ZBI 2.0 works with the ZPL printer command language so that printers can understand non-ZPL data streams and convert them into labels. That means the Zebra printer can create barcodes and text from input sent to the printer and from non-ZPL label formats, sensors, keyboards, and peripherals. Printers can also be programmed to interact with PC-based database applications to retrieve information to be used on printed labels.