Author
Admin SEO
Share
In modern manufacturing, serialisation labelling has become a cornerstone of secure and transparent supply chains. It’s not just about printing a code; it’s about enabling every product to be traced, verified, and trusted from the factory floor to the hands of the consumer.
Clear, compliant, and durable labelling ensures brands maintain quality, meet regulations, and protect consumers from counterfeit products.
Let’s explore why serialisation labelling matters, the challenges manufacturers face, and how smart technologies are transforming the way companies label their products.
What Is Serialisation Labelling and Why It Matters
At its core, serialisation labelling means assigning a unique identifier, such as a barcode, QR code, or alphanumeric string, to every individual product or package. This identifier enables full visibility of that product’s journey across the entire supply chain.
Beyond Packaging Serialisation: The Role of Labels
While serialisation focuses on data management, labels serve as the physical interface between the digital and the real world. They carry critical information such as batch numbers, expiry dates, and safety data directly on the product surface.
In other words, labels make data visible. They allow workers, distributors, and consumers to quickly verify authenticity and trace a product’s origin in seconds. That’s why an effective labelling strategy not only supports logistics but also builds trust.
Want to understand how this synergy between printing and labelling drives traceability? Let’s look at the crucial role of clarity and durability.
Why Clear, Durable, and Accurate Labelling Is Critical
No matter how advanced the data system is, if a label becomes unreadable, the entire traceability process can break down. That’s why clarity and durability are non-negotiable.
High-quality labels must withstand exposure to temperature changes, humidity, friction, and various storage conditions. When done right, they:
- Ensure compliance with strict industry standards,
- Prevent counterfeiting through secure, unique identifiers, and
- Improve transparency for consumers using scannable QR codes.
Strong labelling doesn’t just meet regulations, it builds a foundation of reliability for every product leaving the factory.
Challenges in Serialisation Labelling
Despite its benefits, serialisation labelling presents practical challenges in real-world production. Let’s explore these challenges.
High-Speed Production and Smudging Issues
Manufacturers often operate at extremely fast line speeds. Inadequate drying times or poor ink adhesion can lead to smudged or unreadable codes a serious risk to traceability and compliance.
Label Durability Across Different Materials
From glass bottles and metal cans to flexible films, each substrate presents unique challenges. Ink must adhere properly and resist environmental factors like humidity and abrasion to maintain legibility throughout the product’s lifecycle.
Compliance with Global Regulations
Industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and electronics must comply with global serialisation standards. These include FDA, EU FMD, and other regional regulations that require unique identifiers on every saleable unit. Non compliance can lead to costly recalls and reputation damage.
Integration with Track & Trace Systems
To be effective, serialisation labelling must seamlessly connect with enterprise data management and track & trace systems. This ensures each code generated on the line matches a verified entry in the central database, enabling instant recall tracking and authentication.
Smart Printing & Labelling Solutions
Thankfully, innovation in industrial coding has revolutionised the way manufacturers approach serialisation labelling. Let’s explore smart printing and labelling solutions.
Industrial Inkjet for High-Resolution Codes
Industrial inkjet printers deliver sharp, high-contrast codes even at high speeds. Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) systems are ideal for marking onto glass, plastic, or metal surfaces, while Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) provides fine detail for secondary packaging.
Print & Apply Systems for Secondary Packaging
Automated print and apply labelling systems streamline operations by printing variable data directly onto labels before automatically applying them to cartons, pallets, or cases. This improves speed and flexibility in production.
Thermal Transfer for Flexible Substrates
For flexible packaging materials, thermal transfer printing provides durable results resistant to heat, moisture, and handling. It’s especially suited for film wraps, pouches, and labels requiring long-lasting codes.
Data Management & Real-Time Verification
Smart data management platforms enable real-time monitoring, ensuring every printed code matches digital records. Integrated vision systems verify readability and flag errors instantly, reducing waste and downtime.
How Markcom Helps Manufacturers Succeed
At Markcom, serialisation labelling isn’t just a service it’s a commitment to helping manufacturers achieve operational excellence. Here’s how Markcom helps manufacturers succeed.
Minimising Labelling Errors and Downtime
With Markcom’s intelligent printing systems and automated inspection tools, companies can detect and correct issues before they impact production. This proactive approach minimises downtime and ensures consistent output quality.
Ensuring Code Readability and Durability
Markcom’s technology ensures codes stay sharp and scannable even after exposure to demanding conditions. From pharmaceutical vials to beverage bottles, our solutions guarantee that every label remains legible throughout its journey.
Scalable Solutions for Multi-Industry Compliance
Whether it’s healthcare, FMCG, or electronics, Markcom’s scalable systems are adaptable for any production line. Manufacturers gain flexibility to meet local and global compliance standards, all while maintaining cost efficiency and speed.
Ready to strengthen your labelling compliance and efficiency? Partner with Markcom to implement reliable, future-ready serialisation labelling systems that ensure accuracy, traceability, and long-term success across your production lines.
Future of Serialisation Labelling
The future of serialisation labelling lies in intelligent, connected packaging systems that merge physical products with digital data.
Digital Labelling & Dynamic QR Codes
As industries move toward digital transformation, dynamic QR codes enable brands to update product data even after packaging. This supports marketing personalization, recalls, and customer engagement in real time.
Smart Labels with NFC & Blockchain Integration
Emerging technologies such as NFC chips and blockchain-backed data storage enhance transparency and consumer trust. These features allow end users to instantly verify authenticity through their smartphones, ensuring that each product’s journey remains visible and secure.
Serialisation labelling is no longer merely a regulatory checkbox; it’s a strategic investment in brand protection and supply chain integrity. Manufacturers that embrace smart coding and labelling systems today will be ready for tomorrow’s demands of security and digital connectivity.
To learn more about how packaging serialisation enhances compliance and transparency, read about Packaging Serialisation: Enhancing Traceability and Compliance across Regulated Industries.
References:
Like this?
Read more about our related news & updates!