Material Handling Solutions
Automatic Packaging System: Print and Apply Systems
What is Print and Apply?
Print and Apply (or “P&A”) broadly refers to the process of labeling packages within material handling systems.
As the name indicates, data is affixed to the package either by direct printing or the application of printed labels.
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To learn more about automated print-apply systems, reach out to David Rebata by email or call directly at 510.409.6567.
In both cases, highly specialized equipment has been developed to execute these processes as packages are transported by conveyor. Further advances in this equipment category allow the labeling of multiple package types in a single conveyor system. See the featured case study below.
Printing and application processes are aided by cameras and scanners. These devices detect the location and position on the conveyor, as well as the package type to ensure the label is properly printed or affixed.
The information imprinted may include location, routing, or shipping details, and will often identify the contents of the package in the form of a bar code.
Package and labeling activity is transmitted to and from the WMS via the warehouse control system, which directs the print and application equipment.
The explosion of P&A applications is closely related to e-commerce and dimensional weight shipping, which have caused a dramatic increase in the number of labels needed. In fact, a new industry group has been formed around these challenges.
Connectivity with warehouse control and warehouse management system is essential to the successful integration of print and apply peripherals into a material handling operation.
Inbound packages can be labeled during induction which will communicate the routing, special handling instructions, and inventory location for the carton.
Shipping operations, contents, customer accounts, and shipping locations are also managed by the WMS and WCS to ensure that outbound packages are properly labeled and interfaced with shipping systems or third-party delivery services.
Furthermore, in manufacturing settings, components can be labeled when produced or inducted. This serial number is a permanent record of the part and its performance and can be tracked for quality control.
All of this tracking, mechanical actuation, and data collection is a function of the WMS and WCS capabilities of the facility.
Don’t be fooled. Warehouse control systems are more than just software.
SilMan’s Unison is a single solution that unites equipment and material handling processes to build a seamless interface with WMS platforms.
Unison harmonizes every element of warehouse operations: sortation control, data collection, diagnostics, software, and programming.
Controls systems are only as good as the controls team who installed and programmed it. SilMan’s veteran in-house control group is an integral part of our integration team and a key aspect of SilMan’s success.
