INTERVIEW


should be integrated, as well as provide turnkey solutions to improve operational performance. Manufacturers should look for suppliers


that are willing to be part of the journey, supporting installation, configuration and integration while helping deliver the outcomes the business is looking to achieve. A collaborative approach reduces risk, speeds up implementation and allows manufacturers to maximise the value of their investment.


Coding and marking systems are an essential component of modern traceability strategies. Manufacturers today face increasing regulatory and consumer demand for transparent information on the origin of products and ingredients, and how they moved through the supply chain. A machine-readable code on the product is the only practical way to provide this information. Coding and marking systems are a key part


of the puzzle, providing the means to apply this unique information to each product and the data required to track individual products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and ultimately to the consumer. Without a 2D code or other advanced data carrier, effective traceability is not possible. Automated coding and marking equipment,


Coding automation also plays an important


role in improving productivity by reducing manual data entry and streamlining product changeovers. Coding systems can communicate with PLCs, SCADA platforms and ERP systems to access code data and automatically move from one product run to the next. Manufacturers can even create automatic alerts that prompt operators to prepare for the next production run, reducing the time required to move from product A to product B. Vision systems are also lending a hand,


with automated code verification playing a key role in reducing waste from incorrectly coded products. Rather than relying solely on periodic manual inspections, manufacturers can now verify codes continuously. A line equipped with a simple ‘code and check’ vision system can reject substandard products and provide automatic alerts to prompt intervention where a wider issue could be affecting code quality. Crucially, this can be done automatically within a few products, preventing a build-up of incorrectly coded products and subsequent waste.


3. As factories become more connected through Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing initiatives, what role do coding and marking systems play in providing traceability, data integration and real-time production insights?


in conjunction with machine vision systems, can also provide manufacturers with real-time production insights by logging items coded and rejected across different lines, shifts and days. Most manufacturers understand the theoretical maximum output of their production lines but often struggle to identify why actual output falls below this figure. These insights can provide an important piece of the overall production picture and help manufacturers understand why lines may be operating below their full potential. By sharing operational data with connected systems, manufacturers can gain visibility into line performance and identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks.


4. What are the most common challenges manufacturers face when implementing new coding and marking solutions, and what advice would you give to businesses looking to modernise their production lines with minimal disruption? One of the biggest challenges that manufacturers face is trying to do everything themselves. Too often, coding and marking systems and solutions are treated as a simple equipment purchase, with the manufacturer expecting to handle the integration and optimisation internally. This can be disruptive and simply isn’t necessary. Decisions regarding installation,


integration, automation and data sharing can significantly impact production efficiency and visibility across the factory floor. So, my advice is to look for a partner, not just a supplier. Companies like Domino bring decades of experience across multiple industries and can help determine where equipment should be installed and how it


5. Looking ahead, what emerging technologies or industry trends do you believe will have the greatest impact on industrial printing, coding and product traceability over the next five to ten years, and how is Domino preparing for that future? Manufacturing itself is already becoming more flexible and modular. Rather than operating dedicated lines for specific product formats, manufacturers increasingly want production systems that can handle a broader range of products. We’re also seeing the emergence of smaller, strategically located micro-factories positioned closer to distribution centres to support evolving fulfilment models. These changes will require coding and marking technologies to become more versatile, capable of operating across a wider range of products, substrates and applications. The biggest trend will be the continued


expansion of end-to-end traceability via on- product 2D codes. Today, traceability is often limited to cases, pallets, or selected high- value products. In the future, manufacturers will increasingly require complete aggregation, linking individual items through cases and pallets and across the entire supply chain. New standards, such as GS1 Digital Link, and regulatory changes such as digital product passports, will further increase the amount of information available throughout a product’s journey. In line with this, vision systems will become


increasingly important as manufacturers seek to verify that every code is readable and traceable. A product that cannot be scanned creates supply chain inefficiencies and potential financial penalties, making verification a critical component of future production lines. Today, industrial coding and marking is


about so much more than just putting ink on a package; it’s about turning every product into a data asset. This evolution is set to continue over the next five to ten years, with increasing demand for more on-product data from everyone involved in global supply chains. Domino is focused on evolving our solutions to support this change by providing advanced variable data printing expertise and verification capabilities that customers need to enable traceability, connectivity and smarter decision-making throughout the supply chain.


Domino Printing Sciences www.domino-printing.com


FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | JULY/AUGUST 2026 17


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