The supply chain of the future: how Print and Apply (P&A) technology can enable end-to-end traceability

In this edition of The Spotlight, Markem-Imaje examines how supply chains have evolved, and how Print and Apply (P&A) technology can strengthen visibility, improve recall readiness and enable end-to-end traceability.

Meeting the traceability challenge

The complexity of modern supply chains today is coupled with volatile markets and rapidly evolving regulations which has created a significant challenge for manufacturers. Traceability is now a key strategic capability and the pressure to improve visibility throughout supply chains continues to grow.

The adoption of GS1 standards, 2D coding and initiatives such as Digital Product Passports (DPP) present additional challenges while the ability to ensure product recalls can be implemented effectively is now one of the principal commercial drivers for investment in traceability.

P&A labelling technology sits at the heart of this evolution and the rising demand for more sophisticated traceability systems.

The critical role of P&A technology in modern supply chains

·        Connecting products with digital identities

·        Reliable identification across Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Packaging

·        Accurate data capture across the supply chain

Modern P&A technology delivers a crucial strategic capability in the traceability ecosystem. Used in conjunction with advanced software solutions it enables manufacturers to place labels directly onto products and packaging using live production data. It is the point at which enterprise data becomes product identification data. This is the intelligence upon which end-to-end supply chain visibility depends.

The aggregation of information across primary, secondary and tertiary packaging creates end-to-end traceability, allowing products to be tracked precisely throughout the supply chain. This can drive tangible gains in operational efficiency, compliance, and timely data-driven decision making.

The capability of P&A technology also helps to minimise the risk of costly disruptions caused by poor print quality or sub-optimal label application. P&A solutions can consistently produce high resolution, GS1-compliant labels that remain readable throughout storage, transportation and handling.

Creating a competitive advantage with P&A technology

·        Fast, targeted and effective recalls

·        Improved operational efficiency

·        Greater resilience

Labels are now a digital gateway to product identification and traceability intelligence, and reliable P&A technology has become a vital enabler for traceability solutions. The connection between a product’s primary packaging, the case it is packed in and the pallet it is loaded onto, is the key to end-to-end traceability. If a product needs to be recalled, it allows a batch to be isolated in minutes, protecting customers more effectively, minimizing cost and reputational risk.

P&A technology is also a cost-effective solution which can print seamlessly on multiple sides of the pack, eliminating the need to rotate products on the production line. This reduces line complexity while maintaining production speed and reducing operating costs.

For manufacturers using production data from ERP, MES and other systems, reliable P&A and software solutions can support a sophisticated ecosystem that captures product information throughout the supply chain regardless of its complexity, as well as providing the resilience and efficiency needed to remain competitive.

Intelligent solutions for the supply chain of the future

End-to-end traceability in the supply chain is dependent upon connected high-performance solutions that can be used effectively on primary, secondary and tertiary packaging, with a wider variety of substrates than ever before. At the same time, end-to-end traceability is essential to improve efficiency, maintain regulatory compliance and to meet the demands of connected supply chains.

Market leading solutions such as the Markem-Imaje 2200 series and CoLOS® Software are now helping business in every industry from food and beverage to automotive and the healthcare sector, to achieve these goals.

Want to find out more?

Download the full Knowledge Article to learn more about creating a competitive advantage in the supply chain of the future and learn about:

·        The role of P&A technology across primary, secondary and tertiary packaging

·        How traceability requirements are evolving

·        The importance of data integration and software connectivity

·        Improving recall readiness, operational efficiency and supply chain visibility

·        How P&A technology can enable end-to-end traceability

<The Supply Chain of the Future: How Print & Apply Technology Can Enable End-to-End Traceability>

This content was sponsored by Markem-Imaje.