As Markem-Imaje introduces the latest version of its CoLOS Software system, the company’s marketing communication and business enablement director, Viktor Hermansson, discusses innovative developments in industrial coding with IoT Now.
IoT Now: What are the impacts of the transition from 1D to 2D barcodes and the GS1 Digital Link standard? What do solutions need to include to ensure compliance?
Viktor Hermansson: It depends on the industry and application. First, the manufacturer or retail brand needs to define the data in the code, uses cases they want to cover and verify the packaging design. They can for example decide to remove the 1D barcode entirely or keep the two codes during a transition period. In the second case they will need to find room for the second code. The new GS1 standard outlines certain recommendations of the position of the code.
If the manufacturer uses pre-printed labels for their product packaging, they need to assure that the printer company can create the codes according to the GS1 standard and verify them after print to ensure compliance. If their packaging requires unique information being printed on the label for each product, they will also need to have a solution that can handle the data traffic and synchronisation between the production line, printer and the database of unique data.
Manufacturers that are printing the code during the production process need printing equipment that can print the codes according to the standard and especially with the right size and grade/contrast. They need to have barcode design programme that designs compliant codes and can handle production data integration on the fly. After print they will also need a vision system for verification. What is essential is that the complete solution can deliver the correct QR codes at the required production speed and not impact the production line’s overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
IoT Now: Please tell us about the Markem-Imaje CoLOS solution. What are the key features and how does CoLOS support 2D codes?
VH: Markem-Imaje’s industrial CoLOS Software suite allows manufacturers to unlock the full potential of their packaging operations, from label and message design and data management to verification and inspection, on-premises inventory traceability, pallet labelling and beyond, covering applications like paperless quality, serialisation, aggregation, traceability, authentication and connected consumer experiences.
CoLOS’s message design builder supports the latest GS1 Digital Link standard and allows the manufacturer not only to create compliant codes but also to include instant production data in the QR’s URL creation, at the required speed. Thanks to CoLOS’s IT/OT capabilities the software can connect to multiple business systems or databases and seamless embed product and production data into the QR code. The more live, unique data that is incorporated the more value for the manufacturer, retailer and better experiences for the consumer can be offered. In addition, CoLOS offers verification features so no incorrect code leaves the production plant. Bad codes can mean retail fines and product return for the manufacturer.
CoLOS Key differentiators for GS1 Digital Link (DL) printing
- End-to-end workflow automation to ensure retail and GS1 compliant DL codes, without compromising line OEE, that scan at Point-of-Sale and support retail, brand and consumer engagement applications
- GS1-compliant DL code design and management
- Variable data integration from line systems, ERP and other external data points
- Inline printing and print quality inspection, at required speed
- Reject management and line control
- Synchronisation to a product’s digital identity
- Single version of truth
- CoLOS Software connects packaging, barcode and production data from ERP systems so the right code goes on the right product and packaging and is used across the supply chain by brands, retailers and consumers
- Reduces manual errors
- Removes operator dependency in manual data entry and job selection
- Helps prevent mismatched packaging, wrong codes, poor print quality and shipping errors
- Integrated package integrity and vision inspection
- Goes beyond label creation by validating packaging/job selection and ensuring barcode quality for PoS scanning
- Supports connected products
- Synchronises manufacturing data to a product’s digital identity at levels such as GTIN, lot, date, facility and serial number
- Offers post-print data management, URL redirection rules, scan data and design of consumer experience
- Lower complexity than custom solutions
- Avoids stitching together multiple vendors, custom OPC integrations, and ongoing software maintenance and support
- Easier to manage when printers or workflows change
- Single-vendor solution
- Combines hardware, software, integration and solution delivery with global support
IoT Now: What innovative use cases does the GS1 standard support? Which sector-specific regulations does CoLOS support compliance with?
VH: The GS1 Digital Link standard supports multiple use cases including:
Inventory management
- Inventory accuracy
- Availability and location insight
- Avoid waste, ensure freshness
- Improved analytics and insights
Improved packaging
- Efficient packaging design
- Regulatory compliance
- Enhanced consumer experience
Traceability
- Product authentication
- Supply chain visibility
- Recall handling and avoid associated fines
- Consumer trust and food safety
Safety
- Brand Integrity
- Prevent sale of expired or recalled product
- Fight counterfeiting
Consumer engagement
- Access to brand-authorised information
- Discounting and promotions
- Nutritional information and recipes
- Direct consumer engagement
Sustainability
- Recycling information
- Enables circular economy
- Waste prevention
- Farm to fork
CoLOS follows global standards for marking and coding including 1D/2D barcodes and compliant with newest GS1 Digital Link. By being able to encode a wide range of production data like batch, production date, best before date, pricing and serial number, CoLOS enables the above use cases.
In addition, the CoLOS 2D application enables brands to organise and activate all web URLS and monitor the scan data of the QR codes and connect consumers directly to dynamic mobile experiences. By integrating product and production data from CoLOS, ERP systems, CRM platforms and loyalty or coupon programmes, brands can deliver engaging, valuable and personalised content while capturing valuable first‑party consumption insights. By using this approach product packaging becomes a direct communication channel between brands and consumers.
IoT Now: How will IoT enterprises benefit from adopting CoLOS?
VH: CoLOS is purpose-built for manufacturing and unlocks the full potential of packaging operations. The proven software suite, born over 30 years ago, has tens of thousands of installations worldwide and in multiple different industries, seamless speaks to a wide variety of business systems like MES, ERP, WMS, tax systems and distributed control systems. Its infrastructure permits two-way communication through OPC, TCP/IP, ODBC, web services and cloud applications, for example. CoLOS is the perfect complement to IoT enterprises that want to embed packaging operations into its ecosystem and be able to handle large amounts of production data at speed. If the IoT enterprise has multiple factories or sites, CoLOS can manage and control software contracts, licences and configurations from a central hub. We also take security to the next level with role-based access control, encrypted data handling, and a secure development process built on global best practices. Backed by IEC 62443-4-1 & IEC 62443-4-2 certifications, our software ensures packaging operations are resilient against cyber threats. CoLOS Version 7 is available for use through both on-premises installation and cloud-based models.
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