Case Study: How A World-Leading Manufacturer Streamlined its Labeling Process

We recently worked with a world-leading Ohio manufacturing facility with sales in more than 90 countries was looking to cut costs and streamline labeling operations.  The manufacturer produces 3,500 unique SKUs sold under its own name, as well as its OEM brand names.

The company faced a challenge with its previous labeling solution.  To support its OEM customers’ labeling requirements, which included various label sizes and shapes for each product, the manufacturer resorted to purchasing pre-printed color labels.  Ordering the pre-printed labels proved costly, due to large minimum order requirements, resulting in unneeded surplus and the need to stock large inventories.  In addition, since the labels arrived in large pre-printed batches, the company faced large amounts of waste when their OEM customers required label changes.

Initially, color thermal transfer printers were considered as part of the manufacturer’s in-house label printing solution.  However, color thermal transfer printers are very expensive, with prices around $13,000.  In addition, factoring in the cost for the required print heads and ribbons, as well as ongoing maintenance costs and form factor of thermal transfer printers, brought the total cost of ownership to a staggering amount.

A better solution

An alternative solution came in the form of Epson’s TM-C3400 Inkjet Printer.  General Data’s R&D experts, partnered with Epson, a leader in inkjet technology, developed specialized inkjet labels, designed specifically for the manufacture’s needs. General Data designed and delivered seven different label formats to meet the needs of 50 SKUs, and the manufacturer saw immediate enhancements to its labeling process.  Epson’s TM-C3400 color label printer, combined with General Data’s specialized inkjet media, offered the manufacturer a print-on-demand labeling solution at a price it could afford. In the first month of the on-demand color labeling solution install, the manufacturer printed approximately 450,000 labels – achieving a cost savings of over $20,000.

In addition to the initial cost savings, the manufacturer is utilizing the Epson inkjet cartridge recycling program to reduce waste, free of charge.  With the impressive cost savings combined with the Epson’s complimentary green initiatives, the manufacturer is planning to relocate its label production to the factory floor, allowing labels for more SKUs to be produced on-demand at the end of its production lines.

Epson's TM-C3400 printer offers cost effective, on-demand color printing.

Download Epson’s TM-C3400 datasheet (PDF) here.

Download our On-Demand Color Labeling Solutions Case Study (PDF) here.

What Can General Data Do for You?

Using the right technology to become leaner and more efficient will cut costs and directly impact your bottom line.  In today’s economy, that’s more important than ever.

General Data’s team of experts can help you take a look at your current business processes and recommend the right mix of labeling, printing, scanning, wireless technologies, software, integration and professional services.

In addition, our custom solutions team can develop customized solutions, from specialty labels to custom software, that extends the capabilities of current technologies, focusing it on your unique needs and making your operation leaner, meaner and smarter.

How to Find Out More:

For more information about On-Demand Color Labeling Solutions, contact your General Data Account Manager, or: – call us at 1.800.733.5252 ext 6473 – or request more information online here

Advertisement