Sato helps Clintriform to increase accuracy and cut error rate

Emzet, a Dutch printshop, is using equipment from Sato, the barcode printing, labelling, and EPC/RFID solutions provider, to produce forms and labels accurately for the healthcare industry and its partner company Clintriform. Since installing the Sato labelling solution Emzet has been able to reduce errors and increase operational efficiencies, while being confident that its labels are printed to the highest quality.

Emzet prints and supplies labels and forms for laboratories and hospitals worldwide and had a number of challenges for a new labelling system. First, it had to be reliable, printing forms and labels accurately 100% of the time. Second, the labels had to be able to withstand extreme temperature conditions, from frozen and dry ice applications, to hot bath environments, while remaining securely attached to the sample, with clear and legible text and barcode information.

"The labels are used for samples and medicines so accuracy is vital," says Marjo Zodenkamp, Director at Clintriform. "We were looking for a reliable, dust-free solution that would enable us to print labels to a very high quality and turned to Sato for support."

As an expert in printing and labelling, Sato suggested its CL4 printer together with its Label Gallery software, an external rewinder, control panel and a scanner. Sato has also supplied plastic "cryogenic labels" which are coated with a special adhesive. As a result, they can be applied in a wide range of temperature conditions and remain fixed to the sample firmly.

"We are pleased to be working on this project with Emzet and Clintriform," says Bart van Achterberg, Manging Director at Sato Benelux. "Accuracy with zero error margin was key, so we recommended our reliable CL4 printer linked to a scanner for error checking."

Each label is automatically scanned as it is printed to ensure it contains the correct information and Clintriform can be assured that each label printed is accurate. As well as giving Clintriforrm' s customers confidence that the information is exact, the system also reduces errors and wastage.

"We have been delighted with the results," says Marjo. "The system was very easy to install and is enabling us to produce high quality forms and labels that provide information clearly. Our customers can be 100% certain of the samples' and medicines' details for maximum safety and traceability."

The new printing system also has wider business benefits for Emzet and Clintriform. The system has the capacity to print 6,000,000 labels a year, which will enable the companies to increase production and supply a higher volume in response to customer demand.

Using the Sato solution, Emzet and Clintriform are now able to produce the labels and forms faster and with fewer errors, which means the printshop can increase operational efficiencies and make cost savings associated with reduced wastage.