Centralized label software enhances accuracy and flexibility

Founded in 1959, Zatkoff Seals & Packings is the largest independent distributor of seals in North America. With more than 170 employees at eight locations across the United States, the company creates nearly 200,000 unique sealing solutions, which are used in a variety of industries around the world. As its customer base expanded, so did the complexity of its labeling processes. After upgrading to an enterprise bar code labeling system, the company was able to better manage label templates across all sites while reducing training time by 50%.

The information on each label is based on a bill of materials, and users were required to perform visual checks at various stages of the process to ensure the label data was accurate. Though intended to boost security, access restrictions and locked files slowed down the production process. When evaluating solutions, Zatkoff wanted to retain users’ ability to review the label prior to printing.

The new Web-based printing interface (Teklynx, teklynx.com) is integrated with the company’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, and each user sees only templates that are applicable to their location. “Our print users don’t need to modify the files—they just need to print the labels,” says James Kogut at Zatkoff Seals & Packings. “The solution allows our users to do only what they need to do.”

The new approach has significantly reduced the number of errors and product returns while simplifying workflows for production teams and administrators. The company’s lower-volume locations can leverage resources at other sites, and the system introduced other efficiency-boosting methods like heat sealing and printing directly onto packaging.

Kogut says training time has been reduced by 50%, not only for seasoned staff members but also for new employees. “Before, we had to show users what not to do by pointing out areas of the screen that they shouldn’t click or edit,” says Kogut. “Now, it’s a straightforward process that is really easy to learn—new employees are able to work independently by lunchtime on their first day.”