Labelling Solutions Five things to consider before outsourcing
all label production By Dayle Guy, business systems business development manager, Epson UK
he label print production market is evolving. In its Impact of Changing Run Lengths on the Printing Market report Smithers said printed label buyers are looking for shorter and faster print runs. It predicted this will result in the radical reshaping of label buying cost dynamics. For packaged goods there will be additional diversification in the number of products or SKUs brands carry. This will drive greater variety and short runs in packaging print.
T
The face of retail is also changing – especially the Covid-related boom in e-commerce. It is resulting in more small businesses buying labels and printed packaging.
There is also the need for greater dynamic label printing such as customisation, versioning and special editions, for a wide range of businesses including start-ups and operations whose products are impacted by ingredient availability. There is the requirement to comply with Natasha’s Law and ensure the clear labelling of allergens on pre-packed food for direct sale (PPDS). The increasing focus on greater choice makes bringing short run label production inhouse a more attractive option.
Here are my top five considerations to evaluate before outsourcing all your label needs:
SUSTAINABILITY
Printing in house supports the production of what is required when it is required. There is no need for minimum order quantities which
reduces the waste associated with surplus labels and the energy used in their production. There is also no need for the labels to be delivered from the outsourcing operation reducing their carbon footprint.
SPEED
In an Amazon Prime world everyone wants everything next day. This service is made possible by bringing production inhouse. When outsourcing you need to factor in your supplier’s lead times plus delivery. If your customers are not prepared to wait you could miss out on orders.
QUALITY
By having control over the incoming files, production hardware and consumables used, you can ensure the labels produced meet your expectations and those of your customers. It gives you peace of mind.
PRODUCTION FLEXIBILITY
Having full control over the services you offer and how you manage jobs allows for last minute or unexpected orders to be easily accommodated. You can also more readily customise orders. This allows you to support customers in their creativity and even add new services. You can also respond quickly to any legislation changes.
COST SAVINGS Is it cheaper to order labels in batches? Is
it better to over-order again and again? Is printing on demand only what you need cost-effective? For runs of many thousands outsourcing to a high volume production environment remains the best choice. However, as we have already seen run lengths are increasingly reducing and brands are developing more offers and looking for versatility in label design. For these shorter runs bringing production inhouse can deliver great control over costs and consumables. Capital investment would be required so you would need to investigate the investment necessary and expected return on investment for a clear idea of the savings possible. You can also avoid having to place and pay for minimum quantities when outsourcing and by printing just what you need, when you need it, there are no waste labels.
These considerations provide an idea of the benefits bringing short run production inhouse can offer.
The ability to do so is being aided by advances in easy-to-use digital print technology that support a streamlined end to end throughput. Intelligent software aids file preparation and workflow for batches and customised labels, while hardware solutions produce high quality results on a range of label stock accurately and consistently. Simple, reliable set up is crucial in enabling the confident introduction of the service.
Solutions like Epson’s two new ColorWorks C4000e on-demand colour label printers, offer operations reliable technology to build their service on.
The fast and cost-effective inhouse labelling solutions for businesses of all types and sizes complete the Epson colour label printer line-up. These compact footprint models offer flexibility and are ideal for a range of businesses, from food and beverages, through chemical and pharmaceuticals, to ticketing applications. The printers produce high-quality labels on demand, in small-to-medium volumes.
Could bringing some label production inhouse, or adding it as a new string to your bow, be the next step in your operation’s evolution?
Xwww.epson.co.uk
30
April 2022
www.convertermag.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
