Labeling as a tool for more flexibility and efficiency in your business processes. We show what a label has to do with digitization.
Digitization across the entire supply chain
Labeling is a data-driven process. Digitizing label processes increases data quality, avoids sources of error and saves resources. Our centrally defined printing processes ensure that you can print a label from all business processes. You only need to define processes for serialization or customer-specific labelling once. They can then be used by the entire supply chain. With a centralized label management system in SAP® you achieve
Flexibility in the processes
Flexibility gives you the greatest certainty of meeting future product labeling requirements. The following three examples show how our customers have digitized their labelling and increased their flexibility in the process.
Label directly in the production system
Use inline printing as a component of Industry 4.0. With the Line Print Agent, label printing can be controlled directly from the machine. By buffering the labels at the Line Print Agent, production can continue when maintenance work is being carried out on SAP.
Implement customer requirements within the shortest time possible
With the Label Designer, you can create or change labels in no time at all. The clear condition tables in OPAL LABELMANAGEMENT™ make it very easy and straightforward to assign a new label template to a customer. Private label, OEM and white label business models are fully supported.
No more relabeling is needed due to partner involvement
With our Web Print Client and Smart Printing Client, label printing is not limited to your existing network. Enable your partners – such as OEM suppliers, suppliers or contract manufacturers – to label your products correctly, thereby saving you the trouble of labelling them on receipt. This saves resources and contributes to the sustainability of the supply chain.
We show you how to design your labels in just few minutes
Book a personal live demo with our experts. We show how easy it is to create labels and manage them centrally in SAP.
Data and networking in Industry 4.0
The implementation of end-to-end digitalization and networking in the supply chain poses a number of challenges. Only holistic approaches and the reduction of complexity in terms of interfaces and operation are promising.
OPAL LABELMANAGEMENT™ meets all the requirements for implementing labeling projects in line with Industry 4.0.
Continuity
Central data storage on the top level of the automation pyramid, the label printer on the field level, and the possibility of integrating levels in between ensure continuous communication between the levels.
ANSI Industry Standards for Shipping Labels
The ANSI standard MH10.8.2 is very common in the manufacturing industry that does not directly produce consumer goods. In this process, shipping units are characterised in relation to an order and its packaging level. The reasons for the widespread adoption and success of this standard are the following characteristics:
The different characteristics of shipping units
Select a shipping characteristic to see a corresponding example:
Single Load
With 3S, shipping units that are packed in single-item packaging are labeled at the lowest packaging level. The idea is that these units can be stored or shipped directly to the recipient of the goods at this level. It is also expected that 3S packaging units, also known as “handling units”, will be found in shipping units at higher packaging levels (4S-7S).
Master Load
4S-5S Characterizations are so-called “Master Pack’s”. Attachment is made on the top packaging level of a shipping unit. 4S is the identifier when all items are the same and belong to one order.
Mixed Load
5S is the identifier when different items are packed for one order.
Multi Load
There are good arguments for not using the 6S and 7S characterizations. However, depending on the logistics strategies in use (e.g. cross-docking), the use of 6S and 7S “Master Packs” can also be very useful. These are intended for goods from different customer orders.
6S is the identifier when the packed items are the same, but they come from multiple orders. In these shipping units, it can be expected that 4S or 5S shipping units will be found.
Multi-Mix-Load
There are good arguments regarding 6S and 7S characterizations: arguments for not using them. However, depending on the logistics strategies in use (e.g. cross-docking), the use of 6S and 7S “Master Packs” can also be very useful. These are intended for goods from different customer orders.
7S is the identifier when different items from different orders are packed. In 6S and 7S shipping units, it can be expected that 4S or 5S shipping units will be found.
The top 6 challenges of labeling in production
Based on the experience of our customers, as well as the requirements for labeling systems for products and shipping units, we have compiled the 6 most important challenges in labeling in the manufacturing industry for you.
Generic design
A generic approach to product labeling can save the most resources. We know all the tricks when it comes to implementing such an approach, but also where the limits are. With the label designers that we offer, you have professional tools for handling this work.
Symbols & Logos
Symbols for approvals, compliance with specific requirements or other regulatory requirements must also be printed on the label in the correct size. Different symbols are required depending on the product and target country. Controlling the symbols and displaying them correctly requires special attention.
Customer specific labels
For OEM manufacturers or suppliers for major customers, a customer-specific label is required according to the corporate design and label specifications. By using multi-layer templates and conditional printing, operators can implement specific customer requirements easily.
Product structure
The search for component or product attributes, their aggregation and interpretation in relation to finished products on the plant or material level requires a highly flexible rule engine. These rules facilitate control and, furthermore, they can handle the task of automation without sacrificing any flexibility. Product owners can maintain these types of rules easily in our decision tables.
Distributed locations
With distributed locations, warehouses and production processes, it is important that products, semi-finished products and raw materials are always clearly identifiable. Your label processes not only label goods, but can also be used for internal transportation activities. This ensures that goods are available in the right place at the right time, in order to fulfill your planning requirements.
Customer specific manufacturing
The production scenario used determines which data is available at the time of labeling. While Make-to-Order (MTO) also allows access to the customer’s order data, Make-to-Stock (MTS) only provides the customer’s own master data. We have the experience to enable you to overcome this conflict between production and labeling, and can offer you alternative labeling concepts.
Customers from the manufacturing industry
Want to learn more about the ANSI standard or digitize your labeling?
Book a personal consultation with one of our label experts. We will be happy to share our experience with you and show you ways to improve flexibility and efficiency.
Labeling consultation appointment
