Feature Printing, barcoding & labelling


he evolution of the manufactur- ing, distribution and logistics industries has resulted in the need for reliable and flexible industrial printing to step up to the plate and deliver value-added, mis- sion-critical and time-sensitive print- ing, whatever the environment. The ever-decreasing entry cost of laser printers has led to more companies adopting these for industrial applica- tions in recent years. However, this can prove to be a costly and risky choice. Laser printers are often incompatible in industrial environments where ultra- high volume, just-in-time and no-mis- take printing is imperative. Line matrix printing technology is the most reliable industrial printing alternative, and is perfect for businesses seeking a prompt, error-free and high-volume barcode label printing solution.


The benefits of line matrix printing T


Printronix regional category manager Olivier Evain discusses the benefits of line matrix printing for manufacturing, distribution and logistics


Phoenix Pharma deployed line matrix printing from Printronix to replace its existing laser printing system


Superior technology innovation While line matrix has been around for over 45 years, recent innovations to this technology boast operational, cost and sustainability benefits. For example, organisations needing to carry out large print runs within noise sensitive areas can take advantage of fully enclosed sound reduction cabinets. Smaller environments with space limitations can make use of smaller, quieter and less-imposing pedestal printers, whereas industries operating within harsh environments, such as loading docks or factories can choose robust, durable and temperature-sensitive line matrix printers. Today, the performance and durabil- ity of line matrix is unmatched and businesses can select configurations, including print speed and intelligent job separation, which allows each model to be tailored to meet individ-


ual requirements. The availability of time saving IT tools can also help supply-chain professionals remotely manage worldwide print operations. Meanwhile, users of line matrix print- ing technology can benefit from longer-lasting and higher quality ribbon fabric and ‘Extended Life’ car- tridges, which ensure high page yields, maximum productivity and reduced IT support due to minimal intervention from distribution centres.


The price of printing perfection Today’s ever restrictive economic climate means manufacturers and distributors are faced with maintaining a delicate balance of reducing costs while sharpening their competitive edge. With rapid and accurate industrial label printing and product identifica- tion playing a crucial role in the smooth operation of supply chains, line matrix printing can help manufacturing and logistics industries benefit from reduced total cost of ownership. In the logistics industry, where com- panies need to be assured of the ability of their device to print on an industrial scale, 24/7 with no downtime, line matrix printers excel. Supply chain


The grass is greener on the line matrix side


Many line matrix printers are now fully Energy Star compliant. The prized Energy Star rating assures cus- tomers that products will consume as little as 10W per hour. This means environmental impact and cost is reduced. Additional advantages of these printers also include waste reduction, ozone reduction and none of the fine particulate emissions found in laser toner cartridges.


Printronix T: 0118 977 1000 printronix.com Enter 370


Labelling systems for secure identification


ogopak has supplied Jersey-based internet mail order specialist Play.Com with three purpose designed labelling systems that allow cartons to be tracked through the final closing and sealing process and then identified automatically for transit with a full size shipping label on the top. Six Logopak 515T print and apply labelling machines have been installed, two for


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each of three packing lines. The first creates a tracking label to identify each carton and its contents while it is automatically closed. The second creates the shipping label. “Unlike systems in which cartons are identified, but then simply put in a registered queue for automatic closing and labelling, the use of a tracking label ensures there is no blind spot in the closing and labelling process,” explains Logopak UK general manager Wilson Clark. “If a carton needs to be removed from the closing machine, perhaps to clear a jam, its identity remains intact, with no risk of mis-labelling,” he says. Logopak International


T: 01904 692333 S18 www.logopak.com Enter 371


Performance speaks for itself Line matrix printing offers substantial and compelling reasons for businesses to upgrade, expand or replace their current printers. They stand to gain significant strategic advantages linked to cost, performance and efficiency through the application of line matrix printing, without sacrificing produc- tivity. Pharmaceutical wholesaler Phoenix Pharma recently deployed line matrix technology from Printronix to replace its existing laser printing system, which was put under strain by an increase in demand. To meet the challenge of increased expectation and demand, without cre- ating latency and loss within the time- sensitive supply chain, Phoenix Pharma deployed line matrix printers in its main distribution centres. In just over two years, the company saw an amortisation of its full investment – a testament to the high performance, low maintenance and lower power consumption of the devices.


SEPTEMBER 2011 Materials Handling & Logistics


workers do not need to be on hand to maintain the running of the printer, as intelligent job separation and post-pro- cessing functions provide smooth tran- sition between page printing. Online data validation (ODV) technology eliminates the risk of bulk shipments of products being incorrectly labelled or transported to the wrong destina- tion, with barcodes printed on-site immediately and automatically. Businesses can potentially see sav- ings of £18,500 over five years due to the reduced power consumption and high performance of the printers and a 30 per cent reduction in consumable cost per page. In terms of avoiding downtime within the supply chain, the drive to streamline processes has led to software updates being driven from a global or regional headquarter. In-field industrial printers are now fully compatible with multiple operat- ing systems for full interoperability with the company’s wider systems.


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