Supply Chain Success: Unlocking Efficiency with Labelling Automation

In the fast-paced logistics and manufacturing industries, keeping bottlenecks to a minimum is a constant challenge. Supply chain disruptions, rising costs, labour shortages, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets are increasingly difficult to navigate without adaptable and agile processes in place. Investing in smart technology is one way to achieve this, with automated solutions providing the essential efficiency and accuracy that businesses rely on for success. 8 in 10 manufacturers see automation as having a positive impact on their business, with 6 in 10 reporting improved productivity. Automated labelling solutions, like the APLEX Print and Apply system, offer numerous benefits to players in the sector. Let’s explore how these off-the -shelf solutions can reduce errors, increase productivity, maximise resources, and help organisations to stand out in the marketplace for all the right reasons.

Increased Speed and Efficiency

Manual labelling can be a time-consuming task, often requiring multiple dedicated staff members to apply labels to endless packaging and products, just to keep up with demand. Automated labelling systems like the APLEX Print and Apply can achieve a rapid output of up to 1,800 products an hour, allowing businesses to significantly increase their productivity. Processing more items in less time, with fewer resources, is a gamechanger in a busy manufacturing environment.

Enhanced Accuracy and Consistency

Accuracy in labelling is crucial for tracking and managing inventory throughout the supply chain. Automated systems eliminate errors associated with manual labelling with each label applied correctly and in the exact location required. This precision helps maintain the integrity of the supply chain by ensuring that products are easily and accurately tracked from production to delivery.

Cost Savings

Like any business technology, the initial investment of automation can seem daunting. However, the long-term cost savings tend to be substantial, and the cost of ownership itself can be low. Automated systems reduce the need for manual labour, freeing up resources to be reallocated to more strategic tasks within the organisation. Additionally, the robust design of these systems minimises the risk of breakdowns and downtime, further reducing operational costs. Features like long-lasting ribbons and ribbon save technology allow businesses to run longer productions without needing to replace consumables, reducing material costs and downtime.

Flexibility and Scalability

Automated solutions are designed to be flexible and scalable, capable of adapting to various production requirements and handle different label sizes and types, making them suitable for a wide range of applications from pallet labels to shipping labels. The systems are also easy to install and can integrate with existing printers and networks, allowing businesses to scale their labelling operations as needed without extensive and expensive reconfiguration.

Improved Employee Utilisation

Research by Barclays reveals how serious staff shortages are within the logistics sector, with over three-quarters citing shortages and increased labour costs as one of the major challenges their company will face. However, by automating repetitive and mundane tasks, businesses can redeploy their workforce to more productive roles. This is particularly beneficial for logistics and manufacturing companies, as the sector continues to face skills gaps and recruitment challenges. Developing technologies, such as automated labelling systems, are increasing demand for skilled workers while simultaneously creating new opportunities for closing the skills gap. Employees who’d have previously spent hours in laborious manual activities can upskill to support other key areas in the logistics operation.

Enhanced Integration and Connectivity

Modern automated labelling systems are equipped with advanced connectivity features, allowing seamless integration with various systems used in logistics and manufacturing. This integration ensures that labelling processes are synchronised with inventory management, order processing, and shipping systems, providing real-time updates and enhancing overall operational efficiency. The ability to connect and communicate with other devices and platforms helps create a more cohesive and responsive supply chain, and therefore, a more resilient one!

Conclusion

The shift from manual to automated labelling systems can help logistics and manufacturing industries to overcome setbacks and achieve operational agility. Increased speed and efficiency, enhanced accuracy, significant cost savings, flexibility, improved employee utilisation, and advanced integration capabilities make automated labelling an essential component of modern supply chain management. As the industry continues to evolve, adopting automation solutions will be key for resilience, not only carving out a competitive edge for individual businesses, but for the UK sectors too.