Understanding the basic concept and printing options

The terms “generating” and “printing” are frequently used in the context of “document printing”. This guide will help you understand what the difference is. You will also learn in detail about three options for triggering the printing of transit accompanying documents such as shipping labels or loading lists/manifests.

A basic concept in Carrier Connect: Generating vs. printing

1. The first step is to generate documents and prepare them for printing. You always use Carrier Connect to generate the documents.
2. After generation, the documents can be printed out: You can use either Carrier Connect or the host system to initiate the actual print process.

The three options at a glance

• Option 1: Documents are generated and printed directly via the Carrier Connect user interface.
• Option 2a (RETURN mode): A host system requests document generation in Carrier Connect via an API call. The finished document is then returned in the API response to the host system, which manages physical printing independently.
• Option 2b (PRINT mode): A host system requests document generation in Carrier Connect via an API call. Not only document generation, but also physical printing is managed by Carrier Connect.

Further information on “Printing” with Carrier Connect

• Printer languages, approved thermal printer models, label paper, printer drivers: see System Requirements
• Creating printers in the master data: see User Guide
• Printing options from AEB applications: see Installation & Configuration Guide