Variable Data Solutions

Why Automate the Data Flow?

Manual entry is the single largest source of label errors: the wrong lot number, a stale date, a copy-paste mistake. When data flows directly from its source, that entire error class disappears.

Three Integration Methods

File-based

Your ERP drops a CSV into a watched folder at intervals. Easiest to set up and requires no change to existing software. Suitable where batches are printed on a schedule.

Database query

The print system connects directly and pulls current data at print time. Read-only access is sufficient. Suitable where data changes continuously.

API

The most flexible. Label data transfers the moment a production order is created, and can work in both directions — printed label information written back to the ERP.

Which Fields Are Pulled

Product code and name, batch or lot number, production and expiry dates, quantity, order number and shipment details.

The Critical Decision

Where serial numbers are generated. Either the ERP generates and the print system prints, or the print system generates and reports back. Both generating at once produces collisions. This must be settled before implementation.

Outage Behaviour

What happens when the connection drops must be defined in advance: does printing stop, or continue from a local cache? Systems without a defined answer become inconsistent during outages.

Print Verification

Camera-based inspection can read each printed code back and compare it against the data record, removing faulty units from the line. This directly reduces recall exposure.