Overview
In this article, you can find the minimum hardware requirements for local agent servers, network infrastructure, local storage, station devices for production events, dispatch devices for shipping, dispatch label printers, handheld barcode scanners, batch-sheet A4/letter laser or Inkjet printers, assembly/ reconciliation wall displays, assembly/ reconciliation bins, and invoice, attachment, reconcile ticket and barcode printers in Site Flow.
NOTES: The specifications below will vary in different environments. Your experience will be best when using the Recommended Approach, shown below in red.
Google Chrome is the recommended browser to access HP PrintOS/Site Flow.
Black = Mandatory Requirement
Red = Recommended approach
Blue = Optional
Device Agent | The HP Device Agent must be installed on a workstation that remains permanently powered ON. See the recommended specifications below:
Note: It is strongly advised not to install this software on Virtual Machines. Note: It is strongly advised not to install this software on presses DFE. |
Local Agent Server | The “HP Super Agent” needs to be installed on a PC, server, VM, or a compatible DFE with 64bit Windows 8 onwards. Server size can be small or medium, with a minimum of 100GB storage 8GB RAM running. Temp files will be created during a file transfer (E.G., downloading Batch Print files) but automatically deleted. This software communicates with local printers and manages the synchronization of files with the cloud. |
Network Infrastructure | 10/100/1000Mb or WiFi |
Local Storage | Most customers already have a local file server/SAN used to store customer artwork before it is sent to press. The Local Agent server can also be used for this purpose. (Please increase storage as needed ~5TB). |
Station Devices for Production Events | At least 1 x Chromebook (Recommended) or 1 x PC with a cabled network (Recommended) or PC on a WiFi network. Other types of devices including tablets may not be supported. |
Dispatch Devices for Shipping | At least 1 x Chromebook or 1 x PC with a cabled network or wireless network |
Dispatch Label Printer(s) | For printing your carrier labels, you will need at least one label printer. We have tested and recommend the Zebra ZD421. Please ensure you specify the model with an onboard Ethernet connection (RJ45). This must be set with a static IP address. Do not attempt to use a USB model with any separate print server (hardware) device or connected to a PC. This will not work and will not be supported.
TIP: If you are purchasing these as new, please buy one and test them before buying any more. Typically, carriers create labels that are (203 dpi). The Zebra printer you choose for printing those labels should have the (203 dpi) option installed. |
Handheld Barcode Scanner(s) | A 1d (linear) barcode scanner is inexpensive but only supports 1D barcode scanning. Therefore, it may be restrictive in the future depending on the project types that you have to support. TIP: If you are purchasing these as new, please buy one and test them before buying any more. |
Batch-Sheet A4 / Letter Laser or Inkjet Printer | You will need a separate laser / Inkjet printer for printing banner (batch) sheets at the press so that the press operator can insert the sheets into the stack. |
Assembly or Reconciliation Wall Displays | 1 x Chromebook or PC with a cabled network or wireless network. If required, displays can also be mounted on stands or walls. These can be either Smart TVs, TVs with Chrome adaptors, or PCs connected to monitors. Each TV needs to be able to display a web browser. You can also use the Dispatch Device above. |
Reconciliation Bins/ Assembly Bins | Shelving, boxes, bins, pallets, or floor space, whatever option works for you. Each must be sequentially numbered. |
Invoice, Attachment, Reconcile Ticket, Barcode Printers | These most often require a letter/A4 printer. We suggest the HP LaserJet Pro 400 printer M401dn or equivalent. If configured properly, it may be possible to print these types of documents on a Zebra label printer. |
Here is a high-level workflow example.