Turning Labeling Challenges in Manufacturing into Success Stories

Turning Labeling Challenges in Manufacturing into Success Stories

BY: DOUG NIEMEYER / DATE: 07/28/2020 / TOPICS: FABRICAÇÃO, ENTERPRISE LABEL MANAGEMENT, PRINT AUTOMATION

Manufacturers worldwide face numerous challenges in labeling, from meeting customer demands and regulatory compliance to addressing growing sustainability concerns and inefficient labeling processes. To overcome these labeling challenges, smart manufacturers use TEKLYNX software to keep their labeling environment running smoothly so they can focus on more strategic projects. 

This blog will showcase how three TEKLYNX customers overcame labeling challenges in manufacturing with print automation software, SENTINEL.

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1.Flex-Strut Labeling Challenges

Flex-Strut Inc. is a US-based manufacturer of metal strut channel framing systems as well as a variety of metal fittings, pipe clamps, brackets, braces, fasteners, strut nuts, and hardware.

Over time, customer demand caused Flex-Strut to look into print automation in order to improve workflow and consistency throughout their production facility. Specifically, the company sought to improve label consistency as its current labeling operation included manual steps that exposed the company to labeling inconsistencies. Because its current labeling system relied on production operators to manually update the customer purchase order number, product weight, product quantity, and other details, printed labels were vulnerable to inaccuracies due to human error.

How SENTINEL Helped Flex-Strut increased printing speed by 100%

Flex-Strut Inc.’s successful implementation of SENTINEL and CODESOFT positioned them to gain efficiency and control of their labeling process. The addition of print automation increased their labeling accuracy by 25%. The company was also able to eliminate labeling bottlenecks, resulting in a 100% increase in label printing speed. 

“Prior to our SENTINEL implementation, we would produce and update each label for every sales order we processed and the process itself would take longer than actually entering the sales order in our system,” commented Kakavros. “SENTINEL enables us to use our ERP system to print labels, which means labeling is no longer a bottleneck." 

Read the full case study with Flex-Strut. 

2. Owens Corning Labeling Challenges

A global manufacturer of building materials and composites, Owens Corning has over 15,000 employees and 65 plants across the world. Specific labels are required for all products manufactured by the company, which includes roofing shingles and PINK insulation along with fiberglass composites for numerous industries.

Owens Corning’s previous process required intensive custom development to SAP so labels could be generated from the system. The process had limited flexibility and the company was unable to quickly adapt to customer requests for label format or content modifications. Owens Corning’s IT staff spent inordinate amounts of time updating SAP’s code to address label template changes or configure a new printer. In addition, users were printing local versions of label templates directly from CODESOFT, which resulted in variance between labels generated from different plants. 

How SENTINEL Helped Owens Corning Reduce Development Time by 75%

The printing automation features of SENTINEL allowed labels to be generated automatically from SAP, eliminating unnecessary manual processes. Owens Corning quickly adapted to customer requests and easily made changes to label templates in CODESOFT. The appropriate data can now be pulled from the system without excessive custom development, and staff are confident that the correct version is printed with accurate product information. Since implementing SENTINEL, Owens Corning has seen a 75% reduction in development time and associated costs. 

Read the full case study with Owens Corning.

3. LSI Industries Labeling Challenges

LSI Industries Inc. is a US-based world-class lighting, graphics, and technology manufacturer that provides innovative solutions to commercial, industrial, and multi-site retail customers throughout North and Latin America.

LSI Industries Inc. was looking for a labeling software solution that could integrate with its existing JD Edwards ERP System while addressing its growing labeling complexities. Specifically, the LSI Lighting Division had the need to:

• Manage a vast number of independent label files 
• Efficiently support a multi-user environment 
• Provide product traceability 
• Print labels from multiple locations
• Proactively manage product safety  
• Comply with international shipping requirements
  
  

How SENTINEL Helped LSI Industries Eliminate 6,000 Static Label Files

By integrating CODESOFT and SENTINEL with LSI Lighting Division’s existing ERP system, they were able to eliminate 6,000 static label files, reduce ongoing label file maintenance by 80%, and process time from days to minutes. While the implementation of CODESOFT and SENTINEL led to a number of tangible benefits for the company, the benefits extend beyond implementing best-in-class products. “It’s the people behind the TEKLYNX products that continue to make the difference for LSI Industries Inc. The personal relationships established through product implementation are invaluable,” stated Tom Cantrell, Manager of Product and Manufacturing Support at LSI Industries Inc.

Read the full case study with LSI Industries Inc.

Interested in reading more print automation case studies? Check out our full list and learn how other companies like TaylorMade, Cavicchio Greenhouses, and Entertainment Earth eliminated labeling challenges with SENTINEL. 

How TEKLYNX Can Help Your Business

Now that you’ve seen what TEKLYNX print automation solution, SENTINEL, can do for other companies, let us help you. No matter what industry you’re in, our labeling experts can help you solve your labeling challenges and create a more efficient labeling process for your company. Get in touch with one of TEKLYNX labeling experts to set up a free consult of SENTINEL to learn more about print automation.  

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