SMART LABELLING
Always read the label As demands on the supply chain continue to increase in a variety of sectors, so more is expected of the labelling on products and packaging, leading to greater adoption of smart labelling – which providers opportunities for resellers.
Supply chains are under greater pressure than ever as customers demand faster deliveries, as well as greater monitoring of products in transit and proof of provenance. This means there are more demands on smart labelling solutions to provide that information. “Speed, accuracy and transparency are no longer optional in today’s supply chains – they’re critical for survival,” says Simon Brennan, senior business manager – Specialist Printing Solutions at Brother UK. “That’s why demand for smarter labelling solutions is accelerating across warehouses, retail and logistics.” Demand is increasing for a variety of reasons. Bob Vines, country manager for the UK, Ireland and the Nordics at TSC Auto ID, points to the Sunrise 2027 initiative where, by the end of 2027, retailers globally need to ensure their POS systems are equipped with scanners able to read traditional and 2D barcodes.
“We expect to see much wider adoption of smart labels that incorporate technologies like RFID, NFC and QR codes,” he says. “These technologies improve tracking and data storage and are particularly beneficial in sectors like logistics, food and drink, pharmaceuticals and retail. “2D barcodes like QR codes powered by GS1, and GS1 Data Matrix codes are becoming increasingly important for the kind of item-level detail that will be required for regulations such as Sunrise 2027 and Europe’s Digital Product Passport. They enable supply chain traceability and transparency, they enhance efficiency, help ensure product quality and safety, help prevent counterfeiting, and are being used increasingly by brands to deliver important information to consumers. When added to packaging, QR codes can deliver detailed product messaging and interactive experiences and also provide recycling instructions and information around sustainability initiatives. 2D barcodes allow for much more data in less space than traditional linear barcodes, a real advantage as packaging becomes smaller and brands have less
Speed, accuracy and transparency are no longer optional in today’s supply chains – they’re critical for survival. “ ”
room to impart key information. “IoT-enabled labels like RFID are
also transforming products into smart, connected items, enabling real-time tracking, enhanced supply chain visibility and improved consumer interaction. Such labels can, for instance, monitor storage conditions or authenticate products, helping combat counterfeiting. RFID tags
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