Printing Overview

If the APM is set up to use the local print engine (Print Server) instead of Lab 50, you will need to set up at least one printer interface and assign the interface to the products that will be available for local printing. This should only be configured if Lab 50 is not available, or if there is an actual printer connected to the system via USB. This local printing option was originally designed for use with small express printers, such as dye-sublimation printers, to print express prints while customers wait for a premium price.

There are several important considerations when using the kiosk as the print engine instead of Lab 50:

  1. The kiosk software may run slower since many of the printer interfaces, including the Windows Printer interface, require hardware resources to properly render and format the order for printing. This is most noticeable when the kiosk is processing a large order or a Photo Folio order.
  2. There is no workflow management prior to orders going to the assigned printer interface, so orders are immediately printed out after they are placed.
  3. Finally, if there are multiple kiosks set up to process orders to a single minilab, then each kiosk would need to be reconfigured separately when products are changed, or if there are modifications to the minilab settings.

With this in mind, configuring printers in the Setup Wizard is an easy, three-step process. These steps include:

  • Adding and configuring a printer interface.
  • Selecting printed products from the Products Printed Here option.
  • Assigning the selected products to a printer interface in the Product Matrix option.