If you’re reading this article, you’re probably already aware of the existence of date codes—alphanumeric sequences printed on product packaging. You may not know, however, how incredibly useful date codes can be, and how many advantages they can provide your business. In this article, we’ll unpack exactly how date codes can help give you an edge in a crowded marketplace.
What are the main types of date codes?
Date codes can be classified into several types, including:
- Expiration dates. These indicate the date after which a product should not be consumed. They are particularly important for perishable goods to ensure consumer safety.
- Best-before or Use-by dates. Unlike expiration dates, these dates indicate the product’s optimum quality, taste, and freshness, but are not an indication of safety.
- Production dates. These the date when the product was first manufactured. They help companies track the age of item inventory, and manage stock rotation.
- Batch codes. Batch codes help manufacturers identify the specific batch from which a product originates, aiding in traceability.
Understanding these different types of date codes is essential for manufacturers, as it informs responsible labeling practices and helps ensure compliance with industry standards.
The benefits of date coding
Now that you understand the various types of dates, here are some of the benefits which date coding offers your packaging line and your company as a whole.
Inventory management
When each product has an accurate date code, manufacturers can track their inventory and ensure that products are rotated efficiently. This is particularly important in the food industry, because it allows manufacturers to reduce spoilage and waste. Proper inventory management also allows for better forecasting of stock levels, reducing wastage even further.
Identification & traceability
Date codes help manufacturers quickly identify products during recalls, supporting consumer safety and maintaining brand integrity. Being able to trace a product back to its origin not only safeguards consumers, but also protects your reputation in the marketplace.
Customer satisfaction
Clear date codes help consumers make more informed choices, leading to increased brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. In an era where consumers are becoming more conscious about product quality, having clear and accurate date codes can set your brand apart.
Regulatory Compliance
Non-compliance with industry regulations regarding labeling and traceability can lead to penalties, recalls, and damage to your reputation. With efficient date coding systems, the regulatory compliance process is simplified and automated.
Sustainability
Many modern date coding solutions are designed with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly inks and materials. This helps appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, but and also helps businesses reduce their environmental footprint (and, often, energy expenses).
Cost savings
When compared with other types of manufacturing machinery, date coding machines are relatively very affordable. However, the simple act of adding a date code to your products can yield significant cost savings. On an everyday basis, you can reduce cost inefficiencies. And if a batch is contaminated, you can rapidly identify affected products and remove them from shelves before your reputation, and bottom line, are affected.
How to Incorporate Date Coders into Your Business
If you are interested in integrating date coding machines into your packaging line, follow these key steps.
Step 1: Assess your needs
First, evaluate your production volume; the types of packaging you will print on; and the budget you have to work with. Understanding the scope of your operations will help you select the best equipment for your needs.
Step 2: Select a date coding machine
Once you have a solid understanding of your production environment, research the different brands and models of coding machines that are available. You might be interested in consulting our quick guide, Marking and Coding Solutions 101. Or, you can call a marking and coding professional for more help. One key quality to look for is ease of programming. You will want to purchase a machine that is user-friendly in terms of installation and interface.
Step 3: Train your staff
Once your new marking and coding machine arrives, ensure that you train all employees on proper operation and maintenance procedures. Proper training will maximize the effectiveness of the equipment, and reduce the risk of operational issues—and expenses—in the future.
Step 4: Monitor machine performance
Once you’re up and running, regularly review your system’s performance to ensure it is performing the way you need it to perform. Help to maintain optimal, ongoing performance by implementing routine checks and maintenance schedules.
Step 5: Evaluate & upgrade
As printing technology continues to evolve, and as your business grows, continue to periodically assess whether your current system is still meeting your needs. Upgrading to more advanced systems may provide you with additional benefits.
When upgrading your date coding system, you should once again consider factors such as production volume, packaging type, technological advancements, and the specific needs of your operation. Conducting a thorough needs assessment can help guide your decision.
Renting date coding machines: another option
If you’re still not sure which date coding machine is right for you, another option is to rent one. Renting a coding machine can be a great way to test out a product “in the field” before committing to a bigger investment.
Renting marking and coding equipment is also a great option for those who are uncertain of what their needs will be, or those who will only need to mark and code small batches of items. If your facility is small—more of a room than a facility—renting is also a great way to meet seasonal increases in production without having to make space for a machine year round.
Get all your marking and coding machine needs at SSI Packaging!
As a leader in the marking, coding, and packaging machinery industry, we are proud to offer packaging equipment from a wide variety of manufacturers. Whether you want to replace a machine on your production floor, or expand your current product packaging capabilities, SSI Packaging can help you find the best packaging equipment for your business. To learn more about our marking and coding solutions for businesses, click here.