Bringing Labeling Production In-House

However, no investment picture is complete without taking the long view of total cost of ownership (TCO). For most on demand color label printers, TCO is relatively low. The printers are user-friendly, so the time needed for implementation and operator training is minimal compared to other solutions. Since labels are produced as needed and in the precise quantities needed, there is no need to deal with long lead times for pre-printed labels. In addition, kitchens can use the same blank label stock for multiple SKUs or brands. This reduces waste, especially since printed labels will no longer become obsolete. Manufacturers have been seen to reduce total label costs by up to 50 percent through streamlined processing and reduced waste.

Another element to factor into TCO is ongoing service and support of the printers to keep them operating at peak efficiency. Every solutions provider takes a different approach to customer service and support. For example, IPS can log in remotely and troubleshoot both technical issues as well as template and label design questions.

Image credit: Epson America Inc.

Q: How can commercial kitchens start the dialogue with customers about the benefits of using on-demand color labeling instead of the two-step process?
A: It’s recommended to focus on the savings that on-demand color labeling brings to the brand. Not only will real-time label production cut out the middlemen–decreasing the number of vendors the brand needs to manage–but it also gives brands total label production flexibility, reduces costs associated with rush charges and label waste, and eliminates the risk of incompatible black and white printers with pre-printed colored labels. With the ability to quickly implement label design changes, businesses have an opportunity to see samples prior to making final decisions on new labels–even if turnaround time is short.

On-demand color label printers have the potential to enhance quality assurance and product safety within the food industry. By bringing label production in-house with a label printer, businesses are able to efficiently create labels with bright colors to help determine perishability and differentiate quality goods in commercial kitchens and culinary incubators.

Scherz, a 22-year veteran of the industrial label printing market, is a senior product manager at Epson America Inc., tasked with developing the market for on-demand color label printers. He can be reached at [email protected]. Corrado is president of Ideal Print Solutions.