Managing supply chain management in today’s business landscape needs greater transparency and traceability. One way to make this process easier is by utilizing inkjet printer technology, which can work faster with fewer errors and better results for tracking.
When combined with supply chain systems, this technology can quickly add important information, like serial numbers and labels, right on the product’s packaging. Curious how these technologies can boost your supply chain systems? Keep on reading.
The Importance of Supply Chain Management
Supply chain process involves managing the flow of products from raw materials to end purchasers. That’s why it becomes crucial for all sizes of businesses and industries, especially in the following aspects.
Increased Cost Efficiency
Effective and efficient coordination in the supply chain helps businesses increase cost efficiency by lowering production costs, minimizing logistics costs, and maximizing inventory.
For example, a company that manages its supply chain properly will order only the necessary raw materials, preventing overproduction.
Improved Productivity
Supply chain management using integrated systems and technology can help automate repetitive tasks, reduce delays and errors, and improve communication across team departments.
Ultimately, all these benefits will help improve your business’s productivity.
Risk Management
Well-managed supply chain can be a great help for businesses to anticipate, respond, and overcome the disruptions that may happen. But, how does it work?
By diversifying suppliers, businesses can reduce the dependency only on a single supplier.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses with diversified supply chains were better able to maintain operations compared to those that relied on a single source.
Customer Satisfaction and Trust
A good supply chain ensures every product reaches the customers on time and in good condition. With real-time tracking, businesses can ensure products are in stock and reduce defects. This can significantly enhance the overall customer experience.
Improved Data and Better Planning
Supply chain provides useful data that can be used for making better decisions and planning ahead. Using big data analytics in the supply chain, businesses can predict buying trends to help them stock the right product at the right time.
How Integrated Printing Solutions Fit In
Integrated printing means a printing system that is connected directly to the production and enterprise system. These systems have the capability to print important information for the supply chain directly onto the products without the need to interrupt the production runs.
Continuous inkjet printers (CIJ) and thermal inkjet printers (TIJ) are two technologies that are mostly used for effective supply chain management. Here’s a closer look at what they are and how they fit in.
Continuous Inkjet Printers
CIJ is a versatile printing technology widely used in supply chain operations, particularly that require continuous production and high-speed.
This technology allows for non-contact and fast printing on various surfaces, like non-porous or uneven materials.
It is an ideal choice for coding and marking products with crucial information, like serial numbers and expiration dates.
By integrating CIJ with enterprise systems, you can automate data printing, improve traceability, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Thermal Inkjet Printers
TIJ excels in producing precise and high-resolution prints. In the supply chain, this technology is generally employed in packaging production that requires scannable information.
As the technology is cartridge-based and compact, it is quite easy to integrate with numerous stages of the supply chain process.
Benefits of Using Inkjet Technology in Supply Chain Management
Utilizing TIJ and CIJ offers several benefits that directly impact efficiency and traceability. Let’s learn more about them!
Real-time Identification
Both CIJ and TIJ can print essential information that ensures every item is correctly and uniquely coded to support accurate tracking.
Read About: Unlocking the Power of 2D Codes: The Future of Data Storage and Product Identification
Minimized Human Error
Inkjet printers that integrate with the data system can automatically print essential data and eliminate manual input.
Using automated systems, this process can minimize human error, such as labelling mistakes and mismatched products.
Flexibility and Speed
Continuous inkjet is ideal for high-speed production, while thermal inkjet is good for high-resolution printing. Both can be adjusted based on production needs without causing downtime.
Increased Traceability
Inkjet printers enable businesses to track products from production to delivery. By printing the traceable codes, businesses can additionally facilitate products’ recalls quickly and meet the traceability standards of the industry.
Manage Supply Chain Effectively and Efficiently with DSI
Since supply chain management demands greater efficiency, integrating ideal technology like inkjet printers becomes a strategic necessity. It’s not just a technical upgrade—it also enhances the overall agility of your supply chain.
Ready to manage your supply chain effectively and efficiently? Get in touch with DSI experts or see a complete list of continuous inkjet printers here for the right solution for your industry.
References
https://www.barcoding.com/blog/mobile-printing-streamlines-supply-chain-and-warehouse-processes
https://ftpmirror.your.org/pub/misc/ftp.software.ibm.com/printers/products/4400/SCMbrochure.pdf
https://www.rrd.com/resources/case-study/telecom-success-story
