Labeling News

Preprinted & Encoded DoD Labels

Kathy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:47:54 +0000

As the government continues their effort to improve inventory and tracking of essential military inventory, more DoD contracts are calling for compliance with labeling specifications under MIL-STD-130 and MIL-STD-129. DCMA inspections are taking a more serious approach to enforcing these labeling mandates. Shipments are being delayed and units are rejected when the proper labeling requirements are not met.

For one label or many, pilot testing, or when you have a limited supply of product affected by the MIL-STD-130 or ship under MIL-STD-129 compliance mandate, it may make more sense to have your labels printed and/or encoded using an outside vendor. This approach will save you time and money when:

you aren’t sure how to format the labels or set up the necessary data.
you have low volume DoD compliance label requirements.
don’t have the right printing or encoding equipment, scanners and verifiers.
your shipments are delayed at DCMA inspection because you don’t have labels or the labels are not done correctly.

Follow a simple ordering process to have your RFID SmartTags, UID labels, dataplates, or preprinted bar code labels done for you. You don’t need to worry about the format, layout, bar code requirements, label size, material, adhesive and verification requirements.

Each label is then inspected for accuracy and readability and tested to ensure acceptance from your DCMA or customer. Every lot comes with a Certificate of Compliance. Our team is well-versed in Military Compliance Labeling Standards and will know exactly what you need to comply or fulfill your labeling requirements.

Don’t risk missed deadlines or failing inspections. Call WincoID for your preprinted labels and dataplates.

Paper
Polyester
Aluminum
Polyimide-Kapton®
Custom Materials
Construct 1 or 2 by contract specifications

To learn more about our printing service, go here. Be sure to check out our RFID Labels for Traveler Forms to comply with MIL-STD-129 and make transmitting via WAWF easy, faster and accurate.

If you are having trouble with your DoD labeling requirements, please share your story with others here. If you are ready to take your labeling inhouse, you will want to attend our free seminar “Demystify DoD Labeling Standards.” >>more

Launch Date for UDI System Set

Linda — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:10:27 +0000

The FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) has set a time line for release of the Unique Device Identification system. By September 30, 2013, the CDRH says it will launch the system for identifying and tracking all medical devices.

One of the CDRH’s responsibilities includes regulating firms who manufacture, repackage, relabel, and/or import medical devices sold in the United States. A pilot study was started in August of last year to determine the feasibility of collecting and storing UDI data from the supplier to the product’s point of use at five hospitals. The UDI database pilot study is expected to be completed by September 2010.

The CDRH’s new director Jeffrey Shuren has set new strategic priorities for 2010 and for the following years. The changes include an overhaul of the 510(k) system, which requires that a new model of a device be compared for safety and effectiveness with another lawfully marketed model. A successful 510(k) submission results in FDA permission to market the new device. Part of the overhaul includes implementing the UDI system.

For a complete description of the CDRH and its strategic priorities for FY 2010, visit the U.S. FDA website.

What is Mobility?

David — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:25:40 +0000

Guest post by Terran Churcher of Codegate

What do you think of when you hear the word “Mobility”? A fully integrated mobile worker solution incorporating hardware and software, increasing visibility and remote worker management; or a four wheeled motorised scooter and other physical mobility aids? I have a sneaking suspicion that the majority would associate “Mobility” with the latter and this is a challenge I and the industry face time and time again.

OK, so this may be something of a sweeping statement, but the real issue is, do people understand what is meant when we talk to one another about a “Mobility Solution”? I fear not! In our ever changing and developing technological world, mobile devices are incorporating an increasing array of functionality (telecommunications, networking, GPS, digital imaging etc..) previously handled by individual pieces of hardware. This convergence has led to the evolution of the ‘Mobile Computer’, which has given mobile workers a full range of computing capabilities on the move, enabling them to increase their field operation efficiencies and remain ‘connected’ to the office whilst out on the road.

These changes in mobile technology have enabled mobile workers to:

Electronically record vehicle safety checks, including confirming tyre wear and pressures, water, oil and windscreen wash levels are OK, as well as recording start journey mileage

Be guided by satellite navigation to the customers’ door via the optimal route

Capture information about the work undertaken

Access customer details, job and part requirements at the point of activity

Electronically capture customer signatures or acceptance of work carried out or completed Automatically record journey mileage information

Update back-office systems following each task, keeping records up to date

Help to keep lone workers safe with one touch personal alert systems

This has in turn increased mobile worker empowerment, driving efficiency and productivity and workforce visibility.

Thanks to the increased capability of mobile computers, companies are able to greatly improve productivity by reducing paperwork and administration, freeing up time for other tasks to be carried out. Traditional processes required paperwork to be manually completed in the field and then transferred onto a digital system back at the office. Mobile computing developments mean data entry tasks need only occur once, potentially halving the work required.

Management of corporate compliance matters, especially those laid out for health and safety around lone workers, are also made easier through mobile worker enablement, with vehicle safety criteria and lone worker checks being more easily and proactively managed on a worker’s device.

As I’ve already touched upon, visibility is at the very core of the ‘Mobility Solution’, enabling the business to track and trace individuals and assets, attribute work to specific workers and the location at which it was carried out. This transparency becomes critically important when dealing with Service Level Agreements (SLAs). A mobility solution allows SLAs to be clearly managed, defined, and proven much more easily, greatly reducing customer queries against invoices, guarantees, and warranties. In any situation where an agreement exists between two parties for work to be carried out or for information to be processed, mobile technology has facilitated confirmation of jobs completed or acceptance of the work done, by those concerned.

So, what is mobility? In essence, ‘mobility’ is a term to encompass all of the above. To allow field workers to access, change and input data into back office systems, reduce secondary data entry tasks and remain as ‘connected’ as possible at all times, increasing mobile workforce visibility and ensuring work is delivered on schedule and meets SLAs. A mobility solution is what enables all of these criteria to be met and managed.

By partnering with a mobile data solution specialist, capable of integrating existing systems, providing appropriate hardware and software, as well as mobile device staging and configuration, the customer can realise all of the known benefits of a “one stop shop” approach!

Mobile technology is advancing at an astounding rate, and is changing the very nature of how work is carried out. With the growth in ‘cloud computing’ systems, Software as a Service (SaaS) and developments in mobile platforms, nothing should be discounted as being possible on a mobile device. Your workforce is increasingly coming from a generation which puts mobile technology at the centre of their lives, they expect to have data available on the move and always be ‘connected’. The question is, are you moving with these changing times and if so, what could mobile technology and mobile solutions to do for your business?

About Terran Churcher
Terran churcher founded Codegate (based in Oxfordshire in the UK) in June 1994, establishing the business as an AIDC (auto identification) specialist. His vision is to bring the benefits of AIDC to industry sectors including Transport & Logistics, Warehousing and Manufacturing.

This article was originally published on the Codegate blog

Innovative Ideas for Manufacturers

Kathy — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:31:53 +0000

Electronics New England 2010 tradeshow is designed for manufacturers to see what’s new and how it can be applied to your business for success. Here you get a first hand look at new products and services, and keep up-to-date on current trends and issues.

This is your opportunity to network with peers and industry leaders and perhaps see what a competitor is learning. The show is co-located with Design and Manufacturing and BioMed Device. No matter what industry you specialize in, there is some thing for every manufacturer.

In the exhibit hall, you’ll see product demonstrations, ideas to help your business grow, and compare products all in one place. To maximize your time, make a list of vendors you would like to visit and made note of their booth.

Get Your Free Exhibit Hall Pass

As an exhibitor, we would like to offer you a complimentary expo hall admission – a $45 savings. Just call us at 1-800-325-5260 or use the show’s easy online registration. Look for “Quick Links” and choose “Free Expo Hall Admission” to register.

Make sure you visit Winco ID at booth #1005 for Bar Code and Labeling Solutions

Learn how simple changes to your labeling process can increase productivity and accuracy in the manufacturing or assembly operations.
Bar Code and Labeling for tracking and traceability.
Simplify compliance with the US Government Military Labeling Standards (MIL-STD-130, MIL-STD-129).
Gain a better understanding of how to manage your WAWF workflow.
See live demonstrations of what’s new in Thermal Transfer Printing, how to incorporate RFID and high resolution printing in a high volume setting.
How to get full color labels with your company logo, sequential data to mark products, without the full investment in hardware and software.
Put your operations on the move with wireless scanners, portable printers, or mobile workstations.

Bring your samples of labels you use or ideas for labels you need to Winco ID at booth #1005. We will help you with your labels AND how to get the most out of your labeling and printing systems.

Let us know if you are coming to the show by leaving a comment. We’ll help you make the most of your time investment.

If you have any questions about your labeling and can’t make it to the show, let us know by leaving a comment, send an email to david@labelingnews.com or call us at 603.598.1553.

Look forward to seeing you at the show!

5 Reasons To Attend Our “Demystify DoD Labeling” Seminar

Linda — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:38:03 +0000

Not sure if you should attend Winco ID’s FREE “Demystify DoD Labeling” Seminar? Well, here are 5 good reasons why you should consider joining us on Wednesday, April 7 2010:

1) You are a DoD contractor, or have customers who are, and you must comply with the MIL-STD-129 including RFID, MIL-STD-130 including UID labeling mandates or even both! Many are finding that these mandates are being strictly enforced.

2) You have lots of questions. Whether you are currently under mandate with shipments ready to go, or will be soon, you might be feeling overwhelmed. The rules are many and the details are cumbersome. During the informative sessions, there is plenty of time in the presentations to have your specific question answered. We try to make the exchange of ideas as interactive as possible. If you need help before the seminar, call us, leave your questions in the comment area of this article, or send us email.

3) You are buried in data: contract data entry, ASN, tracking and traceability records. Are you getting charged per transmission? Besides learning about how to print compliant labels, we make sure that we cover the complete workflow, from label and RFID tag format design, to submitting the required data electronically to the government using WAWF, UID registry and your customer for use further down the supply chain.

4) Networking Opportunities. You will have the chance to meet your peers from other companies facing the same issues as you do.

5) Hands on demonstrations. Get the chance to check out RFID printers, scanners, mobile carts, and the latest UID verification systems – a rare opportunity to see all the equipment for DoD labeling in one place. See how it all fits together to simplify your DoD labeling in a unique, hands-on learning environment.

Winco ID works closely with industry experts who are working with our government to write specifications. With access to the details of the mandates and changes as they occur, Winco ID is positioned to ease you through your compliance labeling. Presenters at our seminar series have included industry leaders from companies such as InfinID, Microscan, BellHawk Systems and Newcastle Systems.

The Winco ID seminar is conducted in an entertaining, non-sales manner. Whether you have just been confronted with the need for MIL-STD-129 or 130 in a contract or you are already implementing solutions, you are sure to get something out of the morning.

The next seminar is on April 7, 2010, in Nashua, NH from 8:30 AM – Noon and includes a continental breakfast. The seminar is free but pre-registration is required. You can register online here, or call us at 603-598-1553 x266.

Details on our seminar content. are available online or download an invitation to send to a friend.

National Animal ID Program Halted

Linda — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:15:51 +0000

The USDA has announced that the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) has been halted. Pressure from livestock groups fearing that electronically tagging livestock to identify and track them to prevent food illness would be too expensive.

Originally, all cattle were to be tagged with a chip containing a 15-digit electronic number that would identify where the animal came from. Data from these tags would reside in a national database so agriculture officials could track the origin of foodborne illnesses. However, livestock producers feared that the cost in dollars and time would be too prohibitive, especially for small farmers.

The USDA will now seek ways to modify the program, and will not require electronic tracking of all livestock. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a press release that he has ”decided to revise the prior policy and offer a new approach to animal disease traceability with changes that respond directly to the feedback we heard”.

The new “Animal Disease Traceability Framework” will contain modifications of the NAIS. One modification is a change in the type of tagging. Rather than electronic chips, the agency will help states use low-cost visual tags or the electronic systems. The modified plan will apply only to animals moved in interstate commerce.

Another modification to the plan is that each state will administer it’s own tracking program. While some think this approach will bring about more flexibility, others are not so sure. Rosa DeLauro, chairwoman of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee says “I am concerned that we are moving from a single system capable of integrating and analyzing information across state lines to a collection of over 50 smaller systems that rely on different technology will be less effective for national animal disease surveillance and response efforts”.

The goal of the Animal Disease Traceability Framework is animal health and aims to assist the USDA in quickly finding out where diseased animals have been and what other animals they might come into contact with. “Animal disease traceability isn’t a food safety program” according to the UDSA.

For more information about the new program, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/.

Which Edition of BarTender?

David — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:07:43 +0000

Bartender is a great label program, but it can be tricky trying to figure out which edition you need.

Seagull Scientific currently has no less than six editions, from the incredibly powerful enterprise Print Server down to the (very) Basic Edition.

Like most of the label software companies, Seagull has published charts of all the features in each edition, but this can get confusing.

In an attempt to make it easier for potantial customers, Seagull has come up with an interactive version of their Features and Editions Comparison Chart. Check it out here!

To be honest, I find that the thing about BarTender that most confuses my clients is the difference in licensing between the Pro and Enterprise editions. You’ll note that this is the very top item in the chart.

Do you use BarTender or are you thinking of using it? Need help with determining which edition you need? Let me know what you think.

Winco ID is a business partner of Seagull Scientific, we have been providing and supporting Bartender with great success!

Variable Data On Preprinted Labels – How?

Kathy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:27:56 +0000

When serial numbers, lot numbers, expiration dates, and other variable data is required for your labeling jobs, preprinted labels may be an economical and efficient way to go.

The labels you see here are all preprinted on durable label stock but each has their own specific application.

MIL-STD-130 UID Label

Preprinted Labels with Preprinted Variable Data
This supplier is mandated by the Department of Defense under MIL-STD-130 mandate to provide unit-level labels. Each label requires a unique data string. This particular label would be costly for the supplier to print themselves because 1) it uses reverse print black on silver matte polyester label stock 2) has an overlam for protecting the print and 3) must last the entire life-cycle of the product. By pre-printing what you see here, the most expensive part of printing is reduced as they are ordered in larger quantities. The variable data is printed on-demand when needed.

The bottom section of the label is blank. This is where variable data, in this case the Unique Identification string of data containing the serial number in a Data Matrix 2-D barcode, will be printed in batches when needed. A spreadsheet containing the variable data lots is submitted to Winco ID. Our label printing lab uses Thermal Transfer printers to print the data and the labels are sent to the customer. The customer is able to comply with government contracts containing MIL-STD-130 labeling mandates without the expense of buying a printer, or taking one from an existing production line.

Preprinted, Two Color Labels for Printing On Demand

Two Color Preprinted and Print On Demand

Printed on a glossy, silver polyester label material, this label can be used in two ways. One application is to use it as is. The durable material lasts, and the two color graphical layout enhances the corporate image. This same label can also be printed on demand. When variable data is required in a labeling job, the customer uses their existing thermal transfer printers and prints in the blank area at the bottom. The customer has consistent, high quality image that 1) saves time because they con’t have to change rolls of labels in printers 2) cuts costs with efficient ordering, and 3) reduces waste by using one label for two applications.

What Can Using Preprinted Labels Do For Your Business?

Preprinted labels can be used in many different ways. Whether your application calls for graphics, multiple colors, paper or durable labels as printed or combined with printing on demand, your labeling jobs can become more efficient and economical by:

Ordering in larger quantities when applications are combined
Save time changing rolls of labels in your printers
Save on managing different label inventories
Provide a consistent look for your business
Save time ordering and maintaining art for several labels
Reduce waste

Preprinted labels are just one example of how you can improve your labeling process and business operations. When was the last time you took a close look at your labeling? Are you experiencing slow downs in production? Do you need to improve your ability to track work-in -process or provide traceability throughout your supply chain?

If you answered yes, or want to explore ways to improve business operations using labeling, David Holliday at Winco ID will help you analyze strategic barcode, label, or RFID technology-based solutions to help. Call 603.598-1553 X237.

Feeling the Pressure to Adopt RFID

Kathy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:54:28 +0000

There continues to be a lot of buzz in the marketplace on the use of RFID technology as more companies are looking at RFID technology as a tool to enhance supply chain visibility and provide real-time information for better business decisions.

Some activity is due to businesses, like those who supply to the DoD, who are under compliance mandates to supply RFID tags. Others are required by their customers to employ RFID on a larger scale in order to be able to communicate with other suppliers in the supply chain or for tracking to handle recalls effectively and quickly with minimal damage to sales and supply.

There is an informative article by Chris Hanebeck that may help put things in perspective when considering how to use RFID technology and how to get started. Rather than trying to take an “all or nothing” approach to RFID, Chris explains the importance starting with identifying your company’s goals. By following these steps, you should have a solid understanding of how RFID technology can best increase your competitive standing in the marketplace before implementing any thing.

We strongly agree with Chris’ point of view that while there is thought and careful planning that goes in to implementing RFID technology and there are certainly proven benefits, that you really can’t afford to sit back and wait. Just as products to market first have an advantage over all others, the benefits and perception of companies using RFID successfully will certainly position companies as leaders while others who follow will be catching up.

Winco ID is working with customers across many industries to develop and implement strategic plans for successful tracking and traceability using RFID technology. Our services include accurate site surveys, installation, training, support, and barcode systems that work along side RFID applications without disruption to your existing infrastructure.

If you are ready to start getting on board with RFID technology, please call David Holliday at Winco Identification 1.603.598.1553 X237.

David Holliday Meets President Obama

Linda — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:34:37 +0000

David Holliday, Sales Manager at Winco ID, will meet President Obama today. David’s wife Caren was a lucky winner of free tickets to see the Town Hall meeting hosted at Nashua High School North today at 2:00. Caren chose to bring David along, and they will be among the approximately 1500 people to attend this exciting event.

David will keep us posted with updates via Twitter, and we hope he can get some great photos. So stayed tuned to Labeling News for David’s unique perspective of the Town Hall meeting.

David is always doing something interesting, such as getting involved in events like the 12 for 12K charity, and more. Watch for the spotlight on David in Labeling News to learn more about him.

Update from David:

Well I didn’t get to chat with Mr. Obama, but I did get to photograph him. Here he is waiting a bit impatiently for someone to finish a rather long question.

The President is a very engaging personality and I was really glad we had the chance to attend.

You can see more of my images from the event at davidholliday.net