The impact of Industry 4.0 on marking and coding operations

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, otherwise known as Industry 4.0, is having a significant impact on companies and their manufacturing operations. Manufacturers are starting to integrate new technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and analytics, and artificial intelligence and machine learning, into their production facilities and throughout their operations. 

However, when it comes to printing on the production line, far too many businesses still rely on closed-loop systems that have disconnected, purpose-built software for different devices, resulting in manual and error-prone marking and coding operations.  

Loftware’s annual survey revealed the scale of this issue, as 69% of businesses reported using multiple vendors for marking and coding at their facilities, while 41% said that label errors driven by manual processes are one of the biggest challenges in their current marking and coding environment.  

Furthermore, according to VDC research, the three leading contributors to marking and coding errors are: incorrect coding and marking data, a lack of clarity on coding and marking-related processes, and inconsistent processes across distributed locations. 

Embracing technology to future-proof manufacturing operations 

Excitingly, the marking, coding, and labeling software space is currently undergoing a significant transformation. Manually operated, disconnected printers are becoming connected, integrated, and controlled by intelligent systems as part of a drive toward a “one size fits all” intelligent factory operation. 

Now, companies can utilize a standardized and centralized cloud-based platform for all their labeling requirements. These advanced solutions offer integration capabilities to manage output for all their devices, including label printers, document printers, tag and ticket printers, continuous and thermal inkjet, label print and apply, thermal transfer overprint, and laser marking.