2. How does LaserNet work?

LaserNet - A complete Output Management solution
LaserNet offers all the tools you need. The solution contains tools for extraction of data from any ERP and other enterprise applications to document design and output delivery. LaserNet can work with of any given data stream such as page formatted, records, tab or line separated files, XML, HTML without any need to adjust the application that is producing the data to LaserNet.

When LaserNet receives input it processes the data or documents and deliver the output reformatted and distributed to any channel defined by the user.


LaserNet delivers business information to the right people, in the right place, in the right format – all automatically and without touching the originating data.

Input

LaserNet is built with a wide range of ways to receive input from any given application. The software can capture data via LPR/LPD, FTP, shared folder, fax, email, web services etc. and process the input to intelligent output. It is possible to split and install the LaserNet software on many different servers on the network, and data capture can be done on one server, processing and delivery of documents on another.

LaserNet is able to work with many different input formats like ASCII, XML, XHTML, and the format can be single oriented print containing one page, or it can be joboriented containing several pages, with or without page separators.

Furthermore the software supports Windows formatted data (EMF) like word etc. and several special output formats from systems like SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Navision etc.

Output

LaserNet supports the most widely used delivery channels. This means documents and files can be transformed and delivered from LaserNet to any recipient, in any format in any volume. The most preferred delivery technology is;
The most preferred delivery technology is:

A) Print
LaserNet supports any printer working with Windows drivers. The driver information is loaded into LaserNet, and any function within the driver can be used for any document. This means full control of output bins, duplex, paper size etc. and support for special printers like label, cheuch and thermo printers.

B) Files
Any information or document can be stored into a database, a shared folder or on a network. The file can be named on behalf of information from the datastream (invoice number.PDF). LaserNet supports all common formats like XML, HTML, Tiff, RTF, PDF etc. etc.

C) E-Mail
LaserNet supports all mail systems using MAPI or SMTP, such as Microsoft Exchange, GroupWise, Lotus Notes etc. Information from the datastream can be used to fill information like “TO:”, “CC:”, “Subject:” etc. and the body text plain text or HTML can be changed as well. By using PDF as attachments it is possible to send documents in full colour and collect, schedule and combine mail to same receiver.

D) Fax
LaserNet support almost any standard fax system like ZetaFax, Faxination, ExtraFax, Tobit, Faxware etc. by converting documents to preferred format like Tiff or PDF, and generate the needed headerfile for sending.

E) E-Business
It is possible to convert documents to XML, EDI or HTML etc. to provide a powerful range of e-document requirements. LaserNet offers a full graphical tool for building XML, EDI or HTML files, using the correct tag/field names. When working with XML it is possible to import any stylesheet, and no programming skill is needed. LaserNet e-business can also receive, transform and process XML files, enabling a full exchange of business documents.

F) Database
LaserNet support any ODBC/OLE DB compliant database for storing data or documents. Data stored in database can also be inserted into documents, files etc. Most common databases supported are Microsoft SQL, Oracle, Access etc.

G) Combinations
The above mentioned is the most common output functions used by customers working with LaserNet. It is possible to combine and use more than one output destination, which gives the user the possibility of building a powerful output strategy. A document received can be changed and processed into a print, an email, and at the same time converted to a XML file, which will be stored into a database - All combinations are possible with LaserNet.