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📦 Using Barcode 3of9 in Excel Print Files – Merciglobal Cloud ERP

This document outlines the steps required to implement and use the Barcode 3of9 font in Excel print files generated through the Merciglobal Cloud ERP system. This is particularly useful for representing data like item codes in machine-readable barcode format for easy scanning and warehouse operations.

✅ Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure the following:

  • You have access to the Ubuntu server where Merciglobal Cloud ERP is hosted.
  • You are familiar with the Excel print file templates used in Merciglobal ERP.
  • You have the required font file: 3of9.ttf

🛠️ Step-by-Step Implementation

1. 📁 Install Barcode 3of9 Font on Ubuntu Server

To ensure the barcode renders correctly in Excel exports, the font must be installed on the Ubuntu server:

# Copy the font to the system font directory
sudo cp /apis/fonts/3of9.ttf /usr/share/fonts/truetype/

# Update font cache
sudo fc-cache -f -v

🔎 Font path in Merciglobal ERP: /apis/fonts/3of9.ttf

2. 📄 Declare the Barcode Function in Excel Template

In the Excel print file template (used for invoice, item labels, etc.), insert the following function into the desired cell:

$b3of9($itemcode)

🧩 Where:

  • $b3of9() is the custom ERP function to convert text into a barcode-friendly string.
  • $itemcode is the dynamic field name used in the print form.

👉 This function ensures the correct string formatting needed for 3of9 encoding.

3. 🎨 Set the Cell Font to 3of9

After entering the function in the cell, apply the 3of9 font style:

  • Select the cell
  • Open Font settings in Excel
  • Choose 3of9 from the font list

This visual change transforms the rendered string into a barcode.

📌 Important: Ensure the barcode includes start and stop characters (*) which are automatically handled by $b3of9() in Merciglobal ERP.

🧪 Example Output in Excel

Field Function in Cell Displayed Barcode (with font applied)
Item Code $b3of9($itemcode) *ABC123* → rendered as barcode

💼 Use Cases in Merciglobal Cloud ERP

  • 🏷️ Item Label Printing – Automatically generate barcodes on stock item labels.
  • 🧾 Invoice Printing – Add barcodes to invoices for quick scanning.
  • 📦 Warehouse Picking Lists – Speed up picking processes with barcoded SKUs.

💬 Need Help?

If you need support implementing this feature:

  • Contact the Merciglobal ERP Support Team
  • Refer to internal developer documentation (Module: ExcelPrintHandler)

📚 Summary

Task Description
Font Installation /apis/fonts/3of9.ttf on Ubuntu
Excel Function $b3of9($itemcode)
Font Setting in Excel Cell Use 3of9 font

Leverage this setup to create efficient, scannable, and professional documents directly from your Merciglobal Cloud ERP environment.