Efficient and secure labelling
Digital transformation has seen many business processes migrate to the cloud, and labelling is no exception. Cloud-based labelling solutions are increasingly gaining traction due to their flexibility, ease of use, and reduced IT burden.
Understanding the benefits of cloud-based labelling solutions like BarTender by Seagull Scientific compared to on-premise options can illuminate the best choice for your operational needs and leverage solutions to enhance business efficiency.
What is Cloud labelling?
Cloud labelling, or Software as a Service (SaaS) such as BarTender Cloud by Seagull Scientific, enables businesses to design and print labels through the cloud. Solutions like BarTender offer a streamlined, web-based approach to managing and streamlining labelling processes, accessible from any device with internet connectivity.
Key benefits of BarTender Cloud labelling
- Simplified Workflow: Cloud labelling provides a single access point for designing and printing labels, allowing users to print from any device, anywhere. This capability simplifies operations, enabling teams to focus on more critical tasks. For operations managers, this means streamlined processes and improved productivity. BarTender Cloud supports centralised label management, which enhances workflow efficiency.
- Automatic Updates and Maintenance: Cloud solutions are fully managed by the provider (Seagull Scientific), with regular updates, security patches, and product upgrades occurring automatically. This management ensures that the software is always up-to-date without impacting production. BarTender Cloud ensures that all updates are handled seamlessly, minimizing downtime, allowing engineers and IT technicians to benefit from reduced maintenance and redirect their focus to other strategic initiatives.
- Ease of Use: Cloud labelling solutions feature user-friendly, intuitive interfaces that allow users to design labels, print, and access production templates seamlessly. Printers are automatically added to the environment without needing detailed driver configuration. This ease-of-use can significantly reduce the IT burden, learning curve and operational delays. BarTender Cloud’s intuitive interface makes label design and printing straightforward, even for non-technical users.
Benefits continued...
- Single Point of Access: As web-based platforms, cloud labelling solutions are accessible from any device, including iOS, Android, and Windows. This universal access makes it easier for businesses to share resources across teams and locations. For operations managers, this means improved collaboration and consistency in labelling practices. BarTender Cloud’s web-based platform ensures that all team members can access the same resources and templates from any location.
- Reduced IT Load: With the SaaS provider handling maintenance, businesses do not require extensive IT resources to manage their labelling environments. This reduction in IT burden can be particularly beneficial for smaller businesses with limited resource. BarTender Cloud also reduces the need for local IT infrastructure, IT technicians can allocate their time and expertise to other critical areas.
- Scalability: As businesses grow, cloud labelling solutions can easily scale by adding new printers or users to the same account. This quick onboarding process supports business expansion without additional infrastructure. Engineers can efficiently manage multiple locations, ensuring seamless integration across the board. BarTender Cloud’s scalability allows businesses to add new users and locations effortlessly, maintaining consistency and control.
- Enhanced Security: Despite common misconceptions, cloud labelling can offer superior security. SaaS providers adhere to stringent security standards and regulatory compliance, such as FIPS 140-2, ensuring a robust security framework. This adherence often surpasses on-premise capabilities, providing peace of mind for IT professionals. BarTender Cloud is built with security in mind, offering features like data encryption and secure user authentication to protect sensitive information.
Cloud vs On-Premise
BarTender’s cloud and on-premise solutions cater to different operational needs. The cloud solution, offers an intuitive, browser-based interface that is accessible from anywhere, supporting multiple devices and operating systems. It includes features like centralised label management, which streamlines operations by allowing users to manage labels from a single location. This can be particularly advantageous for businesses with dispersed teams or multiple sites.
On the other hand, BarTender’s on-premise solution offers deep integration capabilities and a robust set of features that have been refined over years of development. It provides advanced customisation and control, making it ideal for businesses with complex labelling requirements and the necessary IT resources to manage local installations.
Learn more
BarTender’s comprehensive offerings in both cloud and on-premise labelling provide robust and flexible solutions tailored to meet diverse business needs.
Financial considerations
While cloud solutions may appear more expensive initially due to subscription fees, they often prove more cost-effective over time. Automatic updates, reduced IT maintenance, and enhanced security lower the total cost of ownership. For on-premise solutions, the initial cost may be lower, but hidden costs such as IT maintenance, upgrades, and security measures can accumulate, potentially surpassing the cost of cloud solutions.
Cloud labelling solutions represent a modern approach to managing and printing labels and leveraging the advantages of cloud labelling can significantly enhance your operational efficiency and security.. While they may seem more expensive initially, the reduced IT burden, automatic updates, and enhanced security can make them more cost-effective over time. For businesses in remote areas or with unstable internet connections, on-premise solutions might still be preferable. Ultimately, understanding your business needs and weighing the benefits of each option will help you make the best decision for your labelling requirements.
BarTender’s comprehensive offerings in both cloud and on-premise labelling provide robust and flexible solutions tailored to meet diverse business needs.
Need help selecting the right solution?
Our product specialists can offer help or guidance on a solution that will meet your needs now and into the future.
