When it comes to Label Printing Software within a JD Edwards EnterpriseOne environment, businesses often weigh different options to optimize their processes. We’ve had direct experience using both BI Publisher (BIP) and Createform, offering valuable insights into their respective strengths and weaknesses. Previously relying on Createform, the integration of BIP with JDE became a significant factor in our decision to transition. Having converted our forms, we’ve discovered that BIP effectively handles approximately 98% of Createform’s capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages we encountered:
Advantages of BI Publisher
One of the primary benefits of BI Publisher is the simplification of the technical architecture. BIP eliminates a layer of complexity by resolving directly on the JDE Enterprise server. In contrast, Createform necessitates a separate CF Server and a Citrix plug-in, adding to infrastructure overhead and potential points of failure. This streamlined approach with BIP reduces dependencies and simplifies system management.
Furthermore, document generation speed is significantly improved with BIP. Large documents, sometimes spanning thousands of pages, could be slow to render in Createform due to its method of reading and interpreting the entire PDF. BIP employs a different technique, converting initial program output into XML. This XML-based process facilitates faster conversion into the desired formatted document, resulting in quicker output and enhanced efficiency, especially for high-volume label printing tasks.
Disadvantages of BI Publisher
Despite its advantages, BI Publisher does present a steeper learning curve compared to Createform. While neither platform is inherently simple, BIP’s development environment, based in MS Word, introduces certain constraints. Users are somewhat limited to Word’s functionalities, and tasks such as managing headers and footers can become complex. Inventiveness with Word tables is often required to achieve specific layouts. Although BIP functions exist, they are not readily accessible through intuitive buttons or lists within Word. Users must possess specific knowledge of these functions and manually input them, demanding a more technical skillset.
Another crucial consideration is the necessity for UBE (Universal Batch Engine) adjustments. In almost every form conversion to BIP, we found it necessary to modify UBEs to ensure correct print output. This requirement could be a major hurdle for organizations lacking RDA (Report Design Aid) proficiency or unwilling to undertake base UBE modifications due to testing and audit implications. The need for UBE changes often only becomes apparent well into the BIP design process, when unexpected printing results are encountered. While some adjustments may be minor, such as those related to shipping label printer compatibility, others can significantly impact UBE operation, sometimes necessitating restructuring of report level breaks. Companies considering a conversion to BIP should be prepared for potential UBE adjustments as part of the implementation process for their label printing software.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BI Publisher offers compelling advantages in terms of architectural simplicity and processing speed for label printing software within JDE environments. However, it also presents challenges related to a steeper learning curve and the potential need for UBE modifications. The optimal choice between BIP and Createform depends on an organization’s technical capabilities, priorities, and willingness to adapt their existing processes.
