Coding and labelling are essential processes, particularly in industries like food and beverage, where compliance, traceability, and branding are key. Yet, reducing these costs should never mean sacrificing the quality or reliability of your product codes and labels.
If you're wondering how to reduce coding and labelling costs, here are proven strategies to optimise your operations without compromising quality or compliance.
The choice of inks and consumables directly affects your coding and labelling budget. Consider these tips:
Select high-yield inks: These provide more prints per cartridge, reducing the need for frequent replacements
Use compatible supplies: Some printers support third-party inks and fluids that can be more affordable than OEM options
Minimise waste: Choose inks designed for low-maintenance printers to prevent clogs and reduce waste
Tip: Work with a trusted supplier like us at Industrial Printer Services Ltd, who can guide you to cost-effective and high-quality consumables suitable for your specific coding technology. Our team are just an email or phone call away.
Printer downtime and repair costs can quickly escalate if equipment isn’t properly maintained. Preventive maintenance ensures your printers function efficiently and minimises unexpected failures.
Schedule regular servicing: A well-maintained printer is less likely to experience breakdowns that disrupt production
Clean printer components: Keeping printheads, filters, and other parts clean extends their lifespan and maintains print quality
Replace parts proactively: Using readily available spare parts can prevent costly delays caused by waiting for replacements
Ensuring your printer is configured correctly can significantly impact coding and labelling costs.
Adjust print quality settings: While high-resolution prints may be necessary for branding, lower resolutions often suffice for internal coding or traceability
Reduce print size: Using smaller codes and labels, where possible, can save ink and materials
Calibrate for speed and efficiency: Properly calibrating printers ensures smooth operation at production line speeds without waste or errors
Energy-efficient printers and equipment help reduce operational costs. Modern printers consume less power, offer faster print cycles, and include features to reduce idle energy use. Consider upgrading to newer models if your current systems are energy-intensive.
Standardising your coding and labelling across production lines can lead to significant cost savings:
Centralise printer management: Use software solutions to streamline settings and reduce errors across multiple printers
Consolidate supplies: Using a uniform ink type or label material across lines simplifies inventory and reduces bulk costs
Train staff: Properly trained employees ensure consistent operation, reducing errors and rework
Purchasing consumables in bulk often comes with significant discounts. Partnering with a reliable supplier ensures you can stock up on essential items like inks, labels, and spare parts without worrying about shortages.
Modern coding and labelling systems often come equipped with management software. Use these tools to monitor performance and identify inefficiencies:
Track ink and material usage: Analytics can highlight wastage and help you adjust processes to save costs
Monitor printer uptime: Data insights help predict maintenance needs and avoid unplanned downtime
The right printer can make all the difference when it comes to reducing costs. Consider solutions like:
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Printers: Ideal for high-speed production and versatile surfaces
Thermal Transfer Printers: Efficient for durable codes on flexible packaging
Laser Coders: Cost-effective for long-term use due to minimal consumable requirements
A professional consultation can help you determine the best technology for your specific needs.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively reduce coding and labelling costs without compromising on quality, compliance, or efficiency. From choosing cost-effective consumables to leveraging data-driven insights, there are numerous ways to optimise your operations and save money.
At Industrial Printer Services Ltd, we specialise in providing tailored solutions that help manufacturers reduce costs while maintaining the highest standards. Contact us today to explore how we can help streamline your coding and labelling processes.