News

Release 8.0.5 fixes some issues with the hotfix release 8.0.1.

We have also removed the changes made in hotfixes 8.0.2, 8.0.3 and 8.0.4 to work-around the recent IE 11 bug that caused issues with printing the content of frames and framed content.

A full listing of the issues addressed is available in the Knowledge Bank.

As usual with hotfixes, you only need to upgrade to this release if you are affected by any of the listed issues. If you have applied any of the ScriptX 8 hotfixes we recommend you install hotfix 8.0.5.

Licensees can download the full Resource Kit for this release from the My MeadCo portal. If you are making use the free version of ScriptX, please see the Knowledge Bank.

Created On: 13.07.2017

On 14th June 2017 Windows Monthly Security Rollup Update KB4022715 was released for Windows 10 (Build 1607) / Server 2016 and Windows Security Update KB4022719 for Windows 7. The update appears to have a different number for Windows 10 Insider Preview builds.

These updates include a security update for Internet Explorer 11 to v11.0.43 (KB4021558).

Please note: These issues are resolved by the latest round of security updates from Microsoft.

This update is causing an issue with Internet Explorer 11 where the content of a frame (iframe or frame in a frameset) cannot be printed or previewed, in the case of frameset docs, frames cannot be printed previewed. A blank page or a '404' page results and the URL reported in the page footer is wrong.

Unfortunately, this issue affects ScriptX and leads to blank pages and/or error dialogs when attempting to print or preview a frame (iframe or frame in frameset) on its own (i.e. when the print is of the frame, not the containing document).

We are aware that this issue is also affecting the general user community and not just those using ScriptX. In the general community the issue affects printing any pages containing iframes. However, with ScriptX pages containing iframes can be printed, but the iframe cannot be printed on its own.

Typical use cases of the ScriptX functions PrintHTML() and PrintHTMLEx() are not affected by this issue - specifically if the content being printed does not contain frames or frames reference content from the same domain. If cross-domain content is referenced by iframes then errors may occur when trying to print.

Resolution

The problems can be resolved by:

1. Apply the fix issued by Microsoft on June 24th for some operating systems. A separate fix has been released for Windows 10. We have verified that this fix resolves the problem and ScriptX works correctly when this fix is applied, or

2. Remove the Security Update and await any new update on the next update cycle (not recommended as this leaves you vulnerable to security issues), or

3. If you are a ScriptX licensee and have installed the update and are unable to remove it or are unable to stop the update installing and the fix from Microsoft is not applicable to you and this issue will have a critical impact on the services your organisation provides please contact us for additional support.

Created On: 14.06.2017

Hotfix Release 8.0.1 fixes some issues with printHtml(). It also fixes being unable to remove the PDF printing extension if ScriptX was removed first and there is a minor performance and stability improvement when printBackground is not used.

All files are now signed according to the latest signing standards.

A full listing of the issues addressed is available in the Knowledge Bank.

As usual with hotfixes, you only need to upgrade to this release if you are affected by any of the listed issues. Licensees can download the full Resource Kit for this release from the My MeadCo portal.

There are no changes or improvements if you are making use of the free version of ScriptX.

Created On: 01.06.2017

MeadCo’s browser add-on, ScriptX, enables controlled and consistent printing from Internet Explorer. The latest release, ScriptX 8.0, is officially launched today and is designed specifically for use on Microsoft’s newest edition, Internet Explorer 11.

The key benefits of the ScriptX product are ensuring consistent formatting and appearance of the printed output of browser-hosted content from any local or networked printer. This is regardless of the printing configurations already set in each individual computer’s Internet Explorer (IE) browser. This means that HTML and PDF forms, legal and financial documents, prescriptions, wristbands, barcodes, labels and tickets can be printed correctly first time, every time, identically, from all devices.

The new aspects in the ScriptX 8.0 release include the main installers being dramatically reduced in size and the introduction of a new ability to control the smallest scale factor, useful for graphing on large monitors with high pixel counts.

MeadCo has designed ScriptX 8.0 as, from last year, Microsoft only provides technical support and security updates to the most current version of IE. MeadCo foresees that many of its customers may choose to update to IE 11 on all their client PCs and wants its offering to reflect the very latest technology. However, the ‘MeadCo Promise’ guarantees continued support for ScriptX to all licensees, even when Microsoft introduces newer versions and updates. This means that MeadCo will continue to provide technical support, bug fixes and security updates to users of ScriptX on earlier versions of IE. Alongside this, MeadCo will continue active development of ScriptX 8.0 for IE11.

Jerry Mead, CEO of MeadCo - the creators of ScriptX - explained: “If all end users operate Internet Explorer 11, then ScriptX 8.0 is the best possible option. ScriptX 7.7 should be deployed if end users operate a mix of Internet Explorer 11, alongside previous releases, or if the end users operate Internet Explorer 10 or earlier.

“ScriptX has been available as a browser add-on since 1998 and is currently installed on many millions of Windows machines around the world. Whilst it is great to have proven 100% functionality and security over nearly 20 years, it is also vital that ScriptX continues to be at the very forefront of new technology. This is why we constantly develop and improve the system, creating new releases, while ensuring existing customers will always be supported.” 

Created On: 10.04.2017

Pete has burst into virtual print again with an article about the new release of our popular helper for ASP.NET MVC Razor views.

Created On: 20.10.2016

Over on our blog Pete talks about the new release of the popular wrapper library for javascript.

Created On: 06.10.2016

We have released two of samples for using ScriptX in .NET applications on Windows to our GitHub:

1. An illustration of basic use in a WPF application.
2. Licensed use in a console application.

The source to both samples is unlicensed. The licensed use sample requires a license for the use of the advanced features of ScriptX.

If there are any other samples you would like to see, please let us know.

Created On: 11.01.2016

Starting on January 12, 2016, Internet Explorer 11 will be the minimum supported version to continue to receive security updates and technical support on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.

MeadCo's ScriptX has fully supported Internet Explorer 11 from version 7.4.0.8 which was released in December 2013.

If you havent done so, it is time to upgade to Internet Explorer 11 and to the latest version of ScriptX :: 7,7,0,20.

If you are feeling stuck with applications developed years ago and reliant on old and non standard behaviour then Internet Explorer Enterprise Mode is a feature in Internet Explorer 11 that allows you to keep those old web applications running. With Enterprise Mode you can upgrade to a more modern, secure browser but keep old applications working.

Created On: 22.12.2015

Mead & Co today launched ScriptX 7.7, the latest version of the world’s favorite add-on for controlling the printing of browser-hosted content. ScriptX 7.7 introduces license validation that does not rely on keeping root certificate authorities up to date, as well as providing full support for older versions of Internet Explorer and Windows XP. It also features updates to the PDF printing library and a number of improvements driven by user requests.

At the beginning of 2016 Microsoft changed the way in which Windows enforces Authenticode code signing, meaning that it will not trust any code signed with a SHA-1 code signing certificate timestamped after January 1, 2016. Mead & Co has been code signing all of the component DLLs in ScriptX for many years, and those in Script 7.7 have been signed and time stamped with an SHA-1 certificate dated prior to January 1, 2016. This means that the version will be valid until at least 2020. This simplifies license validation for customers – subsequent ScriptX releases will be signed with a new SHA-2 certificate.

ScriptX 7.7 is also the last major release to provide full support for Windows XP and Internet Explorer up to and including IE10, ahead of Microsoft discontinuing security updates and technical support on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 for IE10 and earlier browsers on January 12, 2016. Mead & Co will continue to provide bug fixes for ScriptX 7.7 to assist customers not yet ready to move to IE11 due to the browser’s use in legacy applications.

Script 7.7 also incorporates a number of hotfixes, based on user feedback. These include updates to the PDF printing library, improvements to the License Manager application screen layout and changes to the correct selection of paper size when there are multiple matches for the requested size_name and longer size_names are listed first.

ScriptX 7.7 is now available for download by new and existing customers.

Created On: 18.12.2015

Please read Pete's latest blog post for details on how the deprecation of SHA-1 affects ScriptX and our plans for ScriptX 7.7

Created On: 03.12.2015

We have a new blog post about dealing with the error "Invalid HTML parameters specified for the license".

Created On: 27.10.2015

ScriptX, the world’s favorite add-on for controlling the printing of browser-hosted content, will work seamlessly with Internet Explorer 11 on the new Windows 10 operating system. 

Windows 10 includes two browsers as standard - Internet Explorer (IE) 11 and Microsoft Edge (previously known as Spartan). The Microsoft Edge browser does not support ActiveX Controls and currently has no extensibility model. Consequently, ScriptX and control of the printing process is not supported by Microsoft Edge. However users upgrading to Windows 10 can continue to use IE 11 for the foreseeable future to manage and control the printing of browser-based content.

ScriptX versions 7.6 onwards are compatible with IE 11 on Windows 10, providing a stable browser that can be relied upon to provide a first class experience to users. ScriptX will therefore continue to work effectively, providing the scripted control of printing that companies and users require on Windows 10. To achieve full compatibility, developers will need to meet certain, straightforward installation requirements, details of which can be found here.

Mead & Co will closely monitor the development of the Microsoft Edge browser and its extensibility model. If and when those developments occur it will look at how they can be leveraged to provide scripted control of the print process from Microsoft Edge.

From January 2016 IE 11 will be the only version of Internet Explorer supported by Microsoft on Windows 7/8.1. Consequently, Mead & Co recommends that all Windows 7/8 desktops running ScriptX should be upgraded to IE 11 sooner rather than later.

ScriptX 7.6 is a required upgrade for users running IE 11 on Windows 10. Existing licensees can download and deploy the ScriptX 7.6 binaries free of charge by visiting the Mead & Co customer portal. The free ‘basic’ version of the software can be downloaded from the ScriptX download page.

Created On: 07.08.2015

To meet the increasing demand to manage the printing of web-based documents from mobile devices, Mead & Co has extended ScriptX - making it simple to print labels, badges and other documentation from any mobile device equipped with a web browser.

Mobile device browsers provide poor control over the printing of web-based documents; yet this control is exactly the thing that ScriptX provides to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser on desktop PCs. So to achieve the control required, printing needs to be shifted from the mobile device and its browser to the Microsoft Windows Server that delivered the content. This is what ScriptX Server-side printing provides, in an easy-to-use solution.

In content delivered to PCs, developers using ScriptX in their solution can provide a ‘Print’ button on the page that the user clicks and the document is printed at the client. Similarly, the developer can provide a ‘Print’ button on content delivered to mobile devices; the mobile user will touch the button, but instead of printing on the client the request is delivered to the server where the required document is printed to any local or networked printer available to the server. All of this comes with the familiar full level of control provided by ScriptX.

The whole process uses the existing Microsoft Windows based infrastructure and extends controlled printing to every type of tablet device, or smartphone, provided it has a web browser.

Extending ScriptX to mobile initiated printing increases efficiency, cuts waste, reduces queues and improves customer satisfaction. Potential use cases include:

• Printing event badges or travel documents without attendees needing to wait at the check in desk
• Speeding up patient processing, by taking details from patients as they enter a surgery or hospital, and then using them to create wristbands and other documentation
• Improving logistics workflow by faster printing of labels or shipping information, initiated from the warehouse floor or shipping bay

Mobile initiated printing requires the ScriptX Server-side licence, which can be purchased from the ScriptX website at an annual cost of $1,250. Free code samples are available, enabling organisations to try out the solution before investing.

Created On: 11.03.2015

The MeadCo ScriptX Helpers for ASP.NET MVC package contains helper classes and resources to simplify the implementation of common scenarios for providing a controlled printing experience within an ASP.NET MVC razor view application/site:

• Installation of the ScriptX Add-on on the client PC including a page crafted to assist the user during the installation process with prompts and screen snips depending upon the browser version being used.
• Initialising print settings such as headers, footers, margins and the printer to use.
• Buttons to initiate printing.

Along with the release of these client side NuGet packages, we have revised our documentation to provide a Quick start with Visual Studio that provides links to all the information you need for being productive quickly.

Created On: 19.02.2015

The ASP.NET Web Forms Server Controls package contains a suite of controls and resource to simplify the implementation of common scenarios for providing a controlled printing experience within an ASP.NET Web Forms application/site:

• Installation of the ScriptX Add-on on the client PC including a page crafted to assist the user during the installation process with prompts and screen snips depending upon the browser version being used.
• Initialising print settings such as headers, footers, margins and the printer to use.
• Buttons to initiate printing.

Along with the release of these client side NuGet packages, we have revised our documentation to provide a Quick start with Visual Studio that provides links to all the information you need for being productive quickly.

Created On: 13.10.2014

Logistics companies around the world are streamlining operations, increasing efficiency and cutting printing costs by using ScriptX, the global standard for controlling the printing of browser-hosted content on Microsoft Windows. Customer research has found that over 60 million business-critical documents, including shipping labels, invoices, consignment notes and other logistics documentation are now printed every year by logistics companies using ScriptX.

Within the logistics industry ScriptX is used by shippers, transport companies, couriers and postal services. Customers include Carrier Logistics Inc. (CLI), Railway Express Distribution, Australia Post and Express Couriers. For example, CLI is using ScriptX’s Direct (RAW) printing option as part of its FACTS™ transportation management system which is deployed by shipping, logistics and courier customers around the globe, who range from regional carriers to multi-national operators.

The use of ScriptX enables the single click processing of orders entered into CLI’s e-commerce web product, now used by hundreds of logistics companies. This delivers a better customer experience and faster service as orders are automatically processed and shipping documents printed on the end user’s printer without the need for additional mouse clicks.

“We’re 100% committed to ensuring our logistics customers provide the best and most efficient possible service to their customers,” said Ben Wiesen, VP of Products and Support, Carrier Logistics. “ScriptX is an intrinsic part of our FACTS system, benefiting our customers through low cost of ownership, quick deployment and a seamless end user experience, wherever they are located. It really is at the heart of the workflow within our customers’ operations.”

Created On: 16.09.2014

ScriptX 7.5 is now available for download.

ScriptX 7.5 is a maintenance release bringing all the hotfixes since v7.4 together. This release is strongly recommended for licensees who have deployed the x64 edition of ScriptX.

This version is also recommended to any users who have been having problems validating licenses due to out of date CA certificate chains.

Created On: 19.08.2014

Hotfix Release 7.4.5.21 improves the behaviour in some further rare occurences of  printHtml() being unable to load content generated on the client browser.

It also fixes cases of being unable to change printer preferences when using PrintPDF with prompt enabled. In addition, the monochrome option can be used to specify monochrome printing when prompts is not enabled. Please note that not all printer drivers will honour this setting so please test that is works with your printers.

A full listing of the issues addressed is available in the Knowledge Bank.

As usual with hotfixes, you only need to upgrade to this release if you are affected by any of the listed issues. Licensees can download the full Resource Kit for this release from the My MeadCo portal. If you are making use the free version of ScriptX, please see the Knowledge Bank.

Created On: 24.07.2014

Release 7.4.4.16 resolves some rare occurences of a hang in printHtml() when working with content generated on the client browser.

It also resolves an issue in the x64 Edition of ScriptX when the host process did not quit. We recommend all users of ScriptX x64 Edition deploy this hotfix.

A full listing of the issues addressed is available in the Knowledge Bank.

As usual with hotfixes, you only need to upgrade to this release if you are affected by any of the listed issues. Licensees can download the full Resource Kit for this release from the My MeadCo portal. If you are making use the free version of ScriptX, please see the Knowledge Bank.

Created On: 25.06.2014

Mead & Co has launched the ScriptX Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Partner Program. Created to support and extend channel deployments of ScriptX, the world’s favourite add-on for controlling the printing of browser-hosted content, the program benefits ISVs through a combination of powerful technology, personalised support and tailored pricing.

ScriptX has already been deployed by thousands of developers and ISVs across the globe, and the new program formalises the benefits that ISVs receive, enabling them to easily deliver the power of ScriptX to their customers and grow their revenues. It includes full email-based support, ongoing maintenance, direct access to the development team, early view of new versions and options, as well as generous margins, whether integrating ScriptX with the ISV’s own software or managing licenses on behalf of customers.

"We rely on ScriptX as part of our market-leading healthcare applications. Through our Independent Software Vendor per-customer deal we can easily buy and manage client-side licenses for our end customers, giving us complete flexibility. This is combined with the peace of mind that comes from ScriptX's comprehensive support and future-proofed development roadmap. Joining the ScriptX ISV Partner Program is delivering real benefits to our business moving forward," said Ian Hodges, Development Lead - Clinical Products, Ideagen PLC.

The partner program is dedicated to two main channels. The Independent Software Vendor ISV-class license is aimed at ISVs that want to directly incorporate ScriptX into their web application products and distribute to customers through a single, company wide authorization. This enables ISVs to redistribute ScriptX within their software without restriction or the need for end customers to purchase their own ScriptX licenses.

Alternatively, the ISV per-customer license is aimed at ISVs who want to acquire and manage individual ScriptX licenses on behalf of their customers, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution to managing browser-based printing. Through the ISV per-customer license, developers benefit from joined-up support and a tailored discount program.

To read more about the program, simply visit our ISV pages.

Created On: 06.05.2014

We've been looking at Enterprise Mode for Internet Explorer 11 and recommend all Enterprise customers take a look. A short article discusses why.

Created On: 28.04.2014

Release 7.4.3.16 resolves some rare issues with verifying licences and code and a number of issues with printing from preview and printing PDF documents.

A full listing of the issues addressed is available in the Knowledge Bank.

As usual with hotfixes, you only need to upgrade to this release if you are affected by any of the listed issues. Licensees can download the full Resource Kit for this release from the My MeadCo portal. If you are making use the free version of ScriptX, please see the Knowledge Bank.

Created On: 24.04.2014

To provide organisations with total control when printing web-based Adobe Acrobat documents through Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mead & Co today announced Enhanced PDF Working as an option for the recently introduced ScriptX 7.4, the global standard for controlling the printing of browser-hosted content on Microsoft Windows.

Enhanced PDF Working improves the batching, appearance and consistency of printed PDFs, when printing through Microsoft Internet Explorer clients within the enterprise. As part of Enhanced PDF Working client machines do not need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader, increasing efficiency, simplifying administration and tightening security.

With Adobe Acrobat the de facto standard for storing and sharing information, millions of organisations rely on the PDF format to run their day to day operations. However without Enhanced PDF Working, organisations have little control of print settings or appearance when printing PDFs from within Internet Explorer – and also have to install Adobe Acrobat Reader on every client computer.

Through its advanced options, Enhanced PDF Working solves these issues for ScriptX users. Print-related settings can be scripted within html, meaning that PDFs automatically match printer page size, providing the ability to shrink documents to fit, rotate and centre as well as enabling the straightforward batch printing and monitoring of PDFs across the enterprise. Performance of Enhanced PDF Working within ScriptX 7.4 has been improved, with the addition of more flexible page range printing features.

Enhanced PDF Working is available now, as an additional licence cost-option for ScriptX 7.0 onwards. More details are available here. Existing licensees can purchase it by contacting support on feedback@meadroid.com.  

Created On: 16.12.2013

Mead & Co today released ScriptX 7.3, a new upgrade of the world’s favourite add-on for controlling the printing of browser-hosted content. It is designed to provide full compatibility with laptops, desktop PCs and tablets with Intel x86/x64 processors running desktop mode Internet Explorer (IE) 11 on Microsoft Windows 8.1, as well as machines using Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 7. ScriptX 7.3 therefore extends printing control to the newest Microsoft environments. Windows 8.1, a comprehensive update of Microsoft’s flagship operating system, will launch on 17 October 2013.

The new upgrade has also been enhanced with a range of new features, based on customer feedback and ScriptX’s ongoing development roadmap. Performance is now significantly improved when printing documents that require scaling to fit the page with IE8 and later. Additionally, the Enhanced PDF printing option now boasts improved performance and extra features. Finally, license management is now faster and simpler due to a completely new, modern interface.

ScriptX supports all versions of Internet Explorer from IE 4.01 SP1 to IE 11 on Microsoft x86/x64 operating systems from Windows 95 to Windows 8.1. The ScriptXtra option extends this to all browsers that implement the Netscape Plugin API (including both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox). ScriptX 7.3 requires a minimum of Windows 2000 and IE6 in order to deliver its new functionality.

ScriptX 7.3 is a required upgrade for users running IE 11. Existing licensees can download and deploy the ScriptX 7.3 binaries free of charge by visiting the Mead & Co customer portal. The free ‘basic’ version of the software can be downloaded from the ScriptX download page.

Created On: 14.10.2013

Financial services companies around the world are reducing costs, increasing consistency and improving operations by using ScriptX 7.1, the global standard for controlling the printing of browser-hosted content on Microsoft Windows. Customer research has found that 200 million business-critical documents, including policies, credit agreements, investment illustrations, marketing material and branch/management reports, are now printed every year using ScriptX by 200,000 users.

Within financial services ScriptX is used by retail banks, insurers, credit card companies, mortgage brokers, investment banks, pension companies and loan providers. Customers include ANZ Banking Group, Credit Suisse First Boston, HSBC, Merrill Lynch, Westpac NZ and Zurich. For example, ANZ is using ScriptX to print individual transaction and end-of-day reports across 800 branches every day.

ScriptX is the world’s favourite add-on for total control when printing html and PDF documents, labels or bar codes from client and server computers running Microsoft Windows. It ensures that printed formatting and appearance is consistent, whatever the actual browser settings on the individual computer.

Financial services providers are using ScriptX to improve operations in five key areas:

• Reducing wastage through more accurate printing of browser-based content such as policy documents within branch offices
• Printing vital management information such as daily, weekly and monthly reports at branch and head office levels
• Enabling consumers to print web-based content such as application and claim forms, speeding up workflow and improving customer satisfaction
• Delivering consistent branch-based printing of corporate forms stored on intranets
• Underpinning kiosk-based and remote printing of marketing materials and policy illustrations

Financial services organisations across the world are looking to increase efficiency and reduce costs in their operations. Faced by greater competition, tighter regulation and a need to demonstrate green credentials, they have to ensure that the printing of browser-based content is closely controlled across all their operations, including bank branches, contact centres and head offices. Industry analyst Gartner estimates that on average organisations spend between 1-3% of their turnover on printing – a figure that is higher in financial services companies who rely on paper-based processes within their workflow.

Created On: 19.09.2013

Once you know what is available, working with ScriptX to achieve controlled printing of html/xhtml documents in Internet Explorer is reasonably simple.

There are some operations that require a few lines of script to wrap functionality into a more usable form - for example:

• obtaining the list of installed printers,
• checking that a license has been accepted,
• checking that ScriptX is available,
• obtaining version numbers of installed components.

A small JavaScript library is now available on GitHub in source form (open source with an MIT license) or on NuGet as a package that can be installed to ASP.NET projects being developed with Microsoft Visual Studio. The library was developed as part of our samples system that also makes use of jQuery to build the UI. However, the library has no dependency on jQuery.

The library is free to use and deploy, and works with both free and licensed ScriptX. Obviously use of licensed functionality on ScriptX still requires a license.

More ...

Created On: 07.08.2013

Recognising the growing range of browsers now used within corporate environments, ScriptX has been extended to bring fully controlled printing to users with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and other popular browsers running on Windows XP or later.

The new ScriptXtra option will provide organisations with total control when printing html and PDF documents, labels or bar codes from client and server computers running Microsoft Windows XP or later, irrespective of browser. 

While Microsoft’s Internet Explorer is still the leading web browser used within the enterprise, Chrome, Firefox and others are increasingly in popularity, often deployed by individual users. By installing ScriptXtra administrators only need to manage a single system across their organisation, maintaining control and consistency across all users, whatever their individual browser settings. Users benefit from a seamless experience, while using their favourite browser.

ScriptXtra leverages the Microsoft Web Browsing platform to display ScriptX-enabled content requiring Internet Explorer within the frame windows of all browsers that implement the Netscape Plugin API (including both Chrome and Firefox). Whilst not a native printing solution, it enables the seamless printing of ScriptX-enabled content from within other browsers.

ScriptXtra is available now, as a licensed cost-option for ScriptX 7.0 onwards.

More details are available in the ScriptX knowledgebank and existing licensees can purchase it by contacting support on feedback@meadroid.com.  

Created On: 10.07.2013

Carrier Logistics Inc. (CLI), the premier transportation software provider, leverages over 40 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry by offering enterprise level transportation management software to traditional freight companies as well as global leaders in transport and logistics.

CLI is using ScriptX’s Direct (RAW) printing option as part of its FACTS™ transportation management system. Around 2.25 million shipping labels are printed every year through FACTS by CLI’s shipping, logistics and courier customers around the globe, who range from regional carriers to multi-national operators.

Using ScriptX enables single click processing of orders entered into CLI’s e-commerce web product, which is used by hundreds of logistics companies. This delivers a better customer experience and faster service as orders are automatically processed and shipping documents printed on the end user’s printer without the need for additional mouse clicks. Additionally, the Direct (RAW) printing option allows logistics companies to speed up the printing of mission-critical freight labels and other specialised documentation.

“We’re 100% committed to ensuring our logistics customers provide the best and most efficient possible service to their customers,” said Ben Wiesen, VP of Products and Support, Carrier Logistics. “ScriptX and Direct printing are intrinsic parts of our FACTS system, benefiting our customers through low cost of ownership, quick deployment and a seamless end user experience, wherever they are located. They really are at the heart of the workflow within our customers’ operations.”

Created On: 04.07.2013

Mead & Co today released Direct (RAW) printing as a new option for ScriptX 7.1, the global standard for controlling the printing of browser-hosted content on Microsoft Windows. This makes it simple and seamless to print to thermal label printers and other programmable devices, enabling organisations to better manage specialist printing scenarios in areas such as EPOS, packaging/logistics and healthcare.

Many applications rely on printing to intelligent, programmable devices such as label printers. However in these specialist scenarios, which are often printing millions of mission-critical documents such as labels and patient wrist-bands, using the Internet Explorer print engine in web-based applications slows down printing speed, decreases reliability and reduces control. 

The Direct (RAW) printing option avoids these issues. Designed to send strings of EPL, ZPL and other printer control codes directly to programmable printers from HTML content, it brings the advantages of web-based printing to these applications. This enables greater control, reduced wastage and speeds up label printing performance. Direct (RAW) printing is particularly suited to the healthcare and logistics industries.

“Printing specialist documents such as labels and shipping information is mission-critical to organisations in industries across the globe,” said Jerry Mead,CEO, Mead & Co. “Traditional methods of browser-based printing simply don’t provide the level of control or speed to deliver adequate performance. With ScriptX’s Direct (RAW) printing option, companies are able to use the power of web-based applications without any delays or wastage to ensure they always provide users with a seamless, high quality experience.”

Direct (RAW) printing is available now, as an additional licence cost-option for ScriptX 7.0 onwards. Existing licensees can purchase it by contacting support on feedback@meadroid.com.  

Created On: 20.06.2013

Martha Gregory & Associates, Inc is the second largest firm of dieticians and food management professionals in the United States. It provides clinical nutrition services and food management services for health care facilities, businesses, corporations, physician groups and individuals. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky it employs more than 50 Registered Dietitians, Certified Dietary Managers, and Food Service Management professional and serves clients throughout the continental United States and Canada.

It uses ScriptX as part of its WebMenuPlus application, which provides menus, recipes, production and purchasing for its customers running foodservice operations in the healthcare and hospitality markets. In healthcare it provides patient/resident specific modifications to the menus and recipes to ensure that they receive the correct personal nutrition.

The company’s 2,100 customers are located throughout the US and Canada and rely on WebMenuPlus to create menus, traycard receipts and meal labels, which they then print locally. ScriptX ensures that this browser-based content is printed consistently, efficiently and without errors or waste, whatever the settings on the end user PC or browser. Every user prints over 1,000 pages every month, making a total of 25.2 million pages printed using ScriptX every year across Martha Gregory & Associates customer base. And by using ScriptX’s Enhanced formatting option, customers can personalise the header and footer of every document so that it matches their own corporate branding and house style.

“ScriptX has helped WebMenuPlus achieve significant penetration in the healthcare market -  from being a local entity we have grown nationally and now internationally,” said Joe Venezia, Vice President, Martha Gregory & Associates. “By allowing us to keep content in HTML and script the printing/previewing and scaling of documents in a lightweight, scalable fashion, we have been able to develop our system in a rapid timeframe and help our customers manage a mission critical part of their business. Enhanced formatting gives our customers control of how their content appears, reinforcing their branding on every document they print.”

Created On: 15.05.2013

Mead & Co today released Enhanced formatting as a new option for ScriptX 7.1. The powerful Enhanced formatting option improves the branding and professionalism of web-based content by allowing organisations to customise headers and footers by increasing their size and inserting graphics and html snippets in order to deliver a personalised experience.

Today the web is the most widely used method of delivering vital information both internally and externally to customers, partners and employees. However standard Microsoft Internet Explorer implementations don’t allow organisations to customise vital page areas when printing, leading to an unprofessional and unbranded experience for users.

Enhanced formatting solves these issues for ScriptX users, providing finer control over formatting and increased customisation. Organisations can add html snippets and images to headers and footers, vary header/footer dimensions by expanding them onto multiple lines, insert different text and graphics on first and subsequent pages as well as providing greater control over the page range specification.   

“Whether it is consumers on your website or employees on the corporate intranet, people looking for information demand professional and well-branded content,” said Jerry Mead, CEO, Mead & Co. “However standard Internet Explorer functions deliver an unsophisticated, inconsistent result when printing browser-based content – ScriptX’s Enhanced formatting changes this by handing control over areas such as headers and footers back to your company. It provides a powerful way of customising browser-based content, delivering a professional impression, wherever it is printed.”

Enhanced formatting is available now, as an additional licence cost-option for ScriptX 7.0 onwards. It replaces the existing MaxiPT tool, which is still available for those with older browsers.

More details are available here and existing licensees can purchase it by contacting support on feedback@meadroid.com.

Created On: 29.04.2013

Healthcare information management specialists Plumtree Group use ScriptX within its browser-based dartOCM application. dartOCM enables medical staff to order Pathology, Radiology, or other requests either remotely from a GP surgery or directly from the hospital wards. Within dartOCM ScriptX enables one click or automatic printing of request forms and labels, wherever the user is located and whatever the settings on their individual PC. Over 3 million pages and labels are printed every year through ScriptX by 10,000 users of dartOCM.

Founded in 1973, Plumtree Group Ltd has an enviable track record in the Information Management market. Around 70% of Plumtree Group’s activity is within the Healthcare arena where the Company is proud of its specialist offerings around Pathology Order Comms, Infection Control, and EDRMS. Plumtree Group’s vision is to be Europe’s leading Information Management Specialist, by developing and implementing innovative and affordable information management solutions. It has solutions deployed in over 150 hospitals.

“As a web-based application with thousands of users we needed a method of ensuring consistent printing of request forms and labels across every individual PC. Using ScriptX gives us complete control over print output, making the use of dartOCM much smoother and simpler for the user. Without ScriptX the successful uptake of dartOCM could well have been adversely affected as users struggled to print copies of vital request forms and labels,” said Ian Hodges, Lead Developer – Clinical Products, Plumtree Group Ltd.

Created On: 24.04.2013

New customer research has found that nearly half a billion (499.6 million) mission-critical health documents, including patient labels, prescriptions and medical documentation, are now printed every year using ScriptX by half a million (500,000) users. ScriptX is allowing healthcare organisations around the world to increase efficiency, improve patient care and reduce costs by using ScriptX to control the printing of browser-hosted content on Microsoft Windows.

ScriptX is deployed directly by organisations such as the National Health Service (NHS), Crouse Hospital New York, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, and by leading healthcare software providers including Indigo 4 Systems, Plumtree Group and Truven Health Analytics.

Healthcare organisations are using ScriptX to improve operations in five key areas:

• Faster, automated printing of patient identification bracelets and barcodes. This improves efficiency and speeds up the admission of patients and management of samples.
• Printing vital prescription forms in the right format at the right location so that they can be processed accurately and rapidly.
• Creating identification badges for staff and visitors to enhance security. 
• Producing instant copies of medical records to aid diagnosis and patient care.
• Printing training and update materials for students, nurses and doctors as well as menus and other administrative information.

 
“Health providers are continually looking to increase efficiency while safeguarding patient care,” said Jerry Mead, CEO, Mead & Co. “From patient labels to medical records, hospitals rely on mission-critical printed documents to operate and we’re delighted that so many of them around the world are using ScriptX to control their browser-based printing. Hitting the milestone of 500,000 users serving millions of patients shows the vital importance of ScriptX to global healthcare.”

Created On: 25.03.2013

Release 7.1.1.63 resolves issues with printing a frame when the frame is inside a window opened with the showModalDialog() API and with Enhanced PDF Printing.

As usual with hotfixes, you only need to upgrade to this release if you are affected by any of the listed issues. Licensees can download the full Resource Kit for this release from the My MeadCo portal. If you are making use the free version of ScriptX, please see the Knowledge bank.

Created On: 21.03.2013

There are no known problems with Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7 with ScriptX v7.1.0.60 and later.

With Internet Explorer 10 the option "Enhanced Protected Mode" enables the x64 edition of Internet Explorer. Version 7.1.0.60 or later of the x64 Edition of ScriptX is required in this mode. Please note that if the x86 Edition of ScriptX is already installed, Internet Explorer will offer to switch off Enhanced Protected Mode rather than attempt to install the x64 Edition. In this case, the  x64 Edition must be installed manually.

Created On: 07.03.2013

Thanks to all our customers who took part in our first ever ScriptX research questionnaire in early 2013. It gave us some really valuable feedback to better develop ScriptX to meet user needs – watch this space for new options and updates moving forward.

Our research re-affirmed ScriptX’s position as the world’s favourite add-on for total control of printing browser-based documents running Microsoft Internet Explorer, both in terms of numbers and the range of applications it is used in.

In fact over 2 billion pages are printed every year by more than 2 million licensed users around the world. Amongst the top printing uses for ScriptX are:

• Internally for the content of corporate intranets
• For labels, including barcodes, patient and shipping labels
• Externally for website visitors to deliver consistent printing of web pages
• Invoices, customer statements, receipts and correspondence
• Logistics information, including consignment notes, despatch notes
• Clinical information and prescriptions
• Within banking kiosks for printing customer requested information
• Customer badges, licenses and loyalty cards

You can read more about the different industries, ranging from healthcare to financial services and shipping, that are using ScriptX on the customer section of the website.

As part of the questionnaire everyone that completed it was entered into a prize draw to win a new tablet. Congratulations to our lucky winner Chris Van Remoortel of Bixby International, who chose a Google Nexus 7 as his prize.

Created On: 19.02.2013

We are pleased to announce the release of ScriptX 7.1, the latest version of the global standard for controlling the printing of browser-hosted content on Microsoft Windows. ScriptX 7.1 has been enhanced based on customer feedback to include an improved user experience, easier management and the dynamic connection of shared printers.

“Over the past 15 years ScriptX has helped put companies and developers across the globe in control when printing business critical browser-hosted content,” said Jerry Mead, CEO, Mead & Co. “We pride ourselves on listening to our thousands of licensees, and the latest release of ScriptX aims to make their jobs easier and tighten their control of html printing moving forward.”

ScriptX 7.1 includes a number of powerful new features based on customer requests and feedback. The user experience has been improved through clearer security manager dialogues which aid installation, software updating and solving common issues. Once deployed overall management of ScriptX is now simpler and faster through new ‘no error’ forms of common APIs. Additionally, the software can now dynamically access shared printers not listed in the Printers collection in control panel, as part of the advanced printing license.

Full details are available on the Knowledge Bank, along with a quick introduction to the new features.

Those making use of the free sub-set of functionality may download the updated ScriptX Resource kit. Licensees should use the My MeadCo Portal to obtain the the updated Licensee Resource Kit.

Created On: 17.01.2013

The Knowledge Base has been extensively updated with new content for ScriptX 7.1. The place to start for these updates is the Quick Guide to the Latest Release.

Documentation on MeadCo Security Manager has been bought into the Knowledge Base from the main site and a new section in the Technical Reference provides more detailed information.

Finally, some previosuly undocumented methods and properties have been added to the reference section on the 'factory' object.

Created On: 17.01.2013

Windows 8 is on its way. ScriptX v6.6.440.26 or later is required to work with Windows 8. ScriptX v7.0.0.8 or later is recommended. More information and discussion is available in the Knowledge Bank article ScriptX and Windows 8.

Created On: 23.08.2012

We have updated the Umbraco software that drives the site. If you find any problems, please let us know via the Contact Us form.

Created On: 15.08.2012

The Server-side test/validation kit installs a web site with samples and examples for testing and validating the installation of ScriptX Server-side use. See the Knowledge Base article for more information and availability.

Created On: 13.06.2012

Release 7.0.15.8 resolves issues with RawPrinting by adding the ability to print control strings with embedded nulls. Label printers that do not provide their own text based control language but rely on control codes can now be utilised and printed to.

As usual with hotfixes, you only need to upgrade to this release if you are affected by any of the listed issues.

Licensees can download the full Resource Kit for this release from the My MeadCo portal. If you are making use the free version of ScriptX, please see the Knowledge bank.

Created On: 12.06.2012

Release 7.0.0.12 resolves issues with Enhanced PDF Printing.

As usual with hotfixes, you only need to upgrade to this release if you are affected by any of the listed issues.

Licensees can download the full Resource Kit for this release from the My MeadCo portal. If you are making use the free version of ScriptX, please see the Knowledge bank.

Created On: 08.05.2012

Microsoft has recently released a Community Technology Preview of Windows 8. We have comprehensively tested ScriptX with this release. ScriptX 7 works without any known issues with the 'desktop' Internet Explorer 10 of Windows 8. More information and discussion is available in the Knowledge Bank article ScriptX and Windows 8.

Created On: 22.03.2012

A new hotfix has been released today.

As usual with hotfixes, you only need to upgrade to this release if you are affected by any of the listed issues.

Licensees can download the full Resource Kit for this release from the My MeadCo portal. If you are making use the free version of ScriptX, please see the Knowledge bank.

Created On: 12.03.2012

Being a licensee gives you access to the advanced printing features of ScriptX.

Alongside the release of ScriptX v7 and the launch of the new site we have improved the My MeadCo portal to give you access to the improved Licensee Resource Kit and a set of 'always there' deployment notes for those times when our emails just can't be found.

Created On: 13.02.2012

We're announcing ScriptX v7 today. This is an optional release with fixes for a number of issues and some new features too.

The significant change is we have moved to Windows Installer technology everywhere for the installation of ScriptX - the v7 smsx.cab is now a wrapper on ScriptX.msi.

Enhanced formatting for users with IE 8 and later - previously known as MaxiPT (still available) - brings multiline headers and footers to standards based documents and the ability to print arbitrary ranges of pages.

The background print APIs (printHTML and BatchPrintPDF) now have variants providing progress callbacks.

For our Licensees, the Licensee Resource Kit is expanded and improved, with binaries and more useful deployment notes.

The full release history is on the Release History page, there's also a quick summary here.

Created On: 13.02.2012

Welcome to the new home for ScriptX. It has been a while coming because the old site has provided us with solid service over the years ... but we hope you will see some improvements:

• Greatly improved presentation of documentation. We hope that it will now be easier to find the things you need.
• The Community Forum is back! Sign up and contribute, or ask your questions.
• An FAQ list with answers to the most commonly-asked questions
• More samples illustrating the real world use of ScriptX

Feel free to let us know what you think.

Created On: 13.02.2012

We have got around to asking some of our customers to describe their use of ScriptX. Their thoughts are now on our Customers page.

Created On: 17.11.2011

Sending ZPL/EPL command sequences directly from browser-hosted content to - say - a Zebra thermal printer allow controlled printing of labels and barcodes from web applications?

Review the sample and docs to see how easy it is.

Created On: 28.10.2011

ScriptX has long provided control over printing in Internet Explorer, and this continues with Internet Explorer 9. With each major release of Internet Explorer there has been a new -and always fully backwards-compatible- release of ScriptX in order to maintain compatibility and to provide additional feaures.

The current release is no different - ScriptX v6.6 or later is required when working with IE9 on Windows Vista and Windows 7, so both publishers - licensed, and free - and individual users will have to update.

Publishers' update

For your ScriptX-enabled content to work with IE9 it is mandatory that - if you are working with any earlier build of ScriptX - you now update to the latest version of the ScriptX binaries.

Note: ScriptX v6.4 and later no longer support Windows 9x/NT. For maintenance support of these operating systems, please see ScriptX win9xNT/NT Maintainance Mode Binaries.

To deploy the latest version of smsx.cab, download the ScriptX Client Resource kit, install the kit and locate smsx.cab and then and copy it over *every* existing copy of smsx.cab on your servers.

Then update the Codebase versioning on ALL your ScriptX-enabled pages to read: 6.6.440.26

Also please make sure that the 'Codebase' attributes on ALL your documents are 'pointing' to the location of this new copy of smsx.cab.

codebase="http://xxxxxxxxxx/smsx.cab#Version=6.6.440.26 "

Note: The ScriptX Client Resource Kit  also contains admin tools to install ScriptX should your admins want to individually pre-install the binaries on each client machine:

ScriptX users' update

Upgrade ScriptX to the latest version

Created On: 28.10.2011