Process Order Assign to Labeller

Process Order Assign to Labeller is the function that connects a Process Order to a physical labelling machine (or group of machines) on a production line. When a process order is assigned to a labeller, Commander4j exports label data as a CSV file to a folder accessible by the labelling application (AutoLab4j or LabelServer4j), which then drives the physical printer automatically.

This is distinct from the standard print queue approach, where labels are sent directly to a printer on demand. The labeller assignment approach is used when labels need to be printed continuously and automatically as products are manufactured on a line.

Production Lines and Labellers

Before process orders can be assigned to labellers, the production line configuration must be set up. See Production Lines & Labellers for how to define lines, assign physical labellers to them, and configure resource and workstation restrictions.

Assigning a Process Order

From the Process Order screen, an operator selects a process order and assigns it to a production line. The system:

1. Validates that the operator's workstation is permitted to assign to the selected line (if workstation validation is enabled for that line).
2. Validates that the process order's required resource matches one assigned to the line (if resource validation is enabled).
3. Exports label data as one or more CSV files — one per physical labeller assigned to the line.
4. The external labelling application (AutoLab4j or LabelServer4j) reads the CSV and drives the printer.

Multiple Labellers on One Line

A single logical production line can have multiple physical labellers assigned to it. When a process order is assigned to the line, Commander4j creates a separate CSV export file for each physical labeller. This allows, for example, a pallet labeller and a case labeller to both receive data from the same process order assignment.

Control Mechanisms

Three levels of control are available when configuring a production line:

Control	Description
Resource Validation	When enabled, a process order can only be assigned to a line if the order's Required Resource matches a resource configured for that line. This prevents orders intended for one production line being accidentally assigned to another.
Workstation Restriction	When enabled, only specified workstations (computers) can assign orders to a given line. This prevents accidental cross-line assignment from the wrong terminal.
SSCC Range	Optionally restrict the SSCCs generated by a line to a specific numeric range, identified by a prefix. Useful when different labellers must produce SSCCs from separate ranges.

Label Groups

Each production line is associated with a label group — Pack, Pallet, or General — which determines the type of label data exported. A line configured for Pallet labels will export pallet label data; one configured for Pack labels will export case/pack label data.

Related Screens

Screen	Purpose
Production Lines & Labellers	Define and configure production lines and their assigned labellers
Required Resources	Define the resource codes that can be linked to process orders and lines
Process Orders	View and manage process orders; assign them to labellers from here

See also: Production Lines & Labellers, Required Resources, Process Orders, Standard Reports