Contents and Scripting
Overview
A Content represents a piece of data that can be printed on a product package.
It defines how the data is used for:
- Printing
- Commissioning
- Reporting
- Serialization-related processing
Contents can be static, dynamic, formatted, or scripted.
Content types
| Content type | Description |
|---|---|
| Static content | A content whose value does not change during a production. It is fixed for each production order and references a production order property |
| Dynamic content | A content whose value can change during production, potentially once per printed item. Its value is created by a code issuer |
| Formatted content | A concatenation of other contents. It is defined by an expression containing static text or references to other contents |
| Scripted content | A content defined by a programming expression applied to simple contents |
Advanced knowledge is required to configure formatted contents and scripted contents.
Formatted contents require correct syntax. Scripted contents require C# coding knowledge.
Static contents
A static content is fixed for each production order.
Its value can be provided by:
- An attribute defined in the static attributes of the production
- A code formatter that generates the value once at the beginning of production
Typical examples include:
- Batch number
- Production order property
- Product-related attribute
- Expiry date if fixed for the production order
Dynamic contents
Dynamic contents are generated during production.
Their values can change as often as once per printed item.
Dynamic contents are created by a Code Issuer.
Typical examples include:
- Inextor codes
- External codes
- SSCC codes
- Dynamic dates
- Serialization codes
Formatted contents
Formatted contents combine multiple values into one printable output.
They can include:
- Static text
- References to other contents
- Generic tags
- Separators
- Carriage returns
A formatted content cannot be recursive.
Example: carriage return in formatted content
To insert a carriage return in a barcode, use the generic tag:
[CR]
{ContentA}[CR]{ContentB}[CR]{ContentC}