examples provided here relate to BarTender, the same principles and integration flow can be applied to other label printing applications as well.
What is BarTender and Why Integrate with Next Plus?
Integrating Next Plus with label printing apps (such as BarTender) enables automatic generation and printing of barcode labels directly from production processes.
BarTender is a professional barcode label design and printing software used across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail.
Next Plus manages manufacturing workflows, production data, and reporting.
The integration allows data to flow seamlessly from Next Plus into the label printing applications. Typical data points include Part Numbers, Serial Numbers, Work Order Numbers, and other production-specific values.
In the label printing apps, this data can be:
Printed directly on the label (e.g., text fields like part numbers or work order references).
Encoded into barcodes or QR codes for scanning and traceability.
It is important to note that the barcode encoding and formatting are configured within the label printing application itself (e.g., BarTender), while Next Plus serves as the source of structured production data.
Requirements for Integration
Technical Components
Label printing software installed on a server with access to printers
Configuration Builder capabilities
A script or middleware to handle data transformation (e.g., JSON ➝ BTXML for BarTender).
Network connection availability between the Next Plus servers and the printing software.
Integration service configured in the label printing app to listen for data files or API calls.
Next Plus Configuration
Introduction
This guide walks you through creating webhooks, designing forms, and automating triggers for seamless printing operations
Process Flow of Integration (Case Study: BarTender)
Form Creation in Next Plus
A user fills out a Next Plus form with required details such as printer selection, label type, stock serial, and production data.
These fields act as the data source for label generation.
Example: In BarTender, this data feeds into a BTXML file that defines printer and label settings.
Webhook Trigger from Next Plus
Next Plus can trigger a webhook when a form is submitted.
The webhook sends a JSON payload containing label data (printer, label template, stock serial, package info).
Example: In BarTender, the webhook points to an Integration Service endpoint.
Data Conversion via Script
The webhook activates a script (commonly PowerShell, but could also be Python, Node.js, etc.).
The script reads the JSON, extracts relevant fields, and generates an intermediate file format required by the printing app.
Example: For BarTender, the script produces a BTXML file.
Label Printing App Integration
The label printing app continuously monitors a designated folder or endpoint.
Once a file is received, the app processes it and executes the printing job on the designated printer.
Example: BarTender Integration Builder listens for BTXML files and prints accordingly.
Label Printing
Labels are printed in real time, aligned with the manufacturing workflow.
This ensures consistency, accuracy, and traceability.