Building an Enterprise Print Solution | LinkOS and Arrowhead's MobiPrint App

In this dev case study, learn how Zebra's ISV partner, Arrowhead created an app, Mobi Print that enables drivers to print directly from the Mobileframe platform ERP applications and how that app helped a food manufacturer provides real-time visibility and management over their Zebra hardware solutions in the US and Mexico. 

Using the Zebra Link-OS® Multiplatform SDK to help design its Mobi Print application, which is available in both Android and iOS versions; there has been a significant swing toward Android deployments in recent years, with 80% of downloads now being Android. Mobi Print is a print utility that enables communication between mobile devices to Zebra printers.  The challenge was that when a leading food manufacture needed an effective enterprise printing  solution. 

Accepting the Challenge l Finding the Solution 

Once the food manufacturer decided on Zebra hardware; and once Zebra understood the printing requirements, the Zebra Developer Team quickly recommended Arrowhead’s validated application, Mobi Print. Mobi Print enables drivers to print directly from the Mobileframe platform ERP applications running on their Zebra TC56 Touch Computers to their Zebra ZQ520 Mobile Printers via wireless or Bluetooth.

As the devices are used at locations for the food manufacture throughout the USA and Mexico, Arrowhead remotely manages, updates, and troubleshoots the TC56 via SOTI® MobiControl and, via SOTI, has been able to install Zebra’s Bluetooth printer management solution, comprising Bluetooth Connector and Connection Manager applications, onto the TC56s. These applications create a gateway between the Bluetooth connected ZQ520s and Zebra’s Printer Profile Manager Enterprise (PPME),  so Arrowhead can access the same real-time visibility over the printers and update, monitor, and troubleshoot the printers too. 

Brent Grandil President of Arrowhead comments: “As a Zebra ISV we are using tools which some people aren’t even aware of, such as PPME. Having access to all this know-how and tools is a major benefit to us as we assist our customers. And being able to remotely manage our printers and test new firmware, for example, has been indispensable for the success of this project and taken the onus off the end user.” 

Working with the Zebra Dev Team

Arrowhead and Zebra have mutually benefited from their collaboration; Arrowhead has access to Zebra’s tools, technical support, advice, and know-how to resolve development issues, as well as having its applications validated and promoted. Zebra has a wider portfolio of solutions and is able to work in cooperation with its partners to deliver successful total client solutions.