Print Service
Overview
The merchantCENTRAL Print Service is a universal print service for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It sends shipping labels, BC reports, and any PDF/ZPL documents through a local middleware (MC.PrintService) to physical printers – without a browser print dialog and without print data passing through third-party cloud services.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi-Printer | Multiple printers, each with its own service URL and configuration |
| Print Queue | Status-driven queue (Queued → Sending → Printed/Failed) with retry logic |
| Routing Rules | Priority-based assignment (provider + format + location → target printer) |
| Fallback | Automatic failover to a backup printer when the primary is offline |
| Auto-Print | Automatic printing immediately after label creation |
| Print Subscriptions | Automatic printing after posting operations (delivery note, invoice, …) |
| Universal Report Print | Render and print any BC report as PDF |
| PDF & ZPL | Windows printers (PDF) and Zebra thermal printers (ZPL via TCP/IP) |
Prerequisites
- AD merchantCENTRAL Hub installed and licensed
- At least one demo license for the
PRINTSERVICEmodule - A Windows machine on the customer's network for the MC.PrintService
- Printers: Windows printer driver (PDF) or Zebra printer via TCP/IP (ZPL)
Getting Started
Setup involves three steps: installing the local print service, connecting it to Business Central, and adding a printer.
→ Full guide: Installation
Graceful Degradation
If the Print Service app is not installed, the Hub continues to work fully – just without print functionality. No errors are generated in other modules.
Connection to Business Central (Transport Modes)
Business Central (Cloud) cannot address local printers directly. There are three modes for the path from BC to MC.PrintService:
| Mode | How it works | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Push (default) | BC calls the service directly via the fixed public IP | Fixed IP + port forwarding | ✅ available |
| Relay (Option C) | BC pushes to a queue in the customer's Azure; the service polls outbound | Azure subscription | ✅ available |
| Poll (Option D) | The Function polls BC; BC stays passive (no outbound) | Azure subscription | ✅ available |
→ Details and setup for both modes: Installation
Print Methods
| Method | Printer | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Any Windows printer (laser, inkjet) | Package labels, delivery notes, invoices, reports | |
| ZPL | Zebra thermal printers (GK420, ZD421, ZT411 …) | High-speed label printing |
Pages in This Section
| Page | Description |
|---|---|
| Installation | Step-by-step: install the service, connect to BC, add a printer |
| Dashboard | Central overview with KPI cues and quick actions |
| Setup (Reference) | Complete field reference for the setup page |
| Printers | Printer list, status, and management |
| Print Queue | Print jobs, status, and retries |
| Routing Rules | Automatic printer assignment by priority |
| Print Subscriptions | Automatic printing after posting operations |
| MC.PrintService – Reference | Local print service: endpoints, configuration, troubleshooting |