One thing you might want to consider looking at is the open-source Jasper Reports Server.
All documents can be pixel perfect and driven from SQL queries against DB2 and other database such as SQL Server, MySql, etc..
The iForms product we wrote at RJS was built on top of an older version of the Jasper Reports engine which is very stable.
I think iForms is also still supported in some fashion, but you have a handful of decent options available.
There are also native components that can be used to do MS Word Mail Merging from Java or Python as well if that's of interest.
Regards,
Richard Schoen
Web:
http://www.richardschoen.net
Email: richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
----------------------------------------------------------------------
message: 1
date: Sun, 27 Dec 2020 15:45:20 -0600
from: "Jacob Banda" <jnbanda@xxxxxxxxxx>
subject: Replacement for InfoPrint Designer - Mail Merge of Data onto
Forms
Hello there!
Hoping someone can provide some suggestions on software solutions that can do form design and "mail merges" natively on IBM i. We currently have the last release of InfoPrint Designer (5733-ID1) running on a Power7 box. While the solution still works, there are various shortcomings. Right now we have a lot of hands in the process. We are looking to minimize the steps by consolidating as much as we can onto the IBM i.
Here are our requirements:
1. Map form data directly from physical files (we're looking to remove
the spooled file creation step from the process).
2. Support at least 1000 fields to be mapped on one form destined for
duplex printing.
3. Support form design with graphics. (PDF import would be a plus).
4. Support 1D, 2D, and Postal barcodes such as: Code 11, Code 39, Code
128, Interleaved 2 of 5, QR, IMB, and Postnet
5. Support write to PDF.
6. Offer compression on PDF output.
7. Allow for variable PDF batch output sizes (individual or 1250-1500
page long PDFs).
8. Ability to apply logic for masking or displaying data based on
criteria would be nice.
A previous 2012 Midrange post made reference to iForms from RJS Software, which was bought out by HelpSystems in 2014.
https://archive.midrange.com/midrange-l/201206/msg00451.html
https://www.helpsystems.com/product-lines/rjs-software
We have personally looked into Cybra's MarkMagic, and it appears that it can do the job well, although we won't be using it for barcode labeling. We've demoed the software, and there were only two problems that held us back from moving on it back in version 9. They addressed those issues in version 10 (just released).
https://cybra.com/markmagic/
There is also InterForm, but we haven't demoed it. I also think they require spooled file output, which we are trying to move away from.
https://www.interform400.com/en/
There is also T.L. Ashford, but I think they're in the same boat as
InterForm: requires spooled files.
https://www.tlashford.com/TLA2/pages/tlaforms/overview.html
IBM pushed DocPath Boulder Suite, but we're not looking to import our overlay projects and migrate to a product that was specifically designed to replace InfoPrint.
https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/ibmi/library/i-migrating-infoprint-design
er-app/index.html
We're not opposed to executing the SPENDMONEY command, we just want to make sure that the software is as all-encompassing as can be. Right now we're leaning towards MarkMagic. All input is appreciated. Thanks.
-Jacob
midrange.com
