There are several in-line label applicator systems on the market. Before you move forward with any type of in-line label applicator, it is crucial to determine and understand how it would be used and how it would fit in with your current operations.  Vendors should take a consultative approach to assist and guide you through the decision-making process.

Once your know the scope and requirements, have completed a Site Survey, and researched the reputation and support of the manufacturer, you can begin to think about the implementation process and how it will smoothly fit into your existing operations.

Before you move forward with any type of in-line label applicator, it is crucial to determine and understand how it would be used and how it would fit in with your current operations.

A Successful Implementation Should Include

A successful implementation should include a labeling solution that will fit in smoothly if you have existing operations.

The in-line labeling system needs to be

• user-friendly and match the physical space available.
• customizable to meet your label application needs.
• seamlessly integrate into your existing conveying process flow or a new installation of conveying to meet your needs.

Your site survey will help both you and the label applicator manufacturer understand your operation's specific needs and help you make a selection that will blend seamlessly into your manufacturing or shipping processes.

Ease of Operation

A user-friendly labeling system should include these ease of operation features:

• User-friendly interfaces or touchscreen displays for ease of set-up.
• Tool-less platen, roller, and printhead removal for cleaning, replacement, or repair.
• Easy access to ribbons and media for quick changes.

Current and Future Needs

Your labeling system should provide versatility and feature flexible options to meet not only your current needs but future needs as your business grows.  This ensures that you get as much out of your label applicator solution investment as possible.  

Label Applicator Systems to Consider

Label Applicator Systems you might want to consider: 

• An applicator-only system that can be configured in right- or left-hand dispensing mode depending on what works best with your conveyor is the CTM360 Series.
• The CTM360a Integrated Loose Loop Labeler also has the versatility to operate as a simple dispenser for pre-printed labels or print and apply labels.

These units can be customized for a specific application or be used off the shelf “head on a stick.”

• The Zebra ZE500 also provides right- and left-hand dispensing modes and includes a print engine plus barcode printing and RFID capabilities.
• A variety of mounting and orientation opinions are available with the CTM3600 series, and it features 203, 300, and 600 dpi print resolution choices.
• The SATO S84-EX Series and S86-EX Series include a print engine (4″ and 6″ print width) with the capacity for field-configurable print resolution changes and a wide range of connectivity options, including series, parallel, Ethernet, USB, and wireless.  It also has barcode printing and RFID capabilities.
• Another print engine option is the LT408 that provides a low volume and lower cost print engine.

There are other manufacturers, but these are our most popular models making up 80-90% of the print engine market. 

Learning To Use Your System Correctly

It is crucial to get the right equipment to meet your needs, but learning to use it correctly is also essential.  Without proper training, you won’t get your full return on investment and it could cause safety issues for employees.  Training should be included in your contract.  

Some questions to ask regarding training include:

• Does the manufacturer provide training, and is the training in-person or virtual with a person to answer questions or recorded videos?   
• Are written step-by-step instructions provided as well for future reference?
• Is the training for one or two people or a larger group?
• If new employees are hired, how will they be trained?
• If there are equipment updates and training is required, will the manufacturer provide?
• Is the training included in the contract or is that an extra fee?

You can learn more about the training and support requirements in the post, What Is The Reputation of The Manufacturer And Will They Provide Support?

It is crucial to get the right equipment to meet your needs, but learning to use it correctly is also essential.

Make The Correct Decision

Taking time to investigate automated in-line label application system options will help you make the right investment and feel confident that your business operations will run more efficiently and provide a positive ROI for years in the future.

At Imprint Enterprises, we partner with industry leaders to offer a variety of quality labeling systems. We know one size does not fit all, and if you can't find what you need in an existing model, we can custom engineer a solution that will fit your unique requirements.  Our knowledgeable team will work closely with you through all stages of planning and implementation.  Your success matters to us!

For more information, visit www.imprint-e.com  or contact us at (855)745-4464 or drop us an email at customer_service@imprint-e.com.

Reliability in equipment and repair are important to consider in your decision-making process. You don't want to purchase a system that is constantly down and needing repair.

Reputation and Integrity Are Important

The reputation and integrity of the manufacturer are important in your choice of application systems. Please do your research and learn about how long the manufacturer has been in business and its reputation. Ask for a list of other clients that have deployed their equipment. Once you have that list, give a few a call and listen to their experience.

Does the manufacturer have a high turnover rate? Ask questions to find out how long their account managers and technicians have been with the company? You want employees committed to the business and serving customers, not a revolving door with constant new people with little experience.

What qualifications do they require of their engineers and technical staff? And don't forget the sales staff, do they have significant product knowledge that makes you feel confident knowing they can fully support your purchase through its entire life cycle.

More Questions

Be sure to take the time to get answers to these questions.

Can the manufacturer provide the following:

• Print and apply label systems
• Application systems
• Start “head on a stick” off-the-shelf systems at a lower cost.
• Custom system that meets specific non-standard needs.
• Do they provide standardized subsystems such as the Zebra ZE500 or Sato S84 print engines?

The equipment and technology they produce are important, but also consider visiting their facility to see how they run their organization, learn about their quality control and service, and support capabilities.

Reliability of Systems and Repair Services

Reliability in equipment and repair are important to consider in your decision-making process. You don't want to purchase a system that is constantly down and needing repair.

Insist on high quality-control standards for inspecting and testing of products to ensure they are reliable. Trustworthy products usually have some type of limited lifetime warranties.

You want a dependable labeling system that features quality construction to withstand constant daily use in demanding environments. Some of the features to look for are all-metal frameworks and high IP ratings for protection against dust and water.

Some models have specific features that make them easy to use and maintain.

Let's talk about maintenance and support. All machines will need routine maintenance, professional servicing, and support at some point. Does the company you are purchasing from provide support and repair services? An excellent manufacturer will not only make the sale but commit to you to support your new label applicator system after it is put into use.

It is important to talk with them and learn if their maintenance and tech support is provided on-site. This is important since it decreases downtime for the line.

Final Considerations

Learning about the manufacturer's reputation, reliability, and repair services are topics you do not want to overlook in your research.  Quality companies will provide this information freely.

Learning about the manufacturer's reputation, reliability, and repair services are topics you do not want to overlook in your research.  Quality companies will provide this information freely.

At Imprint Enterprises, we partner with industry leaders to offer a variety of quality labeling systems. We know one size does not fit all, and if you can't find what you need in an existing model, we can custom engineer a solution that will fit your unique requirements.  Our knowledgeable team will work closely with you through all stages of planning and implementation.  Your success matters to us!

For more information, visit www.imprint-e.com  or contact us at (855)745-4464 or drop us an email at customer_service@imprint-e.com.

A site survey can help you to determine how an in-line label applicator would be used and how it might fit in with your current operations. We take a consultative approach with site surveys to assist and guide you through the decision-making process.

A site survey is a multi-page document that gathers information from you and your staff regarding your business and your specific printing application needs. Some companies may simply send a form for completion. We prefer to work with you to complete the form. A site survey should include:

A site survey is a multi-page document that gathers information from you and your staff regarding your business and your specific printing application needs.

What Types Of Items Need To Be Labeled?

Because there are various types of packaging and products that require different types of labels, different print engines could be needed. Where will the labels be placed? Are they to be placed on a flat surface such as a case, or will it be placed on a cylinder bottle or a pail of some sort? Will it be placed in a recess area such as the top of a deli container?

In-line label applicators for the job will vary by case and by-product. Various applicators enable central label management and label application by methods including tamp blow, air blow or wipe on. Or a print and apply solution that incorporates a print engine with an applicator. These are popular with shipping applications.

Products with a long shelf, such as automotive parts, might need a thermal transfer print engine which requires a ribbon and creates long-lasting, durable labels. On the other hand, food items with a high turnover rate might need to use a direct thermal print engine to provide economical labeling.

What Is The Size Of The Label?

What will the label size be, and will it always be the same? Printers have minimum and maximum label sizes they can print. Your size specifications for labels will help narrow your choices to the models that can accommodate your operations.

What Is The Physical Layout Envisioned For The Project?

Is there already a conveying system in place? Where will the label applicator fit into your line in relation to other equipment it must integrate with on the line? Will it be spiced into an existing conveyor, or are you looking for a completely new line installation?

If you currently have workers applying the printed labels by hand, adding an in-line label applicator can have a quick ROI for your company. Or perhaps you are just considering how to add automation. If that is the case, consider how all the components would work together, plus how the process could scale as your company continues to grow.

Other Factors to Consider

Are there environmental factors that need to be taken into consideration such as exposure to large amounts of dust, moisture, or chemicals, temperature extremes of a risk of impact?

Are there operational demands such as speed, volume or print resolution?

What will work with your current IT Network Infrastructure? Consider only options that are compatible with your computer operating system and that can integrate with your existing business systems.

Final Considerations

As you can see, there is a lot to consider before making a decision. It is essential to take time to do a thorough Site Survey before making a decision. We consider the Site Survey to be one of the most important things we can help you with as you decide whether an in-line applicator system is right for you. The Site Survey will save you time and money in the long run, and costly decision mistakes will be avoided. The clearer the vision you have for how the in-line label applicator will work with your existing operation, the more successful your decision will be in providing the specific functionality you desire.

Various applicators enable central label management and label application by methods including tamp blow, air blow or wipe on. Or a print and apply solution that incorporates a print engine with an applicator.

At Imprint Enterprises, we partner with industry leaders to offer a variety of quality labeling systems. We know one size does not fit all, and if you can't find what you need in an existing model, we can custom engineer a solution that will fit your unique requirements. Our knowledgeable team will work closely with you through all stages of planning and implementation. Your success matters to us!

For more information, visit www.imprint-e.com  or contact us at (855)745-4464 or drop us an email at customer_service@imprint-e.com.

Sometimes solving the problem is not enough; what is the return on investment you desire? In the end, what is the total cost of ownership?

Answering these questions are steps often missed, and you end up backtracking to find the right solution. That also increases costs and diminishes your return on investment. So let's look at the questions you need to ask yourself.

Begin learning which might be the right solution by asking what problems and issues are causing you to consider automating label applications?

Define Your Scope

There are several in-line label applicator systems on the market. Begin learning which might be the right solution by asking what problems and issues are causing you to consider automating label applications? 

Inconsistent Workers

While your workers do a great job, not everyone works at the same pace every hour of every day.  They may be off sick or have a vacation day here and there, and someone else has to fill in, which provides a level of inconsistency.  

Even if workers are there every day, they may not always work at the same pace. Everyone has bad days when they have less energy or excellent days when they seem to be able to work at a faster pace.

And don't forget, workers can make mistakes. Mistakes cost money. It might seem like a tiny mistake, but if they issue the wrong label, it could jeopardize your company's credibility as a vendor.

No matter how wonderful your workforce, you have to consider the inconsistencies of your workers.

Accuracy and Precision

Does the labeling require accuracy and precision humans cannot provide? Humans are not perfect, especially when they are working at a fast pace. And sometimes, it is just impossible to accurately paste the labels manually. If the label requires a level of accuracy and precision that humans cannot provide, it is time to consider automation.

Cost Savings

Can positions be eliminated or employees moved to different positions providing a cost savings? No one likes to eliminate staff, but sometimes it is necessary to move forward in your business. Will the employee be repurposed, and will it mean significant savings for the company? Perhaps the employee can move to another position, or maybe someone is retiring, and instead of filling the job, you add an automated labeling system. As a business owner, you need to look at the bottom line and know whether adding automation will save you money in the end and be worth the investment.

Tight integrations with Apple VPP and Google Play deliver the right application to the right employee and device. IT staff can use blacklist/whitelist controls to identify what corporate apps are available and can also wipe/remove enterprise apps if a device is non-compliant, lost, or if an employee leaves.

Know Your TCO/ROI Requirements

Metrics

• What are the metrics needed for a labeling system to be a successful project?  You need to know the numbers you are starting with and the target number you desire.  It is like a roadmap.  You can’t get to where you want to be if you don’t know where you are going. 
• What percentage of products per hour are needed to have a ROI of x?  Another numbers issue.  Again only you know the numbers for your business, but we can help you figure them out.  
• If a worker is eliminated or repurposed, what is the cost savings?  Will that cost savings pay for the automated labeling system?   Will there be extra savings you can put toward something else?  

Improved Efficiency and Accuracy

Will improved efficiency and accuracy offset the initial cost of an automated labeling solution?    Manual label application is labor-intensive and error-prone.  By increasing productivity with an automated labeling solution, your company will positively impact its profitability and provide a positive ROI.

When making a significant investment, you want to be sure you know the total cost of ownership and a projection of when you will see a return on your investment.

Answering these questions is not always easy. Once you know the answers to these questions, you can begin to see the benefits and learn the different options of in-line label applications to best meet your business needs.  

Imprint helps you through this process from start to finish.  When you contact us, we work with you and guide you as you answer these questions to ensure the equipment we eventually recommend is what will meet your needs.  

At Imprint Enterprises, we partner with industry leaders to offer a variety of quality labeling systems. We know one size does not fit all, and if you can't find what you need in an existing model, we can custom engineer a solution that will fit your unique requirements.  Our knowledgeable team will work closely with you through all stages of planning and implementation.  Your success matters to us!

For more information, visit www.imprint-e.com  or contact us at (855)745-4464 or drop us an email at customer_service@imprint-e.com.