Specifications
Data Sources Chapter 4-3
ODBC The value is retrieved from an ODBC database. The opera-
tor can be prompted to enter the key field data at print 
time, initiating a lookup in the database to retrieve the 
data that you want to print. To use the ODBC data source 
you must first install the ODBC drivers on your PC. You 
then need to set up ODBC within the label design software 
(Options menu > Directories > Data Source button). 
OLE DB The value is retrieved from an OLE DB database. The 
operator can be prompted to enter the key field data at 
print time, initiating a lookup in the database to retrieve 
the data that you want to print. To use the OLE DB data 
source you must first set up the database through the OLE 
DB Manager (Options menu > Configuration > OLE DB 
Manager tab). 
Date/Time 
Stamp
The date/time, based on the system clock, populates the 
field. An offset may be defined to print a past or future 
date/time.
Serial File At print time, the value is retrieved from a serial file that is 
incremented or decremented with each label printed. The 
serial file can be reset automatically after each print job, 
to begin again at the starting value; or, counting can 
resume from the last label printed.
CommWatch The value is retrieved from an external device—such as a 
weigh scale, scanner, sensor or PLC—through the com-
puter’s serial port.
Accumulator 
File
The value is retrieved from an accumulator file. An accu-
mulator file takes the numeric value from a field on a label 
(or from multiple formats) each time the label(s) is 
printed. The values are added together (accumulated) in 
the accumulator file; the total of which can be printed 
using this data source.
Pick List The value is selected at print time from a predefined drop-
down list of choices. Input can be limited to the list to 
ensure exact entry of data with no unauthorized entries.
Shift Code The value is a pre-determined code that is based on the 
time of day the label was sent to the printer.
Data Dictionary The operator is prompted to enter the value at print time; 
the prompt is derived from the data dictionary.
 (Table continued from previous page)
Data Source Description










