by Cassandra Balentine
Many types of print providers are adopting digital label production, from traditional label converters with little to no digital, hybrid environments, digital-only label providers, commercial printers that offer a mix of services including labels, and wide format providers adding labels.
Is automation the answer for all?
John Cusack, business development manger, Baldwin Vision Systems observes that automation has value for the entire range of the label production environments, although the greatest benefit tends to occur with printers that produce lower volume jobs due to the large number of production changeovers.
There is enough time to prepare jobs when printing on a traditional flexographic or offset press, but Mike Agness, EVP, Americas, HYBRID Software. says interest in automation occurs when companies begin to focus more on digital. “They find that it is tougher to process more jobs—with more product SKUs—to match the same revenue as traditional long-run jobs. While you don’t have to think about pulling plates out of storage, the process of digital reprints without automation can still require human intervention.”
“We see all types of customers looking to add software automation. It used to be a few of the innovation leaders but software automation is now mainstream and we see all types of print provider looking to ease labor challenges and deliver product faster and more efficiently to their customers,” says Steve Lynn, director, labels and packaging, Durst Image Technology.
Tom Peire, CEO, Four Pees, sees a growing demand for automation technology across a range of label providers. “Traditional label converters are often looking to add or modernize automation technology in a move to answer the demand for shorter print runs. Many of these providers have been operating with analog printing equipment for years and are looking to incorporate digital printing and finishing technologies to enhance their offerings and improve their competitiveness. This requires them to modernize their operations and increase their efficiency.”
He says commercial printers that offer a mix of services, including labels, are also increasingly seeking automation solutions. “These providers may have existing equipment and workflows that can be integrated with automation technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase production capacity.”
Digital-only label providers are typically more technology-focused and may have already invested in automation technology as part of their core offerings. “These providers may be looking to upgrade their existing equipment or technology platform to keep pace with technological advances and changing market demands,” adds Peire.
Meanwhile, wide format printers adding labels are also an emerging trend as these providers look to expand offerings and diversify revenue streams.
Further, Agness says Hybrid is often called in to help with the integration of other systems—particularly MIS to production systems.
“Also, as it becomes more difficult to maintain adequate staff, it becomes more important to separate valuable employees from mundane tasks,” shares Agness.
Jack J. Lafler, VP, sales and technical services, HiFlow Solutions, sees mostly mid-sized companies that have relied on more manual processes like Microsoft Excel from estimating to invoicing with many broken steps and workflows looking to improve workflow. “They have software, but the systems are not connected; customer service is not connected to accounting; production scheduling is not connected to the warehouse, etc. I see companies whose production processes are not lean; these companies could be taking on more work if more processes were connected and automated,” he shares.
However, most of HiFlow’s new customers are traditional label converters. “Commercial printers have also shown interest as they seek to add more offerings to their customers including labels and folding carton,” comments Lafler.
“All primary customer bases are interested in automation. With the ability to automate workflows for all business types allows for print shop operators to minimize labor costs and resources as well as the amount of equipment. Print shop operators are interested in the newest and most automated equipment available where they will experience the largest return on investment,” says Mike Pruitt, product manager, SurePress, Epson America, Inc.
“In summary, the types of customers seeking to add automation to their label production process can vary widely based on their specific needs, capabilities, and market demands,” says Peire. However, across all these segments, he sees a growing demand for automation technology as providers look to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness.
On the Radar
Automation is on the radar for most label providers, especially as the road to digital becomes more evident.
Read part one of this series, Automation in Label Environments.
Aug2023, DPS Magazine
