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Fujitsu PowerFORM FAQ

  1. What's the difference between PowerFORM reports and normal printed reports?
  2. Is programming with PowerFORM very different from writing standard COBOL reports?
  3. Can I use Bar codes in PowerFORM reports?
  4. Does PowerFORM support double-sided printing and printer tray selection?

  1. What's the difference between PowerFORM reports and normal printed reports?

    Answer: COBOL reports are written line-by-line and have limited formatting options. Also, it is not possible to include pictures and other graphical features in a normal COBOL report. PowerFORM lets you use similar syntax (WRITE record-name) but lets you create reports with many graphical features and fields placed exactly where you want them - to within hundredths of an inch, depending on the precision of your printer.

  2. Is programming with PowerFORM very different from writing standard COBOL reports?

    Answer: No, it is actually very similar. The variable data that PowerFORM outputs is defined in a single record. This record may be quite large as it can cover many different types of data to be printed on a single page. You tell PowerFORM which part of the data to use by setting up the group name. You then use a standard WRITE statement. The snapshot above shows the few extensions you need to use when programming for PowerFORM.

  3. Can I use Bar codes in PowerFORM reports?

    Answer: Yes. The following standards are supported: UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8, EAN-128, Code 3 of 9, Code 128, NW7, IND, INT, U.S. POSTNET - Delivery point code, U.S. POSTNET - ZIP + 4 code, U.S. POSTNET - 5 Digit ZIP code. For those formats that support it, you can also print characters with the bar code, have a flag character and a check character.

  4. Does PowerFORM support double-sided printing and printer tray selection?

    Answer: Yes. You can set up these features using PowerFORM's printer information file - which you define separately from the program.