- Software company TEKLYNX and printer provider SATO joined forces this fall to offer a cloud-based solution that includes printers and RFID or barcode printing
- The solution is being promoted as improving data accuracy and support compliance requirements by enabling a company to manage all printers from a single software platform
Label design and printing software company TEKLYNX has teamed with printer manufacturer SATO to offer a cloud-based, labelling solution for those designing and printing barcode or RFID labels in volume on SATO printers. By pairing their hardware and software technologies, the companies can offer a ready-to-deploy solution in which users can manage print operations from the cloud using TEKLYNX software.
According to the companies, that functionality takes label production issues out of the hands of a user’s IT department.
The companies say their solution will improve data accuracy and support compliance requirements by enabling a company to manage all printers, and therefore the labels they produce, from a single software platform. Additionally, labelling operations can be managed remotely, so that label and tag print orders can be conducted from another facility or another part of the world.
Printer Drivers Speak SATO’s Language
The partnership resulted from what they say has been a growing demand for seamless, cloud-based solutions for label printing. With the rise in cloud technology and more people leveraging it, “we saw the opportunity to partner with SATO to enhance user experiences in this area,” said Travis Wayne, TEKLYNX’s global product manager. “Our goal is to enhance operational efficiencies and quality in labeling across many industries.”
As part of the partnership, the Glendale, WI- based company developed native printer drivers to speak the language of SATO printers. This optimizes the speed of the print job along with seamless exchange between software and printers, “ensuring that the printed labels are exactly how they are seen on the screen,” Wayne said. “This increases accuracy and reduces waste, supporting both companies’ commitment to enhancing supply chain sustainability and effectiveness.”
In fact, the company already invests in the development of native embedded printer drivers and has a network of value-added resellers and technology partners.
Now the software solutions company provides native (pre-loaded) printer drivers that support all SATO printer models, including desktop, mobile, industrial and RFID label printers.
Printing From Anywhere
For SATO, this partnership strengthens its product offering and allows it to deliver more value to its customers by enabling them to manage their labeling operations from anywhere with an Internet connection, said the company’s European solutions product manager, Eckhard Wernich.
“SATO provides dependable consumables production and on-site maintenance services to ensure uninterrupted operation and long-term sustainability of their labelling systems,” said Wernich
Wayne agreed this advancement simplifies labeling processes and ensures greater customer satisfaction in the future.
The company’s printers can process data, perform calculations, and make decisions without needing a PC, Wernich said. They connect to the cloud via network connectivity, enabling them to integrate with cloud-based systems and software, such as Teklynx’s labeling solutions.
“This connection allows for real-time data exchange, remote management, and the ability to update label designs or configurations from anywhere, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in labeling operations,” he said.
Teklynx Codesoft RFID
For over 30 years, TEKLYNX has offered labeling solutions aimed at staying ahead of industry-specific compliance and emerging regulations. Its products initially were barcode based, but it also offers RFID labels. For either barcode or RFID, the focus has been on quality label design, label management, and print automation software solutions, he said.
“While we don’t manufacture or directly sell hardware (such as scanners or printers), we understand the importance of ensuring our software works with those technologies,” said Wayne
Customers already leverage the software company’s Codesoft RFID and Labeling Solution throughout different industries, including logistics and supply chain management, item inventory tracking for retail, asset tracking, and serialization and aggregation in pharmaceutical shipments.
The software supports the printing and encoding of UHF RFID labels and allows companies to design labels with RFID built in, in the same way someone would with text, images, and other barcodes. Their RFID system capabilities allow implementation of both barcode scanning tools and RFID technology to capture data, Wayne said.
Today, more than 750,000 companies in over 170 countries are employing the software for integrated barcode and RFID label design products.
Boosting Efficiency and Streamlining Workflows
With the new offering, the companies intend to assist businesses in transforming their label printing to enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and stay ahead of cloud technology, said Wayne.
The demand for UHF RFID labels has been growing as companies leverage the technology for supply chain visibility or aim to meet retailer mandates.
“We’ve observed a growing trend among our customers toward increased adoption of RFID labels, driven by the need for greater supply chain visibility, inventory accuracy, and traceability. At SATO we have the on-site expertise to service many industries, including retail, healthcare, and logistics, by leveraging RFID and other identification technologies to streamline operations and enhance data collection.” said Wernich.