Printer Applicators: The Right Choice for You?

Printer Applicators: The Right Choice for You? By Chris Cocanig, Program Manager, PEAK Technologies











PEAK Technologies: Printer Applicators: The Right Choice for You?
Is a Printer Applicator the Right Choice for You? Wherever there is a label on a product, there is a potential need for printer applicators. From consumer goods and building materials to pharmaceuticals and medical devices, all of these products need to be tracked to their final destination or retail shelves. With bar coding Christian Book Distributors uses a tamp-blowand radio frequency identification (RFID) applicator to ensure correct label placement andmandates dictated by major retailers like Wal- comply with USPS and UPS shipping standards. Mart and Target, the decision to use printer Determining the Need for a Printer applicators over a hand labeling "slap-and-ship" Applicator method for high volume or high value items is an easy one, especially when unreadable bar Printer applicators are used mainly for content codes or incorrect label placement can result in identification, bulk packaging, and case/pallet retailer chargebacks. labeling. In order to identify if a company or operation would benefit from a printer applicator What is a Printer Applicator? solution, it is important to look at the number of Printer applicators are primarily used to print labels and how those labels are being used in the
high-quality bar codes, product identification manufacturing plant. Volume is a key factor in
information, and graphics onto labels and apply the decision to implement printer applicators.
the labels directly onto products, packages, or For a company that churns out over 5 or 10
pallets. Printer applicator solutions have products per minute, printer applicators are a
repeatedly proven to increase productivity, quick and efficient way to print and apply the
lower operating costs, provide reliable product labels and keep the items moving along the
identification, and ensure proper label supply chain. placement. In addition, the effects of printer When presented with a scenario where a printer applicators on day-to-day operations can include applicator may be the solution, consider the other benefits such as labor reduction, inventory following: control, and more accurate sorting. . What is the manufacturer required to do? Do they need to meet specific For the greatest benefit, a thorough analysis of labeling requirements or RFID the complete labeling requirement, from part mandates? production to end user application, has to be . How does the manufacturer manage and completed to determine the correct printer sort inventory? How much of this applicator. Application speed, product process is automated? How much labor conveyance speed, available floor space, label are they using to apply labels? size, location of label application surface, line . How is the manufacturer moving the operator proximity, and many other factors come products/cartons through the supply
into play when selecting the correct applicator. chain? . What volume of product is being manufactured or packaged?
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Answers to these questions may also reveal a In another example, for a leading chemical need for a broader solution that not only company, accuracy and readability were crucial encompasses printer applicators but also to its operation. Initially, the company's UPC includes consumables such as labels, toner, labels, being printed onto foam board (a product ribbons and ... [download for more]