Manufacturing – Aerospace
Avoid Typos in Your Labeling with Input Masks! Reducing Errors Series – Article #1
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…
Read MoreWhat is Your Ideal Label Reprint Type? ‘True Reprint’ or ‘Re-request’ Label?
Summary Several cases exist that call for label reprints. The concept sounds simple (i.e. print a label previously printed again). Not all reprints require the same type of label however. Many label-printing software brands offer a “reprint” feature. But, they do not all behave the same. By knowing your ideal reprint type, you can determine…
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 MoreDesign Your Label Using Fonts Instead of Images Files
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…
Read MoreUse Industrial Labeling Software to Easily Create GS1 Compliant UPC Product Labels
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…
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…
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