From Compliance to Cost Savings: Why Marking Systems Are a Game-Changer

Welcome to Rocket Industrial’s Packaging Leaders Q&A series, where we sit down with industry experts to explore the latest trends, innovations, and solutions shaping the packaging world. Our goal? To bring you insights straight from the thought leaders driving the future of packaging products and equipment.

In this edition, we’re diving into the world of marking and labeling automation with two industry experts—Rocket Industrial’s own print specialist, Wes Hoffman, and John Matthews from Matthews Marking Systems. From emerging technologies to practical strategies for optimizing your packaging lines, this discussion unpacks everything you need to know to stay ahead in today’s competitive market.

What are the biggest trends in marking, coding, and labeling automation that businesses need to watch this year?

John - "Customers increasingly expect marking and coding systems to integrate seamlessly with their broader manufacturing execution systems (MES). Matthews’ MPERIA platform excels in this area, providing centralized control across production lines and facilities. Additionally, MPERIA helps reduce human error by ensuring accurate code application, which is especially critical in industries like food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals."

How are industrial printing systems evolving to meet the demands of modern production lines?

John - "Our L-Series (TIJ) and T-Series (Piezo) systems deliver high-speed marking capabilities of up to 800 feet per minute while maintaining crisp, legible codes through high-resolution printheads. The MPERIA platform stands out for its versatility, supporting multiple printing technologies including TIJ, Drop-on-Demand, and High-Resolution Piezo from a single controller. This robust system seamlessly integrates with existing ERP and PLC systems, minimizing implementation downtime and ensuring efficient operation."

What are the key ways businesses can reduce costs by integrating marking and labeling automation into their packaging lines?

Wes - "Automating marking and labeling in your packaging line cuts costs in a few big ways. You’re eliminating waste from misprints and rework, reducing downtime, and freeing up labor for higher-value tasks. Plus, with the right system, you’re optimizing ink usage and extending equipment life—less maintenance, fewer headaches."

John - "The L-Series and T-Series systems eliminate the need for pre-printed labels through direct product printing, while MPERIA-driven automation has demonstrated an impressive 80%+ reduction in coding errors compared to manual systems. The implementation of hands-off printing systems frees up valuable labor resources, and the L-Series TIJ heads' virtually maintenance-free operation contributes to a lower total cost of ownership compared to traditional CIJ systems."

How do marking and labeling systems help businesses ensure compliance with regulatory and traceability standards?

John - "In terms of compliance and traceability, the MPERIA excels in meeting rigorous standards across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, supporting GS1 standards, 2D codes, and serialization requirements. This is particularly crucial for compliance with regulations like the Food Safety Modernization Act and EU Falsified Medicines Directive. The integration of print-and-verify capabilities with vision systems ensures code accuracy before product shipment, providing comprehensive quality control throughout the production process."

How can businesses ensure they select the right marking or labeling system for their specific production needs?

Wes - "Selecting the right marking or labeling system comes down to understanding your production environment, materials, and long-term goals. Start by looking at what you are printing, whether it is text, barcodes, or logos, and the surface it is going on. Then, factor in speed, durability, and maintenance requirements. Thermal inkjet, continuous inkjet, and laser all have their strengths, so it is important to match the technology to your application. Integration is another big factor, making sure it works with your existing line and software. The best move is to work with a partner who knows the options and can test solutions to find the best fit."

John - "When selecting a printing system, businesses should evaluate several key operational factors to ensure optimal performance. Production volume and speed requirements determine whether a high-speed solution like the L-Series (TIJ) is needed, or if a lower-resolution option like the V-Series (DOD) would be more appropriate. The substrate material is also crucial. T-Series (Piezo) systems are ideal for porous surfaces like corrugated, while L-Series (TIJ) solvent-based ink works on non-porous materials such as films and metals. Additionally, considerations should include print quality requirements for brand presentation, ease of use through MPERIA's intuitive touchscreen interface, and the potential need for multi-line control or future scalability."

The key takeaways from our conversation with Wes and John? Modern marking and labeling automation drives success across your entire operation, from streamlined workflows and reduced costs to enhanced traceability and compliance. But with so many technologies available, how do you determine the right system for your business?

Steps to Get Started

1. Assess Your Production Needs – Consider your production volume, speed, and substrate materials. Are you printing on corrugated, plastic, film, or metal? Do you need high-speed, high-resolution codes, or a simpler solution?
2. Evaluate Integration Capabilities – Ensure the marking system seamlessly integrates with your existing ERP, PLC, or MES systems to maximize efficiency. Platforms like MPERIA offer centralized control for multiple lines.
3. Consider Long-Term Costs – Beyond upfront investment, think about ongoing maintenance, consumables, and potential labor savings.
4. Test Before You Invest – Running a sample print or conducting a real-world trial can help you confirm print quality and performance.
5. Learn from Others – Companies across industries have successfully reduced waste, improved uptime, and enhanced compliance with the right marking solutions. In the video below, a lemon producer modernized its marking process with the MPERIA platform—cutting consumable costs by 80%, eliminating labels and ribbons, reducing maintenance, and streamlining operations with centralized control.

Finding the perfect marking system doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Rocket Industrial, we help businesses test and implement marking solutions tailored to their needs. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or starting fresh, our experts can guide you through the process.

Let’s find the best solution for your packaging line. Contact us today.