Bridging the Gap from Manual to Automated Labeling

A new product; a short run market test; a new product shape that is not conducive to traditional product handling automation; these are the issues that confront many production or contract packager organizations. A unique label, marketing’s idea of an eye-catching promotion that cannot be applied to the product using conventional labeling methods; the answer to all of these questions is semi-automatic labeling.

Semi-automatic labeling has traditionally been viewed as a table-top machine that works more like a glorified tape dispenser. Semi-automatic machines were generally designed by the small job shops without a traditional manufacturing process. These labeling machinery builders were generally small organizations, and lax in

documentation that included an operator’s manual, spare parts lists, and bill of materials.

There is a gap in production labeling that can only be filled by the semi-automatic labeling process. The criteria for semi-automatic label production can include any of the following items:

• Labeling volume under 6,500 products per day.
• Short run volumes under 40,000 products.
• Product shapes not conducive to automated product handling.
• Tight label-to-product tolerances unattainable by other automation.
• Budgetary restrictions.
• Low to moderate labor costs.

Universal Labeling Systems (universal1.com) is a leading provider of pressure sensitive labeling equipment, which includes standard and made-to-order semi-automatic labeling machinery. All machines are designed, built, documented and supported by a world-wide network of authorized distributors.