Frequently Asked Questions

 

Best Ship™ How To:

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Delete an order in Best Ship™

1. In Best Ship™ from the menu bar, click on view and then click on currently open manifest.
2. Click on orders tab.
3. Find and click on order that needs to be deleted. The order row will then turn yellow.
4. Click on red [x] in the upper right hand corner to delete order.
5. Click on the accept button, and then click on the Main menu button to go back to the opening screen.

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Export a manifest into an Excel spreadsheet

1. Open up the Best Ship™ Program.
2. From the menu bar, click view and then click on Export Closed Manifests.
3. Enter a Start Date and Ending Date.
4. Click a button called Export Manifest to Excel (XLS).
5. A window pops up that you have Created export file.
6. A new window pops up stating Created export file c:\program
   files\bestship\output\export_ …. Click on the OK button.
7. Close Best Ship™, navigate to the about named path and open up the excel file.
   • Under column “g” (called totcharg) is the actual postage cost of each item shipped.
   • You can then do a sum of the column to see your total charges for the manifest.

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View total postage for a specific manifest

1. (eVS) Log on to the USPS Gateway https://gateway.usps.com/eAdmin/view/signin and find the specific postage statement for the mailing. Your USPS TIS or analyst can assist you with training on the Gateway.
2. (Permit Import) Open up the Best Ship™ Program.From the menu bar, click view and then click Prior (Closed) Manifests.
3. Double click on the manifest that you would like to find out what the total postage is. The total postage paid is listed in dollar amount next to the box called TOTAL POSTAGE.

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Archive data for the fastest shipping product in the market today

Clients have the ability to archive orders by month. This process is highly recommended and will optimize the Best Ship™ program for increased productivity while shipping. Order archiving is recommended for orders older than 3 month period. Please make sure all versions of Best Ship™ are closed on your network first. This process only takes minutes to perform.

How to Archive Orders in Best Ship™:

1. Click on admin from the main screen and choose archive from the drop down menu.
   You may receive a message stating
   “You must have EXCLUSIVE use of the tables in order to perform this action. Please try again later.”
   This message means that Best Ship™ is open on your network on another computer. Please make sure all versions of Best Ship™ are closed on your network.
2. Next, a window pops up stating the following:
   “Please chose Month and Year from which to archive manifests” Starting from _______ and all records before then.
3. Click on the “month dropdown” in the window and choose the month that you want to archive from. We recommend 3 months from the current month. After you choose your archive month, click on the archive button.
4. Click on “Yes” to continue the operation.
5. After the archiving is done click on the “OK” button to return to the main screen

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Print your manifest paperwork to a PDF

1. Go to www.cutepdf.com and download and install CutePDF Writer (freeware). Exit out of Best Ship™ and set the set the CutePDF Writer as the default printer.
2. Open up Best Ship™ and click on view, prior closed manifest.
3. Double click on the manifest that needs to be printed.
4. Click on reprint manifest.
5. Best Ship™ will start to print out a manifest.
6. A dialog box will open for each report stating “Save As” on the menu bar. Navigate to the location that you want to save the PDFs. Make sure you do not over write any reports or you will have to restart the process from step 5.
7. After the PDFs have printed, exit out of Best Ship™ and change the default printer back to the normal manifest printer.

Important: Make sure the following steps are followed in order:

1. Install CutePDF and set as default printer.
2. Exit out of Best Ship™ and restart it after the default printer has been changed.
3. Repeat above process to change default printer back.

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Error Messages:

At Best Manifesting we pride ourselves on the reliability of our products and services and we treat support calls as our top priority. If a Best Ship™ trap error occurs when processing please email support@bestmanifesting.com, dmiceli@bestmanifesting.com with as many
details as possible, screen shots, and anything help us to diagnose why this error occurred. We urge you to call 610-246-1728 in addition to sending the email.

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File transfer failure

The most common error message reported when utilizing USPS eVS is:

The reason for the error is historically due to one of three reasons:

1. The Mailer’s USPS Gateway PW has changed. Please go to
   https://gateway.usps.com/eAdmin/view/signin and enter the same User Id and PW that are in the Best Ship™ eVS table found in Admin\Company Profile\eVS. If you are unable to log on to the Gateway, you will need to update your PW and change it in Best Ship™.
2. Your Internet is down.
3. The USPS server is down.

Once the issue is determined why the file couldn’t be transferred you will want to retransfer an eVS (or Tracking Event) file. The following are the directions to retransfers file to any Carrier :

1. Go to Admin\Check Failed FTP/EVS Uploads.
2. Select [Yes] to retransfer.

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Missing file or index issues

When running an update for Best Ship™ you get this or a similar missing file or file can’t be updated.

Confirm all Best Ship™ applications are closed when trying to update the software via a Best Ship™. If Best Ship™ is open, cancel the error and close Best Ship™. Run the update again.

If Best Ship™ is closed select Ignore as many times as you needed to open Best Ship™. Go to Admin\Reindex/Pack. Allow that to run and report any issues to Best Manifesting if the problem persists.

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Printer Support:

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Shipping label fonts are incorrect

1. In Best Ship™ from the menu bar, go to tools, thermal printer, reset. (Data light on printer will flash one time.)
2. On the Best Ship™ menu bar, click on tools, thermal printer, click on reload font/graphics.
3. Next, go to tools, thermal printer, print sample label. (If printer is only printing on ½ of the label then see following procedure.)

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Printer is printing a ½ label, skipping labels, or the size is off in any way

Check the Printer Properties and confirm the label size is set correctly.

Recommended Printer settings for a 4×6 label are as follows.
Please use the “+” and “-“buttons to navigate through the different printer settings. Make sure the following parameters are set:

• Darkness: 30
• Print Speed 10 IPS
• Print Method Direct-Thermal
• Print width: approx 104 0/8 MM

Hit setup/exit button 2 times to save settings.
In the Best ship™ program, from the menu bar and click tools, Thermal printer and click Rest. The light on the printer will flash one time.

Now, from the menu bar, click on tools, Thermal printer and then reload fonts. The data light on the printer will flash 9 times. Please print a sample label.

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Graphics corrupt on Zebra Printer

Background: Power went off suddenly on the printer and the client could not get it to reload the fonts and graphics. An error message “memory full” occurred when trying to reload fonts. Please reform the following:

1. Go through the setup screen and initialize flash memory Enter Password 1234.
2. From within Best Ship™, reset and reload of fonts and graphics.
3. Print sample label.

Initializing Flash Memory

1. Use the right arrow to scroll to LEVEL 3 password prompt
2. Enter the default password 1234
3. Press ENTER
4. Use the left or right arrow to scroll to INIT FLASH MEM
5. Press ENTER at the ARE YOU SURE display the Flash memory (E:) will be initialized.
6. Reset and reload fonts and graphics from Best Ship™.

Entering password protected area on Printer for flash
drive reset.

The default password for Zebra printer is the numbers 1 2 3 4.
Some setting changes may need to go into a password protected area on the printer. The LCD screen on the zebra printer will prompt you for a password.

Procedure to enter password:

1. First Zero should be highlighted on the printer screen. Please hit the plus button one time. The number should turn from a zero to a one.
2. Hit the minus button one time to move the cursor over to the second zero.
3. Hit the plus button 2 times. You should then see 12 on LCD screen
4. Hit the minus button one time to move the cursor to the next zero.
5. Hit Plus button 3 times. You should then see 123 on LCD screen.
6. Hit minus button 1 time to move to the fourth zero.
7. Hit the Plus button 4 times. You should now see 1 2 3 4 on the LCD screen.
8. Hit the Select button. You should now be in the password protected area of the printer.

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Zebra Z4M plus / 400 printer is not recognized byWindows

The USB Bus may be overloaded with USB devices (manifest Printer, Hand scanner, Zebra printer, scale, keyboard, mouse etc.) Please note that when the computer is rebooted the following solutions may have to be done again.

Solution 1:
Move the Zebra Printer USB cable on computer to another port. New hardware wizard will open as windows will re-recognize printer. Please follow the windows prompts for new hardware wizard.

Solution 2:

1. From the start menu, right click on my computer icon and left click on properties.
2. Left click on the hardware tab and then click on the “device manager” button.
3. Left Click on the plus sign in front of “universal Serial Bus controllers”.
4. Uninstall all references to “USB Printing support” by right clicking on “USB Printing
   Support” and selecting delete.
5. Left Click on “action” from menu bar and click on “scan for hardware changes”. The Computer should find USB Printer cable then zebra printer.
6. Please follow the windows prompts for “new hardware wizard”.

Solution 3:

1. From the start menu, right click on my computer icon and left click on properties.
2. Left Click on the hardware tab and then left click on the “device manager” button.
3. Unplug all USB devices from computer except for the Zebra Printer.
4. Left Click on “Action,” then left click on “scan for hardware changes”. The computer should find USB printer cable then printer.
5. Please follow the windows prompts for “new hardware wizard”.

Solution 4:

1. From the start menu, right click on my computer icon and left click on properties.
2. Left click on the hardware tab and then left click on the “device manager” button.
3. Please uninstall all devices from under “universal serial bus controllers” in device manager by right
   clicking on “USB Printing Support” and selecting delete.
4. Left click on “Action”, then “scan for hardware changes”. The computer should find USB printer cable
   then printer.
5. Please follow the windows prompts for “new hardware wizard”.

Solution 5:

Install PCI LPT printer card (Startech model # PCI1PECP for example) and plug printer into LPT port using cable.

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Best Ship™ printer error. “Detail band is too large to fit on page”

The printer may have been deleted and/or the paper size in the printer properties is not set up correctly.

Solution:

1. Go to the printer properties and reset driver properties.
2. Go to system configuration, system, and set printer.

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Routine Care and Adjustments

This information is the recommended cleaning schedule for our zebra printers as per the zebra website. These intervals are intended as guidelines only. You may have to clean more often.

CAUTION: Use only the cleaning agents indicated. Zebra Technologies Corporation will not be responsible for damage caused by any other cleaning fluids used on this printer.

Please use Print head Solvent after every roll of media (or 500 feet of fanfold media) when printing in the direct thermal mode. Zebra recommends using a solvent containing 90% isopropyl alcohol. Air blow the Media sensors, Take label sensor and the Ribbon sensor. Use Solvent on the following parts:

• Platen roller
• Media path
• Ribbon path
• Cutter module

If you are cutting continuous, pressure-sensitive media, then use a Citrus-based adhesive remover after every roll of media (or more often, depending upon your application and media). If you are using cutting tag stock or label backing material then use both Solvent and air blow. Use Solvent once a month or after every two or three rolls of media clean the Tear-off/peel-off bar.

Cleaning the Exterior:
The exterior surfaces of the printer may be cleaned with a lint-free cloth. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents or solvents. If necessary, a mild detergent or desktop cleaner may be used sparingly.

Cleaning the Interior:
Remove any accumulated dirt and lint from the interior of the printer using a soft bristle brush and/or vacuum cleaner.

Cleaning the Print head and Platen Roller:
Inconsistent print quality, such as voids in the bar code or graphics, may indicate a dirty print head. The printer can remain on while you are cleaning the print head. In this way all label formats, images, and all temporary parameter settings stored in the printers internal memory will be saved. To clean the print head please do the following steps:

1. Open the print head assembly.
2. Remove the media.
3. Using a swab soaked in the Zebra-recommended solvent, wipe along the print elements from end to end. (The print elements are on the brown strip just behind the chrome strip on the print head.) Allow sufficient time for the solvent to evaporate.
4. Manually rotate the platen roller and clean thoroughly with solvent and a swab.
5. Brush/vacuum any accumulated paper lint and dust away from the media paths.
6. Reload media and close the print head assembly.

Cleaning the Sensors:
Brush or vacuum any accumulated paper lint and dust away from the printer sensors. The reflective sensor and transmissive sensor should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure proper operation of the printer. For printers with the value peel-off, power peel-off, and/or power rewind option(s) installed, clean the take label sensor.

Zebra Print head Assembly Installation Instructions:
This procedure is for installing the Print head Assembly Maintenance Kit into the following printers:Z4M™ • Z4Mplus• S4M™. Read these instructions thoroughly before performing this procedure. Before proceeding, verify
that your kit contains the items for your printer.

Tools Required

• Phillips Screwdriver Set
• Antistatic Wrist strap and Mat
• 47362* Zebra Preventive Maintenance Kit

Note: In place of the Preventive Maintenance Kit, you may use clean swabs and a solution containing isopropyl alcohol(90%) with de-ionized water.

Disassembly Instructions:

1. Connect yourself to an antistatic device. Caution: Observe proper electrostatic safety precautions when handling static-sensitive components such as circuit boards and print heads
2. Turn off the printer and disconnect the AC power cord and data cables. Caution: While performing any tasks near an open print head, remove all rings, watches, hanging necklaces, identification badges, or other metallic objects that could touch the print head.
3. Open the media door and remove media and ribbon.
4. See Figure above. Note the current print head pressure dial settings, and then rotate the two print head
5. pressure dials to position #1.
6. Remove the print head thumbscrew.
7. Unlatch the print mechanism and lift and latch it in the open position. Caution: The print head may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the print head to cool.
   
8. Slide the print head fork assembly out of the print mechanism.
9. With the cable connectors exposed, carefully disconnect the two print head cables from the print head assembly. Remove and discard the old print head assembly. Caution: An improperly connected print head data or power cable may cause the print head to generate excessive heat and/or a false HEAD COLD message to display while the print head is hot enough to cause severe burns. Allow the print head to cool.

   When mounting the print head fork assembly onto the print mechanism, visually inspect and ensure that:

   • the cables are in their channels at the back of their carrier assembly
   • the power cable is under data cable
   • they are not binding on the print mechanism

Assembly Instructions:

1. Connect the print head cables to the new print head fork assembly and then carefully slide the assembly into the print mechanism.
2. Ensure the two locating protrusions on the print mechanism mounting plate snap into the locating holes on the print head fork assembly. Try to move the print head fork assembly back and forth to make sure that it is engaged. The assembly should not move. The print head must be properly engaged with the ribbon guide plate to ensure proper print quality.
3. Secure the print head to the mechanism with the previously removed thumbscrew and close the print mechanism.
4. Rotate the two print head pressure dials to the desired position for your daily printing.
5. Caution Do not use sharp objects to clean the print head or platen roller.
6. Clean the print head and platen roller using Zebra Preventive Maintenance Kit (47362).
7. Reinstall media and ribbon and close the media door.
8. Reconnect the AC power cord and data cables and turn on printer

The following link can be used for further Zebra assistance

https://km.zebra.com/kb/index?page=answeropen&type=open&searchid=1333124327136&answerid=16777220&iqaction=5&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkm.zebra.com%2Fkb%2Findex%3Fpage%3Dcontent%26id%3DSO8292%26actp%3Dsearch%26viewlocale%3Den_US&highlightinfo=6292704,12,22#

Above is a link to a manual calibration on a ZM400 which is very similar to the Z4M printer series. First default the printer by turning off the printer with the power switch, holding in the pause and feed buttons,
turning the printer back on while holding these buttons in and holding them for another 15 seconds. After this you can let go and attempt running the manual calibration. This should get the printer calibrated to the media and any further issues would be caused by the driver or software you print from.

Zebra Technologies International, LLC
Technical Support
Phone: 877-275-9327 Fax: 847-913-2578

If you need immediate support, go to Zebra Self Service Support Portal at:
https://km.zebra.com/kb/index?page=home

Drivers: http://www.zebra.com/id/zebra/na/en/index/drivers_downloads.html

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Scale:

Scale calibration is very important. If your scale is not reading the correct weight of an item you will need to recalibrate the scale.
Best Manifesting can work with almost any USB scale but we highly recommend Mettlor Toledo or Weightronix protocol.

Weightronix has excellent support for this process. Weightronix service number is 1(877) 888-1646.

You also may be required by the USPS to have your scale certified annually. You will need to contact a service provider in your area.