Print in the Channel – issue #20

SMART LABELLING SOLUTIONS

“RFID label printers can also handle high volumes of tags quickly, making them suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large corporations “The printers can easily integrate with existing IT systems, such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms, ensuring seamless data flow and operational efficiency. “They are also designed to operate in various environments, RFID label printers are built to be robust and reliable, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging conditions.” Deyon notes that sustainability is high up on the list of demands for consumers who are looking at eco-friendly labelling and packaging solutions to make recycling easier, with the introduction of things like linerless labelling, which removes the need for backing paper which can’t be recycled. In addition, the printers can make personalised labels, which is something more businesses are considering. “Personalisation of labels can help brands build stronger connections with their audience, via marketing and enhanced customer experiences by tracking consumer preferences,” he says. Increasing demand With such benefits, it is anticipated that demand for smart labelling will increase in the coming years. “As more investment into new technologies increases it will become more cost effective for a larger number of applications,” Deyon says. “The creation of more durable and versatile RFID labels that will have things like sensors embedded in them making them true IOT devices and diversifying their applications.” Deyon adds that future development

will hopefully address some of the issues experienced around RFID in certain environmental conditions like around metals and liquids, opening up a huge range of use cases. “There will be a demand for even more data to be stored on RFID labels so we will be looking at larger memory sizes, addressing some applications where security is paramount,” he says. “Cloud solutions will facilitate real-time inventory management, feeding more data back into ERP and WMS systems” Neil adds that the cost of the technology will fall too, which will also help drive take- up of such solutions. “As RFID becomes more prevalent in society, the price of implementation is falling and will continue to do so over time, therefore more small- to mid-sized companies will jump onto the RFID smart labelling bandwagon,” he says. “This will assist the infiltration of RFID printing technology into the market for years to come.” Another developing technology will also help to increase take-up of smart labelling solutions and change how it works. “Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly revolutionising the printing and labelling industry,” says TSC’s spokesperson. “It is expected that smart printers with AI capabilities will be able to autonomously adjust label formats, identify errors, and anticipate maintenance requirements, thus minimising downtime and enhancing operational efficiency. “Additionally, AI will be able to facilitate automated workflows by integrating with supply chain management systems, enabling automatic label printing based on real-time inventory data. This will not only accelerate the labelling process but also ensure consistency and accuracy.”

As RFID becomes more prevalent in society, the price of implementation is falling and will continue to do so over time, therefore more small- to mid- sized companies will jump

onto the RFID smart labelling bandwagon.

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