Featured
Double Trouble? Applying Two Labels
Regulatory requirements or vendor insistence creates a situation where a manufacturer has to ship a container or pallet with two identical labels applied to two different surfaces. While a simple exercise if performed manually, it gets complex when incorporating it into an automated shipping process. As the object moves down a conveyor system, two printers…
Read MoreCreate a Smart Printer – Store Label Designs in Your Printer for Fast Label Printing without Software or a PC
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…
Read MorePrevent Misapplied Labels
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…
Read More3 Approaches to Printing from ERP Systems
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…
Read MoreReduce Human Error with Effective Label Design
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…
Read MoreWhy ERP Systems Are Not Good at Making Labels
Summary Enterprise Resource Planning software (i.e. ERP) are great tools for managing data. They can provide one software platform to simplify and consolidate the software and data throughout the organization. Using your ERP system print labels with some additional tools, however, takes this ‘one platform’ concept one step too far. Even the larger companies, SAP,…
Read MorePrevent Invalid Dates in Your Labels. Reducing Errors Series – Article #2
Summary Ever see an expiration date of November 31st on a label? How about February 30th? April 31st? June 31st? Invalid dates can enter your label by either human entry or an erroneous mathematical calculation caused by a simple formula. Although both types of error are possible, steps can be taken to reduce or eliminate…
Read MoreWhich of the Two Methods of Thermal Printing Technology Is Best for You?
Summary Thermal printing technology has stood the test of time. Since 1972, its use has become widespread and it’s typically the technology of choice when printing labels. There are two methods for thermal label printing and most printers support both methods: Direct Thermal Thermal Transfer When deciding which method is best, your decision should be…
Read MoreCreating a Testing Plan for Label System Upgrades
Summary ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ – Bert Lance Unfortunately, this phrase does not apply to software. With constant changes in security, software features, regulatory requirements, and the world itself, the system will break if not updated. When it breaks, it can cause significant downtime and thus money. Perhaps a more accurate phrase…
Read More