Both on-demand printing and pre-printed labels can have advantages. Choosing which to use depends on the volume of labels necessary, in-house resources for labeling, and commitment to lean operations. An experienced provider can help determine which option is the most cost-effective and will lead to greater productivity.
Labels are essential for operations from chemical manufacturing and warehousing to specialty foods and retail. However, streamlining the labeling process, producing quality labels, and keeping labeling costs low can be challenging. One of the decisions you need to make when optimizing your business’s labeling process is whether to use pre-printed labels or on-demand printing. Considering the pros and cons of each will help you make the right choice and ensure you are labeling most cost-effectively and with the least disruption to your operation.
When to Choose Pre-Printed Labels
A professional service to print labels is a familiar option to established businesses. When you choose this option, you work with a provider to choose label stock, coatings, adhesives, and ink. Your provider will also consult with you on label design and complying with laws or requirements about the content on the label. Once you’ve signed off on the plan, the company prints labels professionally and delivers them to your facility.
The Benefits of Pre-Printed Labels
Labels printed by a professional can provide your business with several advantages, including consistency and convenience.
- Label quality: Your professional label printing service provider will ensure that labels consistently meet quality standards.
- Large quantities: If you have large runs of products and labels will not change over a long period, pre-printing ensures you have the labels you will need for production. You may even qualify for a volume discount.
- Outsourced work: With pre-printed labels, no in-house labor is required to produce them.
The Downside of Pre-Printed Labels
You also need to consider the limitations of ordering large quantities of labels, including storage, time, and waste.
- Warehouse or Stockroom Space: A large quantity of labels requires the space and controlled environmental conditions to store them.
- Ordering Lead Time: You need to plan and order in time to have the labels you need for production.
- Potential for Waste: Once you have a delivery of pre-printed labels, you can’t change them. If your product changes, you will need to dispose of old labels and reorder.
When to Go with Print-on-Demand Labels
In some applications, printing labels in-house is a better option than labels printed by a professional. State-of-the-art inkjet print-on-demand (POD) solutions allow you to print high-quality labels. Businesses are leveraging this option to print clear barcode labels, attractive full-color labels, and even GHS or OSHA labels and pictograms. The key is using the right printer, software, and label media to design and produce the labels you need for your products or streamlining internal operations.
On-Demand Printing Pros
The decision to use POD labels comes down to the size of your product run, how often label contents change, and your commitment to lean operations:
- Short Production Runs: POD labels are ideal for small batches, limited edition products, or seasonal offerings.
- Agility to Change Labels: If your products change often, for example, with different ingredients or in response to changing compliance requirements, on-demand printing lets you adapt quickly.
- Minimal Waste: Print-on-demand labels eliminate the need for label storage and waste from obsolete labels.
On-Demand Printing Cons
The downside of using POD labels includes a CAPEX into printers and software. You will also have ongoing costs for label media and ink, and you must make sure it’s stocked to avoid production delays. You also need labor in-house to produce high-quality labels. However, working with an experienced labeling solution provider will help you overcome any challenges you may encounter with on-demand printing.
Consider Combining Pre-Printed Labels with On-Demand Printing
For some businesses, using both pre-printed and print-on-demand labels in their operations is the optimal choice. A food producer, for instance, may work with a professional printing service to create labels with images, branding, and a space for the company to print specific information about products. This scheme can help a business meet customer demands for clarity, which, according to NSF, is a priority for 83% of consumers. Another example is using pre-printed GHS labels with required color elements and completing the label with product specifications in-house.
Organizations with varied labeling needs, like product labels and labels that streamline warehousing or order fulfillment processes, can also use a combination. They may choose pre-printed labels for products and POD labels for warehouse bins and shelves.
Get Expert Help with Your Pre-Printed Label vs. On-Demand Printing Decision
As you consider the pros and cons of pre-printed and print-on-demand labels, you will likely have questions about each option and how they will affect your operation. If you’re new to on-demand printing, you also will benefit from talking to an expert to walk you through today’s printing technology and show you how easy printing on demand can be.
Gateway’s team is committed to partnering with you to find the ideal solution for your application. Reach out today for a free consultation and take an important step toward making the best decision for your business.