Automated Labeling Q&A with Matthews Marking Systems

With John Mark Baldwin, Product Manager, Matthews Marking Systems.

What are the pitfalls with manual labeling?

Unless you’ve got extremely low volume, why do it by hand? Manual labeling is prone to problems, including label placement issues, message smudging and other errors. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes, right? Labeling by hand is a way to let inconsistency and inefficiency into your production that you simply don’t need. Product mix-ups, quality issues, and the potential for costly recalls are all good examples. Now labeling may not cause a recall, but precise and verified labeling can certainly make handling recalls easier and less costly in both time and money.  Finally, manual processes generally slow down production rates and lead to increased operational costs. Manual labeling doesn’t make sense for most higher volume production lines.

Why automate labeling on your cartons or pallets?

Automating your carton or pallet labeling process is a smart move for all the reasons we just talked about. It boosts accuracy and efficiency on the production line, drastically cuts down on human errors and ensures a uniform quality of labeling. It’s also a great way to speed up your operations to meet production quotas and save on costs in the long run. Just consider the staff hours you can pull from manual labeling and put them elsewhere in your production – that alone often makes it a worthwhile investment.

How does automated labeling make life easier on your staff and production line?

We usually talk about the financial bottom-line benefits of automation, but there’s a human aspect too. Putting labels on things all day isn’t fun. Automated labeling is a real game-changer for your staff and production line. People usually like more fulfilling tasks. Automated labeling lightens the workload and reduces stress by taking care of repetitive, error-prone tasks. But then you might ask about the safety of automated machines and if that puts your workforce at risk. This is one way where our MPERIA A-Series automated labeler stands out. Our system’s design prioritizes safety and no safety cages are needed due to the safety features built right into it. It’s also incredibly user-friendly, making integration with existing systems a breeze. This not only makes the job easier but also enhances overall productivity.

How is the MPERIA A-Series different from other labeling machines on the market?

The MPERIA A-Series stands out from other labeling machines due to its precise and consistent label placement combined with the advanced safety design we just talked about. It features tool-free consumable replacement and a simplified paper path, reducing maintenance complexity. It has far fewer spools than other systems, so you can load in a new label spool in record time. Additionally, its compact design and fewer moving parts make it safer and easier to integrate into various production environments. Most importantly, it comes with the MPERIA controller that’s unique in the industry.

What does the MPERIA controller have that other controllers don’t?

I’m glad you asked. The MPERIA controller really sets itself apart with its user-friendly design. It simplifies tasks like message creation and system changeovers. What’s more, it integrates seamlessly with a wide range of business systems and technologies. This ease of use significantly streamlines operations and training processes. The downside is that your workers won’t want to use other controllers once they’ve tried MPERIA.

How do I know if automated labeling is right for my production?

Deciding if automated labeling fits your production boils down to a few key considerations. Think about how much you value precision, speed, and safety in your labeling process. Assess your current challenges with manual labeling and how much improvement automation could bring. Also, factor in the potential for easier system integration, lower operational costs, and reduced manual errors. You’ll need the specific details of the solution, of course, but we can work with you to walk through everything together. You be the judge once you have all the information.

How can we learn more about the MPERIA A-Series?

A great place to start is by going to our website. Go to our Automated Label Applicator page to see specs, pictures, and videos. Then fill out the form at the bottom of the page for more information or a demo – we’re always happy to help.