Should I print my own labels or buy pre-printed labels?
In some instances, in-house printing is the only option -- if labels need to be time- or date-stamped. But other than those occasions, one really has to weigh up the positives and negatives of both options. Let's look first at in-house printing. Depending on your volume requirements, in-house printing can involve start-up charges (software, printer, ink, labels, etc.) ranging from $250 to $3,500 or more. So how does that compare with pre-printed labels? Well, just as an example, for the same $250 spent on the barcode printing software, a company could purchase enough preprinted labels to meet all their needs. For the larger requirements, they would likely spend less than they would on the thermal transfer printer alone. Moreover, Universal Label Technologies' labels are guaranteed to scan, every time. That type of guarantee can't be said for in-house printing. The relative costs of the equipment and consumables (labels, print heads, verifier, etc), doesn't even take into consideration the costs involved in having someone take time away from their regular duties to take on the chores of printing barcode labels. This could run into the thousands of dollars!
Beyond the dollars and cents, there are numerous other considerations as well. What happens when the items being labeled are exposed to harsh environments, changing temperatures or outdoor conditions? Will the labels you get from your in-house set-up suffice? Add to that the long list of problems that could arise during the printing process, such as the printer not working or running out of ink or ribbon in the middle of printing. What if you discover that the barcode image is wearing off due to the environment, making it impossible to scan and rendering the label useless? Perhaps the labels aren't sticking to the items appropriately and are falling off? Now you find yourself printing more labels, using valuable time and energy away from your daily job duties.
A factor that should not be overlooked is the assistance provided when having labels preprinted. Maintaining databases of sequential numbers, assistance with compliance labels issues and guaranteeing customer acceptance are all services that are provided. These additional services can outweigh all other considerations in the make or buy decision.
The answer to this question becomes clear that in most projects, preprinted barcode labels are the better alternative.
What are the benefits of off-site vs. on-demand printing?
The most important factors in deciding whether to print your own labels or buy pre- printed labels are:
- Source of the label data
- How often the label will change
- Quantity of labels needed
- How quickly the labels are needed
- Internal resources available (personnel, software, equipment)
Keep in mind that the decision to make or buy barcode labels does not need to be made across the board for all of a company's needs. Many companies with in-house printing capabilities still outsource some labels simply because the requirements of some applications are met most cost effectively with pre-printed labels - labels with multiple colors or large volumes are a couple of examples.
How many labels do you need? Five or 500,000? At both extremes outsourcing may be the best answer. Setting up a labelling system to produce five labels a month may not be cost effective. Very large runs of known data are typically produced off-site to avoid tying up resources. Time requirements and internal resources of printing on demand also contribute to the benefit of off-site printing. A factor that should not be overlooked is the assistance provided when having labels pre-printed. When having labels outsourced, maintaining databases of sequential numbers, assistance with compliance labels issues and guaranteeing customer acceptance are all services that are provided. These additional services can outweigh all other considerations in the make-or-buy decision.
What information do I need before I contact a vendor to discuss labels?
Typically the basics of the application, such as what the label will be used for. A good knowledgeable vendor will assist you in helping to select and build the right solution for you. The makeup of any label is arrived at through a multitude of questions and answers whereby the vendor gains a clear understanding of the label environment along with integration with software and scanning hardware. These questions help address the selection of barcode symbology, proper X dimension and printed graphics, base materials and correct adhesive, in addition to use of over- lamination and quality inspection procedures. Any label vendor can provide pricing based on an engineered drawing or specification sheet; Those who probe deeper are the ones who can provide solutions to meet any application need.
Can I get a label that will survive my environment?
Label materials and adhesives today can survive some tough environments. These include temperatures ranging from +350°C down to -80°C. In addition, pressure- sensitive films can withstand long-term exposure to UV sunlight without fading, high pressure washes, submersion in oils, alcohol, acids, and other solutions. We engineer labels to identify items on the oil rigs of the North Sea, coupling joints on the Trans-Alaskan pipeline, traffic roadway signs, printed circuit boards, genetic testing samples and many, many more uses.
Can I scan my labels from close-up or far away?
One clearly needs to understand some of the key elements of scanning and how it relates to their operating environment. Scanners are made to scan from specified distances - short range/long range scanners. Barcode labels are printed in different sizes. The most important scanning concept for the team to understand is the concept of "depth of field." The depth of field is the minimum and maximum distance that a scanner is capable of reading for the size of the barcode being scanned. Unless the correct combination of scanner and X dimension is specified, you will not achieve consistent scans.
What material should we use for our labels?
The material for your labels depends on how they will be used, how long they need to last, and what they will be exposed to. When we specify material for a job, we recommend the least expensive materials that will work for your application. If the labels are temporary and will not be subjected to outdoor elements or any temperature or lighting extremes, paper labels may be sufficient. If the label needs to be permanent, there are a number of different films that can be used. Laminations can also be used for extra protection in harsh environments. Consult with the label experts at Universal Label Technologies to determine what materials are best for your application.
Which barcode symbology should we use?
You may or may not have a choice as to the symbology you use for your labels. If your labels are for internal use only, you can set the criteria needed based on requirements of the software you will be using. Some industries have a standard code that must be used. Symbology considerations are: type of data encoded, amount of data encoded, limitations of scanning equipment, and the space available for the barcode on the label. If you are not sure, consult with the label experts at Universal Label.
How do calibration labels help my organization?
Calibration labels offer direct traceability of all equipment used. It names the responsible body or organization that is using them. The ID number (serial no. or other equipment identifier) is used to certify them to a specific piece of equipment to ensure integrity and to avoid misuse. The date of the procedure and the date when next due, and who performed the procedure are also relevant pieces of data. This information is vital, directly related to the increase in quality, can assist with ISO 9000 compliance, and can also eliminate procedure misinterpretations.
Why would I use clear flap overlays on my calibration labels?
In some applications clear flaps on labels are used to protect against fluid leaking on labels that are applied to units that are exposed to wash downs once they have been calibrated. Calibration labels are placed in critical positions on a variety of equipment that require the text and/or graphics on the label to be readable for up to 12 months. The use of the clear flaps over laminate better guarantees the life of the label and the text printed on it. | 
