LABELLING IN LOGISTICS
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involved in. “While the market is competitive, it’s an opportune moment for resellers,” says Mikhaila. “They should consider partnering with reputable manufacturers and suppliers that provide reliable products and dedicated support, in the form of partner programmes. “Resellers should leverage their access to expertise and a range of high-quality solutions to diversify their product portfolios into other areas and identify opportunities for account penetration. Offering a variety of funding options, such as leasing, is attractive to customers who don’t have as much upfront capital expenditure, which will give resellers a competitive edge. Mikhaila adds that the market will continue to see a demand for future-proof solutions, particularly in the form of automation. “As the logistics industry continues its digital transformation, secure cloud-based solutions and automation technology will be increasingly essential tools for achieving efficiency, compliance and driving profitability,” she says. Jay adds that for resellers that want to get involved in the market, there are two keys to success: research and creating bundles of high-quality products to fit the target market’s requirements. “Manufacturers now work closely with market-leading labelling software solutions making it easier to bundle together PDAs with printers and label media with the recommendation of complimentary software,” he adds. “Printing technology, scanners and consumables are readily available in the channel so can easily be ordered and either shipped to the reseller or directly onto the end user.” Growth and innovation There will be more opportunities for resellers in the coming years, Jay adds. Businesses are now becoming more environmentally conscious,” he says.” Technologies such as linerless labelling is becoming more popular as a simple, eco labelling alternative that allows variable length labelling which comes without the need for backing paper. “This specialised media comes in different adhesive strengths, either permanent or semi- permanent which work only with specialised printing technology. “Mobility labelling will also see growth. With a range of different solutions available on the market today from mobiles to stationary mounted printers for vehicles. The use of mobility printing within logistics will continue to grow.”
alternative logistics labelling solutions in the coming years. “Print and apply labelling solutions using linerless labels are discussed, however, available solutions have failed to make significant traction,” he says. “Practical alternatives can be seen in direct-to-box printing.” Andreas adds that thermal inkjet printing solutions can be used to print directly on smaller-sized cartons and boxes in the logistics industry. “Such solutions can print at a very high resolution, making them suitable for text and graphics, as well as serialised data, unique device identifiers and machine- readable codes. Large character piezo inkjet printers are an alternative, high-resolution solution for larger-sized printing requirements or printing directly on carton and paper webs forming cartons and bags. “With any direct-to-box printing solution, businesses need to ensure smooth materials handling on conveyor belts to achieve maximum code quality. In addition, proper inspection solutions are also recommended whenever printing 1D or 2D codes for traceability, to ensure readability and avoid unnecessary waste from printing errors. “Various direct thermal printing and laser marking solutions continue to be successful in different niche applications. They will play an increasing role but, as yet, there is no indication of them becoming mainstream. “We predict that print and apply labellers, as long-trusted, reliable solutions, will continue to dominate the logistics and distribution market in the coming years. However, we foresee growth in this area beginning to slow as the sector wakes up to the benefits of direct substrate printing.” Getting into the market With the myriad technology available and a growing sector, logistics labelling is a market that resellers should consider getting
Andréas Olsson global sector manager – logistics & distribution
domino-printing.com
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Various direct
thermal printing and laser marking solutions continue to be successful in different niche applications. They will play an increasing role but, as yet, there is no indication of them becoming mainstream.
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