Some may think of labelling in simple terms. Price tags, shipping labels, and
file tabs may be all that comes to mind when the subject of
label
printing is raised. In reality, label printing is rapidly becoming a
critical issue for many companies, and its significance will undoubtedly
continue to escalate.

Of course, retailers have long relied on labels and will continue to do so.
Price tags, special tags on products and even the labelling on shelf-space are
important aspects of any successful retail operation. Label printing will remain
a critical element of the retail industry.

Labels, however, are becoming
increasingly important on the suppliers end of the spectrum, too. Many
industries have implemented, or are moving toward, strict guidelines for labels.
Trade groups ranging from the automotive industry to the semiconductor market
are demanding standardized labels. Label printing is not only a matter of
marking a product for sale; it is a full-blown compliance issue for many
companies. Errors in label printing can have a very negative effect on
businesses.

In other areas, label printing is being more carefully regulated by government
agencies. Food labelling, for instance, has changed dramatically over the last
several years with several new requirements put into law. Those in highly
regulated fields must track developments in the label printing industry quite
carefully.

The continued reliance upon label printing in a retail environment, combined
with rigorous compliance standards for labels is making the industry more
important than it has ever been. Those who neglect label printing may be
flirting with a potential business disaster. Labels are not a simple, relatively
insignificant part of business--they can be a critical component of success.