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:

  • 64-bit Windows 10 Operating System.
  • 100GB minimum storage space
  • 8GB RAM
  • Install the agent to the default path suggested during the installation.


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
 (HP Super Agent App)

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.

The agent must have direct accessibility to folders on presses, DFEs, artwork storage folders, network domains, and printers that you intend to use on the network.

Print drivers for all printers, including green-sheet/batch-sheet, reconciliation, invoice, dispatch note, attachment, and label printers must be installed on the server and tested by local IT to confirm test pages can be printed from within the Windows print manager.

Network Infrastructure

10/100/1000Mb or WiFi

Local Storage 
(Only if using Local Sync)

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 
(E.G., Print, Laminate, Cut, Etc.)

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.

We recommend selecting a Chromebook model with Kensington lock compatibility for security. The cheapest base models are normally fine. Please buy one and test it before buying any more. Different stations can share the same co-located Chromebook if you want to keep costs down or if you have a station device that is not used often. Alternatively, many companies have unused PCs or laptops that can also be used, as only a browser is required.

Dispatch Devices for Shipping 
(Reconcile and Dispatch)

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.

A 2d scanner is more expensive but often can support QR codes and data matrices down to around 4 mm (0.15 inch). 

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.

The printer you use must be a network printer with its integrated network card connected via a network cable and installed using a TCP/IP printer port, not a USB printer connected via a print server or PC. USB connectivity will not be supported.

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.
 

The printer you use must be a network printer with its integrated network card connected via a network cable and installed using a TCP/IP Printer Port, not a USB printer connected via a print server or PC. USB connectivity is not supported.



Here is a high-level workflow example.


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