Problems with the output device 'LOCL'
I am setting up shop papers (PM) in Smart Forms using Helvetica font. The shop papers were designed with output device LOCL. The output changes (spaces between words) based on the output device. How do I fix this?
As a rule, I advise clients to avoid designing forms using output device LOCL. It can generate inconsistent results. Unlike named logical devices, LOCL is a special device that dynamically looks for a printer defined on your own computer. There is no guarantee it will always find the same type of printer. For instance, your forms developer may have a default printer installed on his or her personal computer -- which LOCL goes to -- that is completely different from that of the functional owner/tester. Even worse, these both may differ from the final intended destination. The result of this is chaos.
To paraphrase Stephen Covey, a far better approach is to begin with the end in mind: Identify in advance the SAP device type of the ultimate Production output device(s). Then make sure a logical device using this type is set up in both your development and quality environments, and rely upon that one exclusively for design and testing. It will greatly reduce your pain down the road.
