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Tag: labelling

Packsize Collaborates with Walmart over Right-Sized Packaging

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Packsize, a market leader in sustainable right-sized packaging on demand, has unveiled the Ultra5, a right-sized, on-demand box machine built around its recently announced X5 technology. The Ultra5 was built exclusively for Walmart and has already been installed in multiple fulfilment centres including the first of Walmart’s next-generation FCs.

As is the case with Packsize’s X5 machine, the Ultra5 can produce up to 600 boxes per hour, and provides the highest packaging throughput in the industry for its class, while contributing to less waste and fewer emissions. The Packsize solution reduces packaging waste caused by oversized boxes, negates void filler like plastic air pillows, reduces shipping emissions, and improves the end-consumer’s overall unboxing experience. By right-sizing boxes, the technology minimises the costs and environmental impact of extraneous and unneeded corrugated boxes. It also improves parcel logistics, enabling retailers to fit up to 33% more boxes on freight and delivery carriers – ultimately getting more orders to customers daily.

“By working with Packsize to develop the Ultra5 machine, we created an innovative packaging solution that tailors each box to the items we are shipping to customers, eliminating unnecessary waste and improving the unboxing experience once the package arrives,” said Prathibha Rajashekhar, senior vice president, innovation & automation, Walmart US. “In keeping with our commitment to becoming a regenerative company, the Ultra5 solution is a win for our customers, the business and our planet.”

In addition to its environmental benefits, the Ultra5 is also an incredible e-commerce asset for Walmart’s fulfilment network. Its industry-leading speeds contribute to faster throughput, with the ability to have orders packed, labelled, and ready to ship in as little as 30 minutes. The Ultra5 also includes a unique “Flaps Down” feature, allowing boxes to seamlessly flow through the packaging process by placing a paper band around the flaps to secure them to the sides of the box.

“Walmart’s fulfilment network and addition of four next-generation FCs are not just a game-changer, but a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce,” said Rod Gallaway, CEO of Packsize. “They have embraced cutting-edge and innovative technology, like our Ultra5 machine, and taken bold steps to streamline their fulfilment processes.  Packsize is proud to work with Walmart to help set a new standard for customer convenience, satisfaction, and e-commerce order fulfilment.”

Print Engine Offers Trouble-free Automatic Labelling

Posted on by David Priestman

To meet the increasing demand in logistics, healthcare and manufacturing for print and apply labelling automation systems, TSC Printronix Auto ID has just launched the powerful yet compact, 6-inch PEX-2000 print engine, delivering easy integration, maximum uptime and lasting reliability. It allows automatic labelling builders to configure preferences for speed, accuracy and synchronisation.

The PEX-2000 is a system integrator’s dream in that its highly compatible hardware and software enables it to be easily and quickly integrated into any print and apply system thereby shortening time-to-market for automatic labellers. The device supports DB15 and DB25 interfaces and major printer brands’ GPIO emulations. Its customisable firmware also supports major printer languages meaning template commands and print files can remain the same.

Being 14% smaller than comparative print engines, the PEX-2000 is ideally suited to compact spaces. Its full metal chassis is built to withstand harsh environments and demanding 24/7 operation. TSC Printronix Auto ID has cleverly engineered in a magnetic lock to ensure the media door remains firmly shut in any orientation. It has also allowed a generous 55mm aperture to simplify media handling and parts changes. Printheads can be removed and replaced in seconds while the rear chassis just requires two steps to be lifted and pulled out, enabling easy manoeuvrability for repairs, maintenance or component replacement.

“We considered everything while developing the PEX-2000; maximising uptime, combating space constraints and improving users’ daily operations,” says Victoria Grobushkina, Sales Director, TSC Printronix Auto ID EMEA. “Its advanced performance is suited to diverse applications, including optional RFID encoding and top black mark sensors to support pre-printed labels. But the real industry-first is an innovative adjustable module that allows labels to be peeled-off in angles ranging from minus 18° to minus 3°, all without reinventing or redesigning peelers or application arms.”

Effortlessly integrated into print and assembly applications

The PEX-2000 is available in 203 or 300 dpi print options with a top print speed of 14 inches/second and 12 inches/second respectively. The print engine can be remotely configured, updated, monitored and troubleshot through either TSC Console or SOTI Connect software tools. Printhead health status can also be monitored in real time, reducing the risk of downtime and preventing bad quality barcodes entering the supply chain and jeopardising missions. Learn more about the new PEX-2000 or request a test-drive at sales@tscprinters.eu

TSC Printronix Auto ID is a leading provider of innovative thermal label printing solutions. Founded in 1991, the company owns and operates ISO certified production facilities and has offices around the world, serving customers in more than 100 countries.

The company offers a wide range of barcode label printing solutions including mobile, desktop, industrial, and enterprise-grade barcode label printers, RFID printers, integrated barcode label inspection systems, print engines, advanced printer software, standard and custom labels, and ribbons. The company’s products are used in nearly every industry including transportation and logistics, retail, manufacturing, warehousing, food and beverage, healthcare, and automotive. The company specializes in providing reliable, high quality label printing solutions to move products through the supply chain efficiently.

TSC Printronix Auto ID Adds UK Repairs

Posted on by David Priestman

UK end-users and channel partners no longer face time delays or transportation costs returning failed TSC or Printronix branded printers to Germany for repair, as TSC Printronix Auto ID has just opened a UK repair centre to better support this region.

“By opening a satellite repair centre in the UK, we can deliver faster resolution of repairs and a more cost-effective service for our distributors (VAD), resellers (VAR) and end customers nationally,” says Jaime de Sousa, Service Specialist, TSC Printronix Auto ID EMEA. “The centre enables us to abolish the shipping and import/export charges of returning failed printers to and from Germany, as well as get rid of delays caused by completing paperwork and awaiting custom checks. A UK base also ensures greater spare parts availability and alleviates any language barriers,” suggests Jaime.

In practice, end users will report TSC printer faults to their VAR or VAD who will troubleshoot the issue with TSC’s technical team in Germany. Targeted repair times will typically fall within 3-7 days of receiving the device, depending on spare parts availability and the type of failure. The satellite centre will repair in-warranty and potentially out-of-warranty printers. Only full printers, complete with options and accessories, will be accepted not parts for repair. “This new UK repair facility reinforces our commitment to better supporting the country’s end-users and our channel partners and demonstrates our dedication to improving customer service here. It will be a seamless, more efficient process to repair and return hardware, with the repairs carried out by TSC Printronix Auto ID certified engineers,” says Jaime.

New repair centre notwithstanding, end customers and VARs can alternatively choose on-site service. This resource is not provided by the new satellite repair centre and more information can be found about the programme at https://emea.tscprinters.com/en/service-programs

TSC Printronix Auto ID is a leading provider of innovative thermal label printing solutions. Founded in 1991, the company owns and operates ISO certified production facilities and has offices around the world, serving customers in more than 100 countries.

The company offers a wide range of barcode label printing solutions including mobile, desktop, industrial, and enterprise-grade barcode label printers, RFID printers, integrated barcode label inspection systems, print engines, advanced printer software, standard and custom labels, and ribbons. The company’s products are used in nearly every industry including transportation and logistics, retail, manufacturing, warehousing, food and beverage, healthcare, and automotive. The company specializes in providing reliable, high quality label printing solutions to move products through the supply chain efficiently. The company has sold more than 6.5 million printers around the world to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

Printers – and Nothing But

Posted on by David Priestman

We catch up with a global barcode printers leader, which has experienced strong growth in recent years.

Ecommerce and the drive to mobile have helped global printer leader Bixolon to some great year-on-year turnover numbers, says Frédéric d’Orsay, Channel Sales Director Europe. He adds that there is still much more to come.

Frédéric is an old friend of Logistics Business – he was a lively panellist in our online conferences staged during lockdown – so it was a pleasure to catch up with him once again to hear from the inside about the state of play in the sector.

He says Bixolon’s success is down to its core focus. “We’ve been making printers for 30 years and we keep doing just that. Some of our competitors get components, and make the choice to manufacture other things with those components. We stick to printers, and we’re renowned globally for that.”

Bixolon was founded in South Korea, initially as Samsung Mini Printers. The now independent Bixolon retains a good working relationship with one of the world’s largest chip manufacturers and accordingly now devotes a lot of printing expertise to the mobility sector.

“It’s about labelling on the go now – and mobility is what makes sense,” he explains. “Look at home food delivery, for instance. Accurate, fast labelling is required to ensure – for both customer and supplier – that the order is exactly as requested, including the customer’s own specifications. There is a well-known large casual dining chain in the UK that has improved its order accuracy and makes sure the right order goes to the right customer at speed and without mistakes. Don’t forget that the order might be going to a pick-up area, to the restaurant itself or to the customer’s home, so the need for clarity at all points is vital, because it can be very easy to get something wrong. The printer is a real help in these circumstances.”

Ecommerce also requires labelling innovation, whether via compliance regulation or in the increasing drive to differentiate via individual customer personalisation. “More boxes are being shipped than ever before,” he points out. “A clear label matters more than ever.”

With sustainability a concern for all customers, from consumers waiting in a takeaway restaurant to a large 3PL looking to reduce its waste footprint, Bixolon’s linerless solutions – essentially, the sticker is produced without backing paper – help both the environment and the customer, providing both traceability and tracking options, such as the casual dining example given above. The sticky receipt adheres well to the food packaging, with no extra waste produced for landfill. Bixolon’s SRP-S300 is a big seller in this area, he reports. “We don’t make handheld terminals,” he reminds me. “We make printers, we’re not making a choice between it and a PDA.”

A further advantage of the new linerless technology allied to Bixolon printing technology is that labels are no longer die-cut to a specific size. “Labels can be as long or as short as you wish, so you are not limited in terms of how much or how little information you need to include, while a label roll the same length as the traditional die-cut version gives you up to 40 per cent more labelling availability.”

This labelling freedom offers benefits in other scenarios. “Think of a forklift operator using a print roll – now he or she doesn’t have to go back to base or to a rubbish disposal location as frequently as before. That matters in a busy shift.”

Bixolon is on an exciting path. “Not everyone cares about making a thermal printer like we do,” smiles Frédéric d’Orsay.

Labels partnership success for in-moulds

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading barcode labels and security specialist, inotec, is celebrating the company’s long-term partnership with Georg Utz. This successful collaboration has resulted in the production of over 40 million in-mould labels for plastic totes, crates, pallets and dollies.

The significant investment between inotec and Georg Utz began in 2008 and has enabled the in-mould labelling process to become fully automated within the production of new totes and crates. This delivers substantial time and cost savings compared to applying adhesive labels after manufacturing. The Diobond labels are applied during the moulding process of polyethene, polystyrene, polypropylene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) products.

The barcode labels are moulded onto the totes and crates during production as a permanent and durable asset identification solution. Using inotec’s state of the art printing, full-colour logos, barcodes and even radio-frequency identification (RFID) enabled inlays can be injection moulded into the wall of a container.

Due to its unique and patented manufacturing process, inotec’s RFID chips can also be in-moulded directly to totes and crates with no interlayer to destroy the contact between the box plastic and the label. In tests, up to 300 boxes were read at one time within seconds.

Durable and contamination free

The durability of the in-mould technology not only makes the labels extremely hardwearing, but also resistant to high-pressure cleaning, chemicals, acids and solvents.

The bond between the in-mould label and the crate becomes permanent, offering a smooth edgeless surface. This eliminates the possibility of any contamination happening behind the label. Coupled with its durability and resistance to industrial cleaning, inotec’s in-mould label technology is ideal for the food and pharmaceutical industries along with other highly hygienic environments.

Without the need for adhesives, the in-mould labels are highly resistant to heat and UV light as well as being waterproof. David Stocker, sales director, inotec UK explains:
“Changing the labelling process from adhesive labels to in-mould labels has many benefits for companies like Georg Utz.

“Moving to in-mould labelling technology means labels can be inserted during the moulding process. This removes the extra step that the traditional method adhesive labels create, as they can only be applied after the moulding process. In addition to this, newly moulded totes need to be stored and cooled before they can have the adhesive labels applied. In-mould labelling eliminates this extra storage stage and the need for secondary handling. This not only saves time but also creates significant cost savings for companies like Georg Utz who are producing in mass volumes.”

General Manager, Russell Evans, at Georg Utz concludes:
“In-mould labelling is a major innovation in our industry. It allows us to offer much higher specification, reliable barcodes and the digital printing of logos with unlimited colours at a very high print resolution. The images are incredibly clear and robust.

“We are aware that to continue to grow we must constantly innovate in line with our customers’ needs and having partners like inotec is integral to our future development.”

Established in 1999, inotec UK is a wholly owned subsidiary of inotec GmbH. It is a provider of warehouse finishing solutions including durable barcode labels, in-mould labels, internal and external line marking, RFID solutions and warehouse signage.

inotec specialises in providing bespoke solutions for a variety of environments from ambient to cold stores. The company offers a complete service, working with clients throughout the process from design to installation to achieve solutions that work the first time and every time.

inotec GmbH is Europe’s premier specialist barcode and Auto ID label company with a wealth of experience in providing quality label and identification solutions. Using the world’s most consistent and accurate printing processes, the company guarantees secure and readable labels at all times. With its unique testing laboratory and expert technical knowledge, inotec GmbH has been introducing pioneering new products and long-lasting warehouse identification solutions for more than 30 years.

Loftware achieves Zebra Technologies validation

Posted on by David Priestman

Loftware, a global leader in enterprise labelling and artwork management solutions, has successfully completed Zebra Technologies’ Enterprise Testing Program for its Loftware NiceLabel suite of labelling and print solutions. This designation indicates to customers and partners that Loftware NiceLabel was successfully tested, confirming its performance and functionality with Zebra’s industrial thermal transfer printers.

Zebra’s Enterprise Testing Program enables eligible channel partners to test the interoperability of their software and hardware solutions with select Zebra mobile computers, scanners, printers, RFID solutions, and software to meet user application-specific needs. Validation status ensures that all aspects of Loftware’s NiceLabel software, including features utilised on Zebra devices, work in harmony to deliver a superior end-user experience, thereby supporting customers’ mission-critical labelling and printing needs.

“We’ve worked closely with Zebra Technologies’ expert engineering teams over the last 15 years, and we’re thrilled to have recently completed the highest level of testing for our NiceLabel suite of products,” said Paul Vogt, Loftware Vice President of Channel and Alliances Programs. “NiceLabel software gets the most out of your Zebra printer because we power every feature available – there’s nothing that you need or want from a Zebra printer that we don’t optimise.”

Loftware hosted in secure platforms

Loftware NiceLabel, hosted in the most secure cloud platforms, offers businesses everything to manage  labelling processes, in one easy-to-use system. Designed for rapid deployments at one site or across multiple locations, it is an ideal solution for mid-sized or growing businesses. Users can be up and running in minutes while having everything they need to manage their entire  labelling process, from label design and template management to printing. It allows organisations to integrate  labelling with key business systems to create a more efficient  labelling process. Users can start small or local, and easily expand the system to multiple locations.

Zebra is described as an innovator at the front line of business with solutions and partners that deliver a performance edge. Loftware is a proud Independent Software Vendor (ISV) partner in Zebra’s award-winning PartnerConnect programme.

Not Just Thermal Printers

Posted on by David Priestman

TSC Printronix Auto ID is already well known in the logistics and packaging industries for its reliable thermal printers. Less highlighted is the importance the company places on its all-round package. It believes that to achieve a reliable Auto ID solution, you need a lot more than ‘just a printer’.

Printers are a lot more than a piece of hardware, with common attributes to all. “There are many different complexities within printers,” says Neil Baker, who runs Consumables for TSC Printronix Auto ID EMEA. “An industrial printer will have a lot more complexity than one that’s, for instance, printing out your next dentist appointment.” Savings, speed and efficiencies are all to be had, with the right combination of tools selected. “Whether you are a one to five person operation, or a multinational 3PL sending out 500 pallets per hour, we have an all-round printing solution for you,” he promises.

Consumables for thermal printers

It follows that the success of any printing operation or process depends in large part on the quality and reliability of the ‘consumables’, otherwise described as the media inside the box hardware, typically the labels and the thermal transfer ribbon. Neil Baker’s objective is to make sure you have the perfect consumables for your printing processes. Consumables matter, he points out.

Picking the right consumables means big wins for customers. In terms of common themes, sustainability is a keyword for Neil and his team.

“Our linerless labels eradicate ‘glassine’ backing labels completely – so there is no waste in the warehouse or operational site that would formerly have gone straight to landfill. That matters to both the daily process as well as the company bottom line. We offer many industry-specific printers optimised for linerless labelling, so they are particularly suited for logistics environments, whether mobile, desktop or heavy industrial printers.”

Advances have also been made in RFID technology by engineers at TSC Printronix Auto ID, greatly boosting the track-and-trace opportunity between, for instance, a source of manufacture in Asia and a warehouse storage location in Western Europe. Such technology can now check in seconds that what was dispatched inside a box or container exactly matches what has arrived. Other performance enhancers in the wide suite of customisable offerings include ODV-2D, a verification application which scans and grades the label as it emerges from the machine to confirm its durability and legibility for the onward journey.

Thermal printer solution

The all-round promise goes further. “By connecting with TSC Printronix Auto ID, you are not only buying hardware and consumables, but best-in-class post-sales support, with focus on the consumables as much as the hardware – it’s a complete solution,” he explains. That means you’re putting a lot of trust in one company to support you exclusively. That’s why we have the confidence to guarantee quality, knowing everything has been vetted, tested and approved by us.” The benefit for the customer is the reassurance that comes from knowing all product lines have been tested and certified with TSC Printronix Auto ID printers to maximize output and efficiencies in high output, time critical applications, such as logistics and warehousing.

The post-sales coverage extends to on-site service, backed by a team of application engineers throughout EMEA able to offer on-the-spot technical advice.

The company’s relationship with the logistics sector is well-established. Some years ago, when a major logistics name which used a mixed fleet of thermal printers from a variety of suppliers found the process of sourcing spares and servicing too complex, engineers from TSC Printronix Auto ID successfully established that a single emulation – or printer ‘language’ – could be implemented throughout this entire mixed network. After a three-month testing period, that same 3PL now has over 650 industrial printers in operation and purchases 60 million labels per year. TSC Printronix Auto ID is now the exclusive provider of printers and genuine supplies. The relationship is flourishing six years later.

Case study: efficient labelling for packages

Posted on by David Priestman

Etra Oy wanted to optimise labelling in its huge logistical centre in Finland, specifically for packages of bolts and screws it offers in all available sizes. Its huge stock of pre-printed labels kept growing along with its offering, and increased labelling efficiency became a necessity. In response, Brady helped Etra to optimise a huge stock of pre-printed labels.

Integrated high volume full colour label printer

Brady proposed the VP750 Label Printer that can quickly print huge volumes of high definition full-colour paper labels. The capabilities of the printer enable many on-site package label design options, both to identify and trace the contents of the package, and for marketing and branding purposes. Pictures, logos, barcodes, serial numbers and colours can easily be included.

Brady also supplied a number of rolls with custom-sized labels that fit any of Etra’s screw and bolt packages. These are easily recognised by the printer and the software Etra uses to avoid label design errors.

In addition, Brady technical experts supported the installation of the VP750 Label Printer and integrated it with Etra’s ERP-system and existing workflow. When bolts or screws are repackaged, their number and type per box are entered in the system, along with the number of boxes, and these data can be reused to print the labels on the VP750. A label rewinder was added to the printer and neatly printed label rolls can easily be inserted in Etra’s existing label applicator.

Racks of labels replaced by a few blank rolls

A small number of custom-sized labels on rolls, perfectly fit for the VP750 Label Printer, now replace huge stocks of labels with different pre-prints in Etra’s logistical centre. Operators no longer need to search for the right label.

After checking label size, any pre-designed data is easily and quickly printed with great accuracy on full-colour labels with the VP750 Label Printer. Adding colours and changing the look of a label is much easier and faster than before. The VP750 Label Printer brings highly practical flexibility in label design and implementation to the workspace.

 

Pitney Bowes Continues eBay Support

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Pitney Bowes, a global shipping and mailing company that provides technology, logistics and financial services, will continue to provide a range of cross-border ecommerce logistics services to eBay in the US and UK.

In the US, Pitney Bowes has been a partner to eBay since 2012 and will continue to support eBay’s Global Shipping Program (GSP) with leading technology, compliance and cross-border delivery services as eBay transitions Sellers from GSP to the new International Shipping. Pitney Bowes will continue to be a partner, offering a range of ecommerce logistics services to support International Shipping going forward.

In the UK, Pitney Bowes has renewed its agreement to support eBay’s UK Global Shipping Program as the platform looks to add Sellers to the program and drive more value to its successful and growing online marketplace. Pitney Bowes has provided technology, compliance and cross-border delivery services to help eBay Sellers in the UK reach consumers internationally since 2014.

“As our partnership enters its second decade, Pitney Bowes is excited to be a part of eBay’s renewed vision to make international selling as simple and seamless as domestic delivery for eBay Sellers and buyers around the globe,” said Gregg Zegras, EVP & President, Global Ecommerce at Pitney Bowes.

Cristian van Tienhoven, Chief Operating Officer at eBay UK, said: “The eBay Global Shipping Programme simplifies and removes friction from the increasing complexity of selling internationally. We look forward to working with Pitney Bowes to drive further growth for our sellers.”

 

New TSC Printronix mobile printer available across EMEA

Posted on by David Priestman

The Alpha-30R next gen mobile barcode printer from TSC Printronix Auto ID is now on sale throughout the EMEA region. It packs a large battery capacity for such a compact, lightweight device, enabling full shifts to be completed without interruption in busy retail stores, manufacturing, healthcare, transport and logistics operations.

The Alpha-30R has the most robust specifications in its class, making it ideal for harsh working environments, indoors and out, where it could be exposed to vibrations, drops, dust and liquid. Built for durability, it has an IP54 rating and meets MIL-STD-810 military standards. It can withstand 2.5m drops or 1,000 tumbles, while in its protective case, or 2.1m drops and 800 tumbles out of it.

Aside from its impressive ruggedness, the Alpha-30R also delivers strong, seamless and reliable wireless connectivity that’s vital for mobile fieldwork. Its Apple-certified MFi Bluetooth 5.0 with NFC Tap-to-Pair provides, simple and easy connectivity, while its 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi module enables super fast roaming. Labels, including linerless ones, and receipts can be securely and quickly printed wherever needed.

The 3” wide Alpha-30R comes in two models, a 5ips print speed or 6ips. Both models have easy-to-read LCD displays and are lightweight to carry –  just 0.65kg including battery – enabling workers to comfortably complete entire shifts accurately, efficiently and quickly.

The Alpha-30R boasts sophisticated features like smart battery status and auto-detection of poor printhead dots, which can be effortlessly and remotely managed in SOTI Connect or TSC Console printer management tools. They enable real-time monitoring of battery health and remaining capacity, as well as printhead status. Such real-time visibility allows enterprise IT staff to manage multiple tasks, reduce maintenance costs, and avoid downtime of these business-critical devices.

A full line-up of accessories is available for the Alpha-30R, such as protective cases, hands-free attachments and multiple battery charging options, all designed to improve user-friendliness and boost productivity. Forklift and vehicle mount accessories are also available which are quick and easy to fit.

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