Fresh Food Service: Smart Food Labeling Solutions for Fresh Food, Hot Meals

The food service company and store operators realized that barcoding each food bag could create accurate and quick scanning at checkout. The challenge was finding a simple way to create barcode labels, given that every store had a different Price Book or POS system.

A stand-alone mobile printing inventory control labeling solution proved to be the answer. The food service provider deployed a combination printer/scanner platform could properly label items in the food prep area. This label reduces the risk of incorrect ingredient labeling as well, helping customers with specific dietary demands.

Now when orders are placed, operators simply scan the laminated menu card to produce the corresponding barcode label for that item and attach the label to the bag. Then the customer takes the bag to the cashier for scanning into the POS system.

Selecting the Right Printing Solution

Grocery or convenience stores can implement a stand-alone on-demand label printing solution at a reduced cost, as it does not require integration with legacy or core retail systems.

When selecting handheld mobile printers for use with in-store mobile POS systems, it’s important to seek a solution that offers rugged device construction for printers and scanners, ultra-reliable printing performance, and smart functionality that includes easy-to-read display screens plus clear menu icons and intuitive navigation.

Adopting a new labeling solution can lead to impressive results:

• Barcode labeling ensures that variable selections can be scanned and captured correctly at the POS;
• Correct sales figures mean more accurate production forecast data, which helps reduce shrinkage; and
• Quicker, more efficient processing at the sales counter reduces wait time, which improves the customer experience;

With food service sales on the rise in retail, groceries, and convenience stores, adopting smart labeling solutions for fresh items and meals is paving the way to satisfying consumer expectations for on-the-go meals, while ensuring safety and quality every step of the way.

Lowey, a retail industry specialist at Brother Mobile Solutions, has worked with a wide range of retailers for more than 20 years, including convenience stores, groceries, and specialty retailers. Reach him at [email protected].