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New IQ Color labels are designed to streamline operations, reduce errors and printing costs

New IQ Color labels are designed to streamline operations, reduce errors and printing costs

 

Zebra Technologies, a specialty printing and automatic identification solutions provider, has announced the launch and immediate availability of its IQ Color Thermal Labels, allowing operations managers to print colour visual cues on demand using their existing Zebra thermal printer.

 

With Zebra’s IQ Color direct thermal ink technology, users can print colour labels on demand. To create an IQ Color label, users can simply choose up to three colours plus the size and shape required. During the label manufacturing process, invisible inks are applied in up to three designated zones, customised to the end-user’s needs and label format. To the naked eye, colours are not apparent on the label. The Zebra printer’s printhead, then heat-activates the ink to make select colours visible based on the format sent to the printer. This allows for each individual label to be customised with colour images, text, shapes, graphics and more at the point of printing, according to the company.

 

Eliminated pre-printed colour labels

 

“Zebra’s IQ Color technology is a good testament to our ongoing dedication to providing our customers with innovative products that will help streamline their operations, and at the same time reduce errors and costs,” said Richard Knight, supplies director for Zebra Technologies Europe. “Eliminating the need for pre-printed colour labels will help increase productivity, as it removes the need to change rolls or switch printers and can help to reduce inventory and improve quality control.”

 

Enhancing Zebra’s existing product line, the IQ Color technology will be available on existing Zebra thermal printers and is being targeted at a variety of industries such as healthcare, where IQ Color can be integrated in the laboratory and pharmacy for the identification and prioritisation of orders.

 

Suited to cross-industry processes

 

In transportation and logistics, the company said the new product could reduce shipping and stocking errors during the sorting process by highlighting special order instructions. IQ Color also allows for real-time inventory management to ensure ‘First In First Out’ (FIFO) and easily identify any misplaced items.

 

In manufacturing, where it is critical for product identification in the inspection and assembly phase, IQ Color can reduce the cost of using additional labels during the sorting process and at the same time ensure quality control. And in retail, when integrated into shelf labelling, IQ Color allows for easy identification of product attributes.

 

IQ Color labels will be sold primarily through Zebra’s network of channel partners.