PrintRoundTable

What Makes Integrated Labels So Special?

Filed under Distribution Label Solutions

Any business that has to ship products to customers, regardless of size, faces a unique set of challenges. Whether it is becoming more efficient, making less errors, or just saving money, coming up with a way to ship to customers can be difficult.  With all of the options on the market, which one is the best for your business?  Many are turning towards the Integrated Label Solution.    Integrated labels have been a tried and true method when shipping products.  Because the shipping form has both a label and paper portion, it can be utilized for many things; not just a packing slip/shipping label.  For example, many businesses include return information for their customers.  They can easily pre-print the return authorization label and instructions to include in the package.  A very similar application is used when purchasing replacement items such as toner, printer equipment, or any other item that could be returned for recycling. The label is there so the customer can return the container and just apply the label and ship.  Another great way to use integrated labels is for payment remittance.  It is very easy to print the invoice and have the return label information to apply to the envelope right on the form.     What makes integrated labels so special is its simple construction.  The standard size is 8.5 x 11”; however, 8.5 x 14” are also popular as well as custom sizing.  Because integrated labels come in standard sizes, they run beautifully through laser and inkjet printers.  There are also many different stock label constructions to choose from, allowing companies to tailor their usage.  Some purchase many different variations depending on the process.  If there is a construction needed that doesn’t come standard, it can normally be created.  Another nice feature is having the choice to purchase blank or pre-printed forms.  Both have advantages and disadvantages.  A blank form allows you to customize, and change the integrated label, on the fly.  On the flip side, if you are creating a color form, you may use a lot of toner/ink.  A pre-printed form can help save on the cost toner/ink; however, if you need to change your form, there is inventory that either must be used or discarded.     Each business must evaluate the best options for them.  The nice thing about integrated labels is you can always change your mind if one method isn’t working.  Start with a small number of forms and once the process is perfected, order more and save even more money!      

Look Out Distribution and Fulfillment Centers! Do We Have a New Label For You!

Filed under Distribution Label Solutions

Lowering out of pocket expenses, and maximizing profit, is the goal of every distribution and fulfillment center. They are constantly trying to find the best ways to make their center a more efficient, well-oiled machine.   My1Stop.com has the answer for those facilities trying to do just that; the Auto-Fold Label™.   The Auto-Fold Label™ is a complete shipping document where a packing slip and shipping label combine to make one of the most efficient, cost-saving label on the market.  This innovative label eliminates the need to have a separate poly pouch, packing list, and shipping label for an accurate, faster shipping line with reduced packaging errors.       Top 10 Reasons to Use the Auto-Fold Label™:  Only 1 Item to Stock! No more individual shipping labels, packing slips, or pouches to keep in inventory! Your inventory will be compact, saving storage space.  Increased Pick Rates. Packing slip and shipping label automatically applied in one step saving time for increased efficiency. Increased Personal Security. All personal identifiers are removed from the packaging when the packing slip/shipping label are pulled, leaving only the label “shell” on the carton. Reduce Costly Errors. Since the shipping label and packing list are on one label, there will be no mismatched packing list/shipping information; and never worry about forgetting to enclose the packing slip. No Need to Repackage. NEVER repackage an item just to add a packing slip. No Complicated Programming.  Simplex print the Auto-Fold Label™ with a single print engine and head without complicated programming or timing issues. Simplifies Processes. This labeling system is so simple, there is less employee training required.  Also, with a more efficient process there is a lesser chance of costly mistakes. Save Money! Because all printing is done at the applicator, there is less equipment to purchase and maintain; as well as no need for a computer and printer at the picking station. Make More Money! With faster pick rates, only one label to stock, less equipment and maintenance, and reduction of costly mistakes, the bottom line will see a big difference! Superior Support! My1Stop.com will provide the outstanding customer service that our customers love and expect!   My1Stop.com has teamed up with CTM Labeling Systems, widely known for their innovative equipment solutions, to now offer customers the option of automatically applying the Auto-Fold Label™ using state-of the-art print and apply equipment. Our customers have the choice to either hand apply or automate this fold under label. It is truly one of the most innovative distribution labels on the market!

Were you Prepared for Black Friday? What About the Next Few Weeks?

Filed under Distribution Label Solutions , General , Plastic Products

Black Friday is always the kickoff to the holiday shopping season, and also when many businesses get a taste of what is to come over the next few weeks. Many are seeing a shift in the way consumers are purchasing.  Instead of fighting in-store sales, customers are going online to purchase their sale items.  And now businesses are choosing to start their sales on Thanksgiving Day, as opposed to the traditional Friday.  And many people are just waiting until closer to Christmas to shop.  Regardless of how customers or businesses choose to purchase, being prepared for the holiday season is a must to keep your business running smoothly and staying profitable.   Retail businesses that use plastic cards and holders also need to keep a healthy supply in stock over the holidays; even more than normal.  Plastic gift cards are the easiest product to push, and they provide a high ROI for most companies, so letting them run out could put a huge strain on a business.  Not to mention they are ongoing marketing pieces that can be recharged and reused. During the holiday season, getting plastic cards printed can be a challenge, so the farther away from Christmas you order your cards, the better your turn times and pricing will be.  In fact, there are times when a business can place orders at the beginning of December, and not get their cards until January.  The demand is that high this time of the year, so ordering early is imperative. Gift card holders are more easily accessible and sometimes even have stock, or off-the-shelf, options to cut down on turn times and cost.   Another way to stay prepared is to stay stocked with every day, general supplies.  Online companies need to keep shipping labels, packing slips, and any other items needed to fulfill orders.  Nothing will shut down your business, and lose repeat business, faster than running out of shipping supplies.  Customers will not purchase again if they cannot get their orders on time.  Also having plenty of business cards, letterhead and envelopes on hand also helps with sales and office functions, keeping things running smoothly.   Marketing is very important to drive in business; however, the best marketing will not help if you do not prepare for the business coming in.  With just a few short weeks left in the holiday season, making sure you have the supplies you need will keep you up and running for a successful holiday season.

How to Help Your Distribution Center by Simply Switching Labels

Filed under Distribution Label Solutions

Distribution Centers (DC’s) face their own unique set of challenges compared to other industries.  Specific processes and materials are pre-established so each picking/shipping line is fast, efficient and making money at a specific rate.  Centers large and small rely on these methods to ensure that each line is running; as when one goes down, they lose money.  Sometimes fulfillment centers get so consumed with their specific workflow, that they do not research other distribution solutions that can make them even better.  Labels are the largest variable in the equasion.   Labels dictate everything on a line.  Without the right printers, workers and sometimes applicators, a label has the power to shut down production very quickly.  Many DC’s, mainly small to medium sized, utilize laser printers and labels to effectively keep things up and running; however, a big misconception is because they are smaller, thermal and direct thermals are not cost effective enough for them to switch.  That is simply not the case anymore.   Thermal and Direct Thermal Labels are helping DC’s achieve many things they never thought possible.  First, there are now labels on the market that combine a packing slip and shipping label; eliminating both the need for a “packing slip enclosed” pouch, as well as decreasing costly mismatching errors.  Because these label allow you to peel both the shipping and packing slip label, they are great for keeping a customers identity safe after you throw the carton away.  Two great products for these options are Duplex Shipping Labels and Fold Under Labels. And a nice perk is if a DC cannot afford to invest in direct thermal printers, there are still laser versions of the same product.    Cost is a major inhibitor with some fulfillment centers when transitioning over to thermal or direct thermal applications.  Many businesses forget to calculate per year how much they spend on toner, laser printer maintenance, materials, and employee labor involved when using these applications.  Although there is cost involved when you switch labels, mainly for new printers, normally once a company figures all variables, they end up being more efficient, which speeds up product for a better output.  Even if you choose a thermal application and have to order printer ribbons, a business will still see increased efficieny and more money.    Regardless of what option a DC chooses when it comes to their warehouse labels, there are many on the market to choose from.  Taking the time to calculate all costs involved in current, and future, processes will be the best way to decide if a move over to thermal and direct thermal labels is a good one.

Using Integrated Labels to Improve Your Shipping Process

Filed under Custom Labels , Distribution Label Solutions , General

More companies are discovering the secret to simplifying their shipping process with integrated labels. Integrated labels have been around for a while and businesses large and small are utilizing their great ability to save cost, time and costly quality assurance issues. To determine if it is worth switching to an integrated labeling solution, a business needs to evaluate how much it costs to ship out a package with their current method.  Calculating the time it takes to apply the label and packing slip is very important as well.  Paying an employee to handle the shipping label and packing list is a time involved process.  Even if you save 15-20 seconds per carton, you have just improved productivity getting more cartons out the door.  This alone will save you money over time. Quality assurance is an area that deserves attention.  When a line worker has to match a packing slip with a box with a shipping label, it is easy to see how errors can occur.  And unfortunately, these errors cost both time and money.  The sheer number of staff to figure out an error, after it occurs, can stretch over several shipments. This means unhappy employees and, more importantly, unhappy customers. The integrated label is great as the shipping label and packing list can be on one form, reducing errors and reducing the time it takes just to match everything up.  Many businesses have decided to stop adding the packing list to the outside of the carton, and put it inside instead.  This makes an integrated label that much better!  Just peel off the shipping label, drop the packing list in the box, and then apply the shipping label.  That easy! There are many different styles of integrated shipping forms that are available right off the shelf, giving you the ability to customize your form from start to finish.  This is perfect for the companies who change things up often on their packing slips.  For some businesses, the cost of toner alone is enough to go with pre-printed forms. Basic information such as company logo, and fields that show on all forms, are printed right on the form and then ran through their printer saving on overall toner costs.  And even with all of the options out there, maybe a company has a special application and the label structure does not work for them.  This is another instance where going with a custom printed integrated label may be worth the cost. However, regardless of stock or custom, integrated labels can be a great addition to your shipping process. It is definitely worth the time to see if they fit into your business model.

Keep Track of All of Your Business Property With Asset Tags

Filed under Custom Labels , Distribution Label Solutions

Businesses who have a large amount of property may struggle keeping track of it all.  Sometimes items get lost.  Sometimes they get destroyed.  And even sometimes things just “walk away”.  Having an asset labeling system in place to keep track of valuables is essential for any business.  Not just for keeping costs down, but also for insurance and investigation purposes. Asset tags come in many materials, sizes and colors to fit any business.  Because they are very simple, there is no need to pay a graphic designer to design the label.  Most just have your company name, and at the very most, a logo, but that is optional.  As for materials, here are some common choices:  * Polyester-2 mil-Metalized Matte Silver is resistant to heat, stretch, tearing and abrasion. Great for identifying computers, laptops, cell phones, and office items. This material is also well suited to industrial applications where label may be subjected to physical stress or heat. They are however not suitable for the backs of printed circuit boards where label is applied over electrical contacts.  *Polyester-2 mil-Gloss White  material is resistant to heat, tearing, abrasion, and stretch. Common applications are the same as the Matte Silver poly only white instead of silver. *LexValu Plus™ 10 mil White is resistant to heat, tearing, excessive abrasion, and stretch. Great for power boxes and tools, construction equipment, and industrial items that are subject to physical stress. UV resistant polypropylene protective coating has an embossed velvet finish that is ultra-durable. Adhesive is one of the best available for semi-oily metals and Low Surface Energy (LSE) plastics. Best for flat, smooth surfaces.  *Vinyl-Destructible Reflective 7 mil-White is a great material when your asset tags requires tamper resistant protection. Once applied, this vinyl cannot be removed in one piece. Conforms well to corrugated or moderately irregular surfaces. Back surface is silverized so  material is very opaque. One of the longest lived outdoor vinyls. Perfect for labeling computers, laptops, cell phones, furniture and office items. *Security Polyester-2 mil-Silver is used when your asset tags requires tamper resistant protection. Once removed from the equipment, the label will leave the word VOID on both the applied surface and the material and cannot be reapplied. Best for flat, smooth surfaces. These work perfect for labeling phones, computers, laptops, and office items. Businesses also have the flexibility of choosing barcoding, numbering or both on their labels.  It can be much easier for a company that has thousands of items to scan a barcode as opposed to looking up a number for tracking purposed.  As well as it might be easier, and more cost effective for a smaller company to just use a number on their asset tags and keep track in an excel spreadsheet.  You can also customize your label with a specific number sequence.  This is very helpful if you already have a system in place, and want to keep your numbers consistent. Asset tags are a great way to keep track of your inventoried items.  With all of the choices, benefits, and cost savings they have to offer, it is well worth the investment to have these little labels on hand. They may save you money in the long run!  

Duplex Shipping Labels - The Newest Distribution Label Solution

Filed under Custom Labels , Distribution Label Solutions

  Manufacturers and distributors ask themselves the same question over and over ”How can I ship products faster, easier and more cost efficiently?”  The duplex shipping label may be the answer everyone is looking for.  It actually cuts down on the amount of material needed for creating mailing labels and packing lists, and will save money. Here is how it works. A duplex shipping label comes in two sizes 8.5 x 5.5” and 8.5 x 11”. They can run through a duplex laser printer, and more recently, you can now run them through a duplex thermal printer. The shipping label information is printed on the front of the form and the packing list is printed on the back.  No need to print one side first and then the other.  Also, no need to match up a packing list with a shipping label.  Because they are both printed on the same label, all you have to do is remove the outside label matrix and affix to the shipping container.  No need for a plastic pouch to hold the packing slip and no mis-matching mistakes, which saves money. Besides costs, these types of inclusive labels can also save time for a business, which can also add up to actual money being saved. Duplex shipping labels aren't very popular in the current shipping industry because they are not widely known. Most businesses have a distribution label solution already in place. However, once a business learns about the perks of saving time and money (thus improving productivity and employee satisfaction), it may convince the business leaders to switch over to duplex shipping labels in their shipping warehouses. Besides leading to positive effects for employees and managers, a business may find that the customers will also appreciate these types of custom mailing labels. It makes the packing list easier to find and often prevents folding or damage to the list, which is sometimes crucial for customers to keep. Many customers may save packing lists for their own financial records, so having these arrive in good condition is the best way to make sure records are kept neat and in order. Even if a business isn't sure about incorporating them into their regular shipping processes, ordering one carton or box of duplex shipping labels to try out may convince them that this label is worthwhile for continuous use. It may not be for every business if you have an automated system in place; however, for the small to medium size businesses, or those who need to manually affix a shipping label/packing slip, the duplex shipping label will no doubt be an asset.   duplexShippingLabel.jpg (15.74 kb)

Making the Switch to Integrated Labels - What Your Purchasing Manager Needs to Know!

Filed under Distribution Label Solutions

Making the switch to integrated labels from a traditional shipping label form style can be a bit stressful at first; especially when you have a different process already in place. Management personnel, or anyone responsible for the purchasing decisions, will need to be convinced that moving to integrated labels for all shipping needs is the way to go before they can be ordered. There are several different points that can be brought up in order to persuade the management team that the move to integrated labels from traditional shipping label forms is a great way to go.  Here are a few things to remember: Cost Effective Integrated labels can be more cost effective than regular single-sided labels because they eliminate the need for the additional packing list template and paper. Combining the packing list and the address form into one product will help decrease overall shipping and packaging costs. You can just simple drop the packing slip inside the box, and apply the shipping label on the outside carton.  No need to add a "packing slip enclosed" pocket on the outside any longer. Time Effective Because the packing slip and mailing address form are combined into one product, it can help shipping employees save time by printing the packing and address information all at once. In some cases, a packing slip is printed separately from the address label leaving the slip to be matched up with a shipping label. Not only is this time consuming, but the amount of errors associated with the wrong packing slip or shipping label jumps tremendously. Because the integrated label can print both items, the time savings can add up to significant productivity gains and help reduce shipping errors. Waste Effective In some cases, printing packing lists and mailing address labels can product excess waste after they are either affixed to the packaging or inserted into the shipment, along with the products. Utilizing integrated shipping labels can help cut down on this excess waste. Integrated labels do produce some waste, but in most cases, this is less than when the packing list and mailing address form is separate. These are just some of the benefits that can convince management to approve and order integrated labels. Moving to a different labeling system can be difficult at first, but soon enough, most employees and management will appreciate the change. Especially when your profits are up...and expenses are down!

Integrated Labels and Their Diverse Usage

Filed under Distribution Label Solutions

Integrated labels are great for use by a wide variety of companies, from small offices to large shipping warehouses that require the use of several shipping label forms each day. No matter the side of the business, integrated labels can help save time and resources, while making the ordering and shipping process much easier for customers and all employees involved. In a small business office, integrated labels can be used to ship supplies to employees in other locations or at satellite offices. These types of employees may be working remotely and need to have certain resources mailed to them. The integrated label not only provides a clear and concise mailing address, but also a packing slip so both the shipping office and the remote employee can ensure that all the items are included in the shipment. In a larger shipping distribution center or warehouse, integrated labels and shipping label forms can be used a much larger scale, especially if the business is offering products through an e-commerce website. The integrated label can be printed as part of the shipping assembly line. The employees who are fulfilling the order can drop in the packing slip portion from the integrated label and then seal the package. The integrated label can then be affixed to the top of the shipment package. This process also ensures htat the correct label and packing slip are together saving your company from embarassing mismatches. This is near the final step, which would be making sure the package has the correct postage on it before being sent to the post office or through the outgoing mail process.  As evidenced by the scenarios above, integrated labels can be utilized in a variety of ways, thus giving credit to their flexibility. With integrated labels having a low minimum order requirement, business of any size can take advantage of their value.