Batch production is not limited to large industries alone. Small and medium companies also highly rely on consistent product coding and marking to stay competitive.
It often involves different kinds of materials and product formats. That’s why many manufacturers are now turning to inkjet printer technology to meet these challenges, thanks to its flexibility and accuracy.
In this article, let’s explore how inkjet printers are used in this type of production to address everyday challenges. Keep reading!
Understanding the Challenges of Batch Production
This production method is commonly used by manufacturers to produce goods in limited or moderate quantities, especially for products that need to be made in different series.
While it offers efficiency for customization, it also comes with several difficult challenges in daily operation. So, what are those challenges? Let’s find out more.
Frequent Downtime between Batches
When production shifts from one batch to another, it can lead to downtime. In this kind of situation, machines basically need to be reset and even reconfigured by undergoing changeover.
This process may cause production delays and decrease the overall efficiency level, particularly if changes happen frequently.
Inconsistent Product Quality Results
Inconsistency in batch production occurs when each batch uses different materials, equipment, and operator handling. This results in quality control issues and requires careful inspection to maintain consistent product quality across batches.
Less Flexible to Demand Changes
Although this method of production promotes flexibility in general, it is still less flexible to respond to demand changes. So, once a batch is running, it is hard to adapt to the sudden changes in customization due to customer demands.
This challenge may lead to underproduction or overproduction, affecting customer satisfaction and purchasing experience.
Waste Generation Issue
Incorrect setups, imperfections, inconsistent results, and material leftovers during a stage of production can generate a lot of waste. Higher waste levels are not only affecting production costs, but also contributing to environmental concerns.
Rely on Manual Setup
Many batch production processes still rely on manual tasks such as setup, quality control, and monitoring. This certainly will increase the labor costs and high-possibility of human errors.
Read About: From Factory Floor to Store Shelf: The Journey of Batch Code Products
How Efficient Coding and Marking Enhance Batch Production
In the production where items are made in batches, precise coding is essential for managing complexity. With an efficient coding and marking system, you can surely enhance and improve the overall process efficiency.
Improved Traceability
Efficient coding and marking help each batch of product to be tagged with unique codes for identifiers, allowing for more precise tracking that can enhance transparency across the supply chain.
More Accurate Quality Control
Coding and marking in batch production can link each product to specific data, such as the raw materials used. This data enables quick identification and speeds up quality control with more accurate audits and inspections.
Reduced Downtime
Modern technology that supports efficient coding and marking can automatically switch when a new batch begins. As it also integrates with production software, it will minimize manual work and intervention.
Streamlined Inventory Management
Unique codes printed by efficient coding technology can be scanned for real-time updates, helping warehouse systems sort and store products more efficiently.
The Impact of Inkjet Printers on Efficient Coding and Marking Technologies in Batch Production
While this printing method offers flexibility, the integration of innovative technologies like inkjet printers is the one that truly improves its efficiency. But how? Here’s the complete explanation.
High-Speed Printing
Inkjet printers are equipped with the capacity to code and mark products at high-speed, supporting continuous production with minimum interruption.
On Demand Printing
The technology enables batch changeovers to support multiple product variations only by using a single printer system.
It can also easily print variable data without the need to change hardware, promoting a more improved flexibility in the whole process of production.
High-Quality Print
Supported by advanced systems, inkjet printers are the number one choice for providing high-resolution code results to make it readable, either by humans or scanners.
Lower Maintenance
Inkjet printers work by a non-contact system that does not physically touch the packaging’s surface. This process not only reduces mechanical interference but also results in lower maintenance and minimal downtime.
Read About: How Thermal Inkjet Printers Can Optimize Efficiency in Low-Volume Production
Upgrade Your Outdated Marking Methods to Innovative Solutions from DSI
The integration of inkjet printers to batch production is not only for convenience purposes. It instead is a necessity, especially for companies aiming to increase speed, traceability, and accuracy.
This technology will continue to stand out as powerful equipment and an enabler for scalable outputs across industries. Consider investing in high-speed inkjet technology like thermal inkjet printers for seamless integration into your production line.
Explore how inkjet printer solutions can improve your production efficiency and see a complete list of thermal inkjet printers here.
References
https://www.domino-printing.com/en-ae/blog/2020/best-batch-coding-machine-for-your-business
