Don’t let labels be weak link in the chain

Not only are the stored goods exposed to freezing temperatures; the materials used in logistics are too. Labels and other printer media must therefore demonstrate resistance. Faded or smudged ink, detached labels and illegible receipts reduce efficiency.

Intermec presents five tips to help you avoid this fate and keep the supply chain connected.

Know the environment

Temperature plays a crucial role as the individual elements involved need to be matched and of a specific composition depending on the level of heat or cold. This is especially true if the temperatures to which the printer media are exposed is subject to fluctuations. You should accurately evaluate the operating environment and get a customised solution.

Listen to the provider

Detailed advice from the supplier is essential. Ideally, following in-depth analysis, the provider will be able to test the recommended solution in a laboratory environment prior to implementation. After that, the customer should always receive a customised offer.

Choose the right adhesive

Due to the wide variety of substrates (dry/wet, flat/curved, smooth/rough, clean/dirty, hot/cold, painted/rusted) and external influences (temperature, humidity, sunlight), the demands on the adhesive must be closely examined and taken into account in order to make the right choice.

Pay heed to thermal transfer printing

Obtaining an optimal match between labels and ink ribbons is important for the thermal transfer printing of media. It is important to assess what demands you will be placing on the printed label. Factors such as scratch and abrasion resistance as well as resistance to temperature, chemicals and humidity must all be taken into account. The harsher the environment, the more rugged and flexible the media must be. In frozen or fresh storage, thermal transfer printing faces the particular challenge of needing to withstand temperature fluctuations of up to 40 degrees. Also, labels must adhere reliably, yet be easy to remove at any time.

Think of the printer

Ideally, companies will select their warehouse solutions from a single source, purchasing both hardware and media from the same provider. That way customers can be sure the device and the labels and/or ink ribbons are matched.