One of the most significant improvements in BusinessMind V7 is how tag printing works. We've completely redesigned the printing system to be faster, more reliable, and easier to use.
How Tag Printing Worked in V6
In Version 6, tag printing required a separate program called the "BusinessMind Desktop Companion" (BDC) to be installed on your computer. Here's how it worked:
Required Installation: You had to install the BDC software on the computer connected to your tag printer
System Printer Setup: Your tag printer needed to be set up as a regular system printer with special settings
Network Connection: The BDC maintained a constant connection to our servers to receive print jobs
Remote Printing: You could print from any computer in your store to the printer, even if it wasn't directly connected
Common V6 Printing Challenges
Many customers experienced these issues with the V6 printing system:
Internet Connection Problems: Some internet providers (especially Comcast) would interfere with the printing connection, requiring special network configurations
System Updates: Windows or Mac updates would sometimes break the printing functionality
Setup Complexity: Getting everything configured correctly could be time-consuming and technical
Reliability Issues: The multi-step process had several points where things could go wrong
How Tag Printing Works in V7
Version 7 uses a completely different approach that's much simpler and more reliable:
Direct Connection: V7 communicates directly with your tag printer through the USB cable
No Extra Software: No additional programs need to be installed
Browser-Based: Everything works through your web browser (Google Chrome recommended)
Instant Printing: Tags print immediately with no delays or connection issues
What This Means for You
Faster Setup: Simply plug in your printer and start printing - no complex configuration required.
More Reliable: Fewer moving parts means fewer things that can break or cause problems.
No Internet Issues: Since printing happens directly between your browser and printer, internet connection problems won't affect printing.
Easier Troubleshooting: If something isn't working, it's usually as simple as checking the USB connection.
Important Changes to Consider
Printer Connection Requirements
In V7, the printer must be directly connected to the computer you're printing from. Unlike V6, you can't print from one computer to a printer connected to another computer using BusinessMind's built-in features.
If you need network printing: Some printer manufacturers (like Zebra) offer their own software that can share printers across your network while still working with V7.
Browser Requirements
V7 requires a compatible web browser - we recommend Google Chrome for the best printing experience.
Supported Printers
V7 officially supports:
Zebra printers that use ZPL2 language (especially models from the last 4 years)
Many customers have also reported success with older Zebra models and other brands like Citizen and Eltron
Making the Transition
When you migrate to V7, here's what to expect:
Remove the BDC: You can uninstall the BusinessMind Desktop Companion from your computers
Simplify Printer Setup: Remove any special printer configurations from V6
Connect Directly: Plug your tag printer directly into the computer via USB
Test Printing: initiate a tag print in V7 as you would normally have done in v6.
Need Help?
If you're experiencing any issues with tag printing in V7 or have questions about the transition, our support team is here to help. The new system is designed to be much more straightforward, but we're always available to assist with any questions you might have.
Remember: The goal of these changes is to make tag printing faster, more reliable, and easier to manage. While there are some differences in how things work, most customers find V7 printing to be a significant improvement over the V6 system.