My system should normally have full control of the printer. Finally it is very important if a document like a bill had really been printed. 

intern: SAP keeps full control, all entries are dependable caused by direct communication with printer:
real end of job

Necessary forms are complex and should carry the corporate design (own font, logo, etc.) of the enterprise.

Employees are not only needed while implementation, you have to administrate your forms, too. Nothing gets older faster then a form (changing adresses, phone numbers or CEOs).

intern: Administration of forms is reduced to SAPScript and ABAP programming.

extern: Additonal to know-how about printing preparing in extern systems you have to get known about intern workflows. If you need for example a variable of the data base, which is normally not distributed by ABAP, you need to know how you can get it using SAPScript or ABAP.

Not enough available at any time.

In most cases you will not find an unified printer environment, caused by different requirements and producers. But the capable printers are normally page printers (laser printers). By the way, there are a solutions for multi documents sets on laser printers, but later more.

intern: All relevant printer languages are supported, but in relation to PCL only the rudimentary basis commands. Due to this only a little part of the whole feature spectrum (like feeding out of various trays, duplex, etc.) can be used.

extern: Depending to the used software nearly all printing systems are supported under MS Windows, but in some cases with really big data streams.

Every bigger investment requires continuity.

intern: Should be guaranteed by SAP

extern: Depends on take over of the datas. Some systems modifying SAP (e.g. new layout sets) other systems uses the data stream created by SAP.

The generally difficulty is known at SAP, because in the new R/3 version 4.0 a SAPScript based editor and a RDI (raw data interface) are integreted.

Printing preparing had not be changed in version 4.0, only form creation is supported with a MS Windows SAPScript generator, but at least this generator generates SAPScript layout sets and nothing had changed in relation to functionality of SAPScript.

Please notice, that all named solutions only work on local and network printers and not on remote printers (SAPLPD).

Demo with possibilities of from printing in SAP

stethos is intensivly engaged in possibillities of [form] printing under SAP. We have the possibility to create forms as you want them to be, only by using the standart tools of SAP and in some cases a flash memory solution. Placing of logos, bar codes or water marks is no longer a problem.
A small demo file should demonstrate, what could be done. The first two pages are the common SAP printing pages. After that for comparing you get known of what SAP can really do.
By modifying the printer driver all possibilities of SAP are avialable and a special lack when printing copies will be deleted:
Every time when SAP has to print originals and copies, SAP makes a print preparing and a complete data base request for each copy. That raises costs, bottlenecks in network and pc resources. With a solution by stethos, this problem will be gone.
Our demo example shows, how this will be done with only 30kB additional data after the original page, and that with watermarks and logo.
We kindly offer you our know-how. With only one day consulting you will be able to fit your printing forms by yourself. Please contact us directly for information about this special service.