Print and Apply Is The New Mantra
Imaje introduces a new age label applicator
With increased requirement of traceability and tracking of goods in supply chain management, coding on secondary carton has assumed significant importance. Various technologies are used to meet these requirement and include DOD for direct printing on outer cartons, thermal printers for printing labels having barcode, high resolution graphics etc. Applying wrong label on a carton can destroy the integrity of information flow. Such errors can cause higher operational costs and leave a customer dissatisfied. Therefore many companies are opting for the latest ‘Print and Apply’ systems to address their label printing and applying requirements.
‘Print & Apply system’ is a system that uses a thermal engine to print labels and a pneumatic arrangement to apply the label on outer cases and pallets. Manual pasting job is completely done away with a Print and Apply system. The benefits include higher production efficiencies, savings on labour costs and complete eradication of human errors. Print and Apply systems are installed normally on the exit conveyer of a taping machine or a strapping machine. However a separate station can also be used to meet customized requirements.
Imaje India Pvt Ltd offers a vast range of Print and Apply systems to meet all kind of requirements and is a leader in providing product-tracking solutions. Imaje has won prestigious Swedish “Red Dot” awards for its design of new range of Print and Apply system Imaje 2000. “Imaje 2000 Series Print & Apply labelling systems' unique modular design provides unrivaled flexibility for identification of cartons throughout the supply chain,” says K V A Naidu, Managing Director of Imaje India Pvt. Ltd.
On many occasions variable information on the labels is fetched from ERP systems. When such information is used it becomes important that the right label is put on the right outer case. By using Print & Apply system it can be ensured. A print and Apply system can be integrated with all commonly used ERP system with an additional interface. Describing the features of Imaje 2000 series, Naidu adds, “ It’s cost-effective and easy to adapt to new production requirements by simply swapping component options. It can work as stand-alone or can be easily integrated into networks via high-speed interface, RS 232 and Ethernet 10/100.”
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices are getting more and more popular. RFID is an automatic identification and data capturing technology, which automatically allows for non –contact reading to track and monitor physical objects.
With the emergence of many standards defined by EPC Global and ISO/EIC committees, RFID applications are taking a definite shape. Supply Chain applications of RFID are destined to be the most popular application. RFID tags contain more data than the barcodes and can reduce labour cost. US giant Wal-Mart has initiated early adoption activity and has mandated its suppliers to start tagging all pallets and cartons.
This new generation Print and Apply systems have been introduced to address this important technology. These Print and Apply systems are able to read, write and verify RFID tags before applying. A verifier helps in removing “ non-readable” tags before applying hence making system error proof. At times a retrofit RFID kit is also available to be used with a RFID enabled Print and Apply systems. By deciding in favor of such system, one can ensure that the system is a future proof.
