By Katy Nightingale Announcements 0 Comments

Label Traxx completes integration with HP PrintOS job costing tool

First MIS provider in the label industry able to import valuable HP Indigo digital press data from the jobs API feature in HP PrintOS Print Beat

Innovative Labeling Solutions (ILS) in Hamilton, OH has gown its business significantly by utilizing HP Indigo technology

Label Traxx, the management information software (MIS) solution provider for the label converting industry, today announced it has completed integration with HP PrintOS Print Beat Jobs API.  As a result, Label Traxx job costing analysis can capture information from HP Indigo presses to include in costing.

With the new Label Traxx collaboration, HP Indigo digital press users can connect Label Traxx to HPs PrintOS to access information captured by the HP Indigo press, including production time, ink and media usage captured by the HP Indigo press. The data fed from PrintOS Print Beat Jobs API is thereby included in the Label Traxx cost analysis to reach accurate job costing.

Label Traxx is the first MIS supplier in the label industry to have this integration with the cloud-based PrintOS. 

“We finally have the remaining piece to the puzzle when it comes to post-production calculations for digitally-printed jobs,” said Ken Meinhardt, president of Label Traxx. “HP Indigo press users now have the real ‘actual’ data when it comes to comparing estimated ink, media and production time versus actual production.”

Innovative Labeling Solutions (ILS) in Hamilton, OH, has grown business significantly by utilizing HP Indigo technology, Label Traxx, and finishing from AB Graphic. “Label Traxx is now taking press data directly from our fleet of HP Indigo machines, giving us the most accurate shop floor data collection we have ever had before. We can be sure that our job costing calculations on profitability are accurate,” said Jay Dollries, owner.

“With the accelerating trend of short runs, automation is becoming key for label converters. Integration between HP Indigo and Label Traxx enables label converters not only to accurately perform job costing, but also to reduce touchpoints and simplify their production practices,” said Alon Bar-Shany, General Manager, HP Indigo.

HP PrintOS is a cloud-based print production operating system with web and mobile apps that help label and packaging manufacturers get more out of their HP presses while simplifying production. HP PrintOS – an open, secure cloud-based platform – makes it easy to manage print jobs from submission to shipment with partner collaboration. 

Contact Label Traxx for more information.

By Katy Nightingale Announcements 0 Comments

Flexible packaging tools incorporated into Label Traxx MIS

Label Traxx, the management software (MIS) specialist for the label converting industry, has announced that new features in Version 8.2 are tailored toward flexible packaging manufacturers. Version 8.2 of the software includes dedicated flexible packaging workflows for companies selling unsupported film, sachets and pouches by weight. 

These new tools help with the accurate and consistent estimating of flexible packaging along with features specifically for flexible packaging order processing. The system not only takes into consideration the weight of the raw material and inks, but also considers other converting options such as additional machine passes to laminate or seal the packaging. In addition, Label Traxx Version 8.2 calculates the weight and cost of any other ancillary items such as spouts, zippers, seals or degassing valves.

The flexible packaging products are quoted in the MIS system in pounds/kilos, and then carried through to manufacturing instructions, order confirmations, packing slips and ultimately the invoice. Purchase orders for flexible packaging materials can also be made in pounds/kilos.

“We have seen that flexible packaging is one of the fastest growth areas for our customers, and it’s an area showing tremendous growth worldwide.” says Label Traxx president Ken Meinhardt. “Companies are moving to becoming a one-stop labels and packaging shop. We wanted to make sure those companies had no barriers to entering this lucrative market. While the converting process isn’t necessarily different – selling by the pound or kilo is unusual with labels. But now, our customers can be confident quoting and manufacturing these kinds of jobs right in Label Traxx.” 

Version 8.2 of Label Traxx is now available.  Contact Label Traxx today for more information and to schedule a demo.

By Katy Nightingale Announcements 0 Comments

New video: Give great customer service

To give great customer service, all the cogs within your business have to work in unison. Label Traxx MIS provides the framework to integrate all these moving parts into one. The resulting improved internal communication means that your customers get accurate answers fast.

And we don’t leave any departments behind! This latest video makes a return visit to the shipping department. If you remember our shipping clerk from the original “Homegrown” video, she had a frankly nutty paper-based system for tracking shipments. Actually it was a nutty “paper-chains” based system.

Now she’s using Label Traxx where packing slips can integrate with UPS and Fedex for realtime shipping status information and pricing. Her job and the customer experience has transformed…despite the fact she is still a little nuts 😉

When everyone is working within the system, we are all talking the same language (even the crazy ones).

By Jen Falk Announcements 0 Comments

Label Traxx MIS launches new developments at Labelexpo

Label Traxx, the management software (MIS) specialist for the label converting industry has announced the key new features it will be promoting at Labelexpo Europe in September. Label Traxx is an end-to-end management software system designed to improve converter efficiency and increase profitability.

“As well as demonstrating the core functionality of our management software, we have a number of new capabilities we are pleased to introduce at Labelexpo,” says Label Traxx president Ken Meinhardt. “We are excited to demonstrate our new flexible packaging tools, proof approval procedures in our online customer portal Siteline and also the results of some optimisation projects with key partners including HP Indigo, Esko and Herma.”

Label Traxx will be promoting the following new capabilities:

  • Dedicated flexible packaging workflows for companies selling unsupported film, sachets and pouches by weight. The tools available help with the accurate and consistent estimating of flexible packaging along with tailored features specifically for order processing.
  • Ensure that you get a demo of Siteline – Label Traxx’s new online interface – while you are at the show. Don’t restrict your customers to only working with you during office hours. Siteline is a web portal enabling end users to order repeat labels, view product specifications, see order history – and now they can also approve proofs – from their mobile device, whenever they want.
  • HP Indigo press users can now retrieve their actual clicks by job from the press for accurate job costing purposes. Label Traxx connects to HP’s PrintOS Jobs API and accesses the clicks and production details. It then includes these clicks as part of the Label Traxx job costing analysis.
  • Esko QuickStart for labels now integrates with Label Traxx. QuickStart provides converters with prepress software that contains built-in workflows for flexo and digital. The predefined workflow with Label Traxx creates bi-directional communication between the two systems. Job data is passed from Label Traxx which automates step and repeat, file planning of “ganged” labels across the web, lead-in and lead-out frame management. QuickStart can then pass prepress status information back to Label Traxx. QuickStart is designed to provide a rapid installation and implementation phase.
  • Come and talk to us about our upcoming integration with Herma. The integration means that Herma’s EPSMA barcode roll numbers will drop into Label Traxx inventory when shipments are received. The manufacturer’s barcode can then be used for roll tracking at press. Press operators scan the barcode and the data is stored for water-tight traceability and costing purposes.

Label Traxx is exhibiting at booth 9A10.

About Label Traxx

Label Traxx is an end-to-end management software system designed and built specifically for the label and packaging industry. The company continues to release cutting-edge software to help label converters streamline their operations and increase profitability.

Label Traxx is headquartered in Milwaukee,Wisconsin, and has an office in the UK, plus an agent in Australia. www.labeltraxx.com

By Jen Falk Announcements • Blog 0 Comments

Digital Skills to Pay the Bills

Technology and digital advancements within the print industry are continuously evolving, creating a competitive culture – but also a cause for concern. A recent article in Print Week by Rhys Handley has put the spotlight back on the digital skills divide within the print industry.

As new applications are developed, they also require the infrastructure, workflows and skills to support them. A recent study by the Open University called ‘Bridging the Digital Divide’ states as many as nine in 10 organisations across Great Britain currently lack the necessary digital skills, which range from cyber security and the cloud, to data management and social media.

As they widen, skills gaps can impact productivity heavily, with 56% of businesses saying this has already happened and half expecting profitability to be impacted within five years if the situation is not rectified. Research suggests that digital transformation can make every business in every sector more productive, and most businesses can’t afford to miss out.

With this in mind, it can become overwhelming to deal with these issues on top of your day-to-day running of a printing company. This is where strong links with suppliers of training, education and software become key in overcoming any barriers a printing company may face.

Label converters have been shifting their attention to software applications ranging from pre-press automation workflows, project management, online label ordering and business management systems.

So what can you do to identify and address the digital skills gap in your business?

  • What is your digital strategy? Define a plan of implementation with clear milestones.
  • Do you have buy-in from senior management?
  • Do you need additional people with new skills or is it a matter of introducing new skills to existing employees? Focusing on existing employees is a much lower-cost option – they know your business and they are already committed to your brand.
  • Try to look long-term rather than focusing on short-term gains.
  • Find out what training and support your software and other digital suppliers can offer.
  • Digital training should be continuously evaluate and consistent.
  • Does your organisation have a learning mindset?
  • Don’t be afraid to speak to your customers to see how you can support them on their journey.

Contact Label Traxx if you would like to discuss giving your customers online access to order their labels, prepress automation or workflow optimisation through management software. We’d be happy to help. Visit www.labeltraxx.com or come to see our experts at Labelexpo, Brussels on stand 9A10 during September 24th-27th.

By Jen Falk Announcements • Blog • • • • 0 Comments

2019 Label Traxx User Conference

Do you have questions about how to optimize your use of Label Traxx MIS? Sign up for the 2019 Label Traxx User Conference May 8-10, in Milwaukee, WI. Label Traxx is offering training on a variety of topics relating to the Label Traxx software.

Check out new modules, hear about best practice and learn from your peers. There will be 15 sessions held over a three-day period covering topics such as digital optimization through JDF, managing and monitoring KPIs with Business Metrixx, custom-report writing, monitoring profits and many more.

Click on this link to download the brochure and sign up now: https://customers.labeltraxx.com/_w0tlJkUxRwtg8R

By Katy Nightingale Announcements 0 Comments

Siteline – a new way to gain loyalty from your label buyer customers

“Stop wasting your customers’ time!” urges the latest amusing video release from Label Traxx MIS. The film clip focuses on a stressed-out label buyer who is struggling with his workload until he is introduced to Label Traxx MIS’ new web-based module Siteline. Siteline gives label buyers 24-hour access to their product and account information.

Consumers today expect to be able to place an order on the move from their phone or tablet at any time of day. They don’t want to be constricted by office opening hours. Why should buying labels be different to any other purchasing experience?

“Most label printers have been focused on efficiency gains in production and automation when it comes to growing and optimising their business,” says Chris Spooner Label Traxx Business Development Manager. “Not many label converters have reviewed their customer experience and what it takes to get pricing information and place an order. How quick and easy is it to buy from my business?”

Siteline connects directly to your Label Traxx database and gives your customers access to view their product database and order history. They can easily place repeat orders online and the jobs then automatically load into the MIS system awaiting scheduling.

“Siteline also has a specifically developed messaging tool that helps to manage projects,” explains Spooner. “Typically when you get an enquiry from a customer, it kicks off a barrage of emails that go back and forth between the printer and the customer. Six months down the line and there is a query with the product, it’s very difficult to track back to the information required. Siteline enables you to communicate with your customer in a project area with clear milestones, which makes it very easy to track its status at any point in time.”

Siteline gives your customers the buying experience they expect from a modern business and reduces the amount of time between initial enquiry and the order being printed in production. It’s also the ultimate sales tool for your reps to offer to new prospects. Differentiate your label printing business by showing your customers you care about their time.

Visit Label Traxx for a demo on booth 5920 at Labelexpo Americas in Chicago.

By Jen Falk Announcements 0 Comments

Label Traxx Joins Growing List of Digital Packaging Summit Sponsors

The Digital Packaging Summit will return to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., for its fourth annual edition and Label Traxx will be joining the event as a sponsor. This invitation-only, hosted summit designed for senior managers and business executives who want to understand how current and future digital production printing, finishing technology, software and solutions will impact their business and investment decisions. It will take place November 5-7 at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

“We are pleased to welcome Atlas Die, Barberán, MPS and Label Traxx to the robust roster of sponsors taking part in the Digital Packaging Summit,” stated Brian Ludwick, publisher of packagePRINTING, a co-organizer of the event. “As digital printing continues its rapid growth throughout the packaging industry, the Digital Packaging Summit has proven to be an essential platform for suppliers and converters to meet one-on-one, sharing valuable insights into how they can make the most of this game-changing technology.”

The Digital Packaging Summit’s innovative format promotes in-depth interaction between supplier sponsors and hosted converter attendees. Digital printing users leave the event with new knowledge and guidance on how their companies can most benefit from digital printing, while suppliers gain newly formed relationships with potential digital solutions buyers.
Supplementing the program is an industry-leading lineup of speakers and panelists providing the latest insights and trends in digital package printing. The program is led by advisory board co-chairmen and digital printing experts Marco Boer, VP of I.T. Strategies, and Kevin Karstedt, CEO of Karstedt Partners.

The conference program will cater to senior level decision makers tasked with researching and understanding digital solutions and determining if the business case to invest or expand into digital makes sense for their respective organization.

Digital Packaging Summit 2018 is scheduled to take place November 5-7 at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. For information on sponsoring and/or attending, please visit www.digitalpackagingsummit.com.

Source: Digital Packaging Summit.

By Jen Falk Announcements 0 Comments

Label Traxx to Promote Digital Optimization at Xeikon Café North America

Label Traxx MIS joins with nearly thirty other printing industry suppliers as a sponsor of Xeikon Café North America, promoting its digital workflow optimization solutions for label printers.  Running from May 15th through May 17th, Xeikon Café is offered free of charge to printers and label converters who register for the event at www.xeikoncafe.com.  The café presents industry trends, best practices and expert views on current and future digital packaging challenges.

This year’s event focuses on how print providers can innovate and profit from digital print. With the rapid growth of digital printing in the label and packaging segment, it is imperative that a company’s management software has the tools to support and enhance digital workflows. In a digital environment, turnaround times and accuracy are pivotal to success. Label Traxx MIS software provides label converters with the tools to support and enhance digital workflows. It allows label manufacturers to reduce waste and non-value added tasks, paving the way to more profitable work.

“We’ve developed a number of tools specifically for the digital converting market to help label converters maximize on their productivity,” explains Label Traxx sales manager Dorothy Asboth. “Integration with prepress software systems such as Esko Automation Engine and Hybrid Cloudflow also help to reduce the time spent moving orders through production. Companies can maximize press utilization and reduce errors”. Label Traxx representatives will be available to discuss these workflows with Café attendees.

Café attendees will also be able to see Label Traxx’s latest customer portal and project management tool – Siteline for Label Traxx.  Siteline is designed to save brand owners time in tracking order information, reordering existing labels and managing the projects in development.  

Visit the Label Traxx exhibit for a demonstration.

ABOUT LABEL TRAXX

Label Traxx is an end-to-end management software system designed and built specifically for the label and packaging industry. The company continues to release cutting-edge software to help label converters streamline their operations and increase profitability. Label Traxx is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and supports customers across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean and Latin America.

For more information:

Dorothy Asboth

414-839-5215

dorothy@labeltraxx.com

By Jen Falk Announcements 0 Comments

Label Traxx offers training during 2018 User Conference

Label Traxx will be offering training on a variety of topics relating to the Label Traxx MIS during its 2018 User Conference in Milwaukee, WI. There will be 24 sessions offered over a three-day period May 8-10, 2018 at the Label Traxx Corporate Office.

With 20+ years on the market and consistent ownership through its entire history, Label Traxx has continuously evolved with the label printing industry and provides a single trusted system of record for capturing, managing, and analyzing data created by daily print operations. Label Traxx offers a number of tools to help label printers streamline and automate their digital label workflow, reduce overhead costs, and eliminate the bottlenecks caused by many small jobs in production.

The 2018 User Conference conference offers guidance to users on everything Label Traxx MIS users need to know. There will be sessions on everything from equipment set up to to managing inventory to understand how to conduct your inventory efficiently and make necessary adjustments.

The 2018 User Conference also includes several sessions with professionals such as David Steger, Ann Stilp, Melissa Borowicz, Jim Fackleman, Tonita Proulx and Russell Salzer who will be there to help guide you and your business to success.

Label Traxx aims to help label converters achieve their business goals through increased efficiency, improved productivity and better profitability. Attend the sessions that best fit the needs of you and your company. Register today by completing the registration form at https://customers.labeltraxx.com/_BZpsAEQUtwcgFR  and return it no later than April 17, 2018.

Want more info? Contact training@labeltraxx.com.