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Summary One of the most common errors in label creation is mistyping (i.e. a ‘typo’). Doing this with critical label information at print time can cause BIG problems. Most brands of labeling software can help prevent user typos by using a process called masking. This article explains how input masking works and provides some examples…
Summary The traditional approach to supply chain labeling involves a PC, labeling software, and a printer. However, most people do not realize that, in certain circumstances, you can take the labeling software and PC out of the equation, printing straight from the printer. Basically you make the printer act as a Smart Printer. This is…
Summary Summary An often overlooked problem is the possibility of applying the wrong labels to the wrong product. The agility many manufacturers have achieved with just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing can come at a price with label application errors. Often we think of label errors in terms of the wrong data getting on a label. However, short…
Summary Did you know that many images commonly used on labels are also available as fonts? The most typical way of putting images into your label design is to save your image as a jpeg or png file so that it can be linked or embedded in your label design. However, many icons and images…
Summary GS1, an international standards organization, maintains the requirements for barcode labeling of retail items. There are several commonly used formats for product identification depending on the item, country, and space available on label. UPC and EAN are the two most common examples. The GS1 specification is very detailed and technical. It requires the manufacturer…
Summary Enterprise Resource Planning software companies (such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor, IQMS etc.) provide their clients with great tools to manage and grow their organizations. Centralizing data and then providing information, in real time, across the enterprise enables the company to act faster and smarter. It is natural, then, to extend this data…
Summary “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” – Alexander Pope Most labeling software applications are packed with tools and features to prevent errors. This article covers some common ones and provides some links to Efficient Ideas articles. Methods to Reduce Human Error Several methods can be used to reduce the potential for human error: Input…