THERMAL LABEL PRINTERS
“Cloud connectivity and AI-driven diagnostics are helping reduce downtime and simplify operations and smart labels incorporating QR codes and RFID are turning labels into data-rich assets within the supply chain. Toshiba’s A-BRID platform plays a key role here, embedding intelligence at the device level and supporting integration into wider business systems with features such as its native Direct PDF printing and ability to emulate other printer languages. Stuart notes that ongoing innovation is focused on improving connectivity, automation and efficiency in label-based workflows. “This has meant that thermal labels alone are not enough – and instead, customers are increasingly looking for RFID or linerless thermal options,” he says. Reseller conversations For resellers, thermal label printers present a range of opportunities for sales, but they must get their pitches to customers right. Gordon says resellers need to highlight current legislation around food and drink labelling and how versatile multifunctional thermal label printers can allow new requirements to be met including ample space for ingredient listing and high- resolution printing for clear and concise text, barcodes and logos as well as providing a future-proof labelling solution. “The benefits of linerless labels should also be highlighted in terms of their flexibility and benefits as a sustainable and cost-effective labelling solution,” he adds. “In addition, resellers should focus on how cloud-connected label printers meet the requirements of local printing as well as printing from central databases, while providing simple set-up and provisioning of wireless printers to facilitate printing ‘out-of-the-box’.” Deyon says that the conversation should focus on outcomes: cost savings, sustainability, productivity improvements and workflow reliability. “Emphasising integration, scalability and future
readiness, particularly through connected platforms such as A-BRID will resonate strongly,” he says. Stuart says resellers should focus on the total cost of ownership rather than upfront purchase price. “Thermal label printers are incredibly cost-effective in the long run as they are ink-free products with low-cost consumables and offer compatibility and labour cost savings, too,” he says. “Conversations, therefore, should highlight that purchasing the cheapest printer is not always the most cost-effective option, and instead, customers should focus on the long-term operational costs and productivity gains of the printing solution. “Additionally, customers often require thermal printers as part of a wider system, so it can be advantageous to bundle a printer with peripherals, software and label media, depending on the application requirements. Ultimately, resellers should take time to understand the full needs of the customer, including integration with existing systems such as ERP, WMS, POS and cloud platforms. They should also scope out if scalability is, or will be, required to provide a solution that meets all current and ongoing requirements, while managing workflow and volume expectations.” Continuing growth All commentators agreed that the thermal label printer market will continue to grow in the next 12-18 months. “The inherent advantages of thermal printing – speed, durability and low maintenance – combined with innovations in linerless tech, 2D tracking, and unified fleet management, cement them as an indispensable asset for the modern supply chain,” says Richard. Stuart agrees. “Demand will increase for shipping, returns, warehouse and tracking labels across a wide range of industries, including retail, hospitality, warehousing and logistics, healthcare and the government and public sectors,” he says. n
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Conversations, therefore, should highlight that purchasing the cheapest printer is not always the most cost-effective option, and instead, customers should focus on the long-term operational costs and productivity gains of the printing solution.
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