Cost-effective and reliable labelling solutions with BarTender
Labelling software has long been a cornerstone for industries such as manufacturing, retail, and logistics. Traditionally, these sectors have relied upon on-premise software to manage and print labels.
Fast forward to today in an era increasingly dominated by cloud-based technologies, it can be unclear why some businesses still prefer to use on-premise labelling solutions. BarTender by Seagull Scientific offers a viable on-premise option for businesses prioritising control, redundancy, and initial upfront cost savings.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is on-premise software?
On-premise software refers to solutions that are installed and operated on computers within a company’s physical location. This traditional software approach offers several benefits that are particularly appealing to businesses with specific operational needs.
Key benefits of BarTender on-premise labelling software
- Cost-Effective: On-premise software typically involves a one-time upfront purchase cost, with the business maintaining the license server and applications locally. This model can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to the subscription fees associated with cloud solutions. For smaller businesses with tight IT budgets, the lower recurring costs can be a significant advantage. BarTender’s on-premise solution provides a robust set of features without the ongoing subscription costs.
- Greater Control: With on-premise software, IT teams have more control over deployment, configuration, and management. This control allows for customisation to meet specific business requirements and ensures seamless integration with existing ERP systems. For operations managers and IT technicians, this can mean greater flexibility in optimising workflows and system performance. BarTender offers extensive customization options and supports integration with various databases and ERP systems, making it an excellent choice for businesses with complex needs.
- Redundancy: One of the standout features of on-premise solutions is independence from internet connectivity. Software is designed with built-in redundancy, allowing businesses to continue printing even if the license server is temporarily inaccessible. This capability ensures uninterrupted operations, which is crucial for maintaining uptime in production schedules. BarTender’s on-premise solution includes features like failover and load balancing to ensure continuous operation.
- Mature and Developed: On-premise labelling solutions have been around longer, resulting in more mature and feature-rich software. Extensive documentation resources support self-sufficiency in troubleshooting and system management. For IT technicians, this wealth of resources can simplify the maintenance and optimisation of the software. BarTender’s extensive history and large user base have resulted in a well-developed and highly reliable product.
- Deeper Integration: Due to their longer development history, on-premise solutions often offer a variety of integration options and database connection types. This flexibility is essential for businesses with complex or unique requirements, enabling seamless data flow and system interoperability. BarTender excels in providing deep integration capabilities, supporting numerous data sources and printer models.
On-premise vs cloud solutions
While on-premise software can be more affordable upfront, it’s important to consider hidden costs. Maintaining an on-premise environment involves ongoing IT expenses for upgrades, virtual servers, and security measures. These costs can accumulate, potentially making cloud solutions more cost-effective over time.
Additionally, while on-premise solutions offer significant control and potential cost savings, cloud labelling solutions present a different set of benefits that might align better with modern business needs.
On-premise labelling software remains a viable option for businesses prioritising control, redundancy, and initial cost savings. However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against the potential hidden costs of IT maintenance. Each business must evaluate its specific operational needs and environment to determine the most suitable labelling solution. For operations managers, engineers, and IT technicians, the choice between on-premise and cloud solutions should be based on a thorough analysis of both immediate and long-term requirements.
BarTender’s offerings in both realms provide robust and reliable options tailored to diverse business needs.
What's your best option?
On-premise labelling software remains a viable option for businesses prioritising control, redundancy, and initial cost savings. However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against the potential hidden costs of IT maintenance. Each business must evaluate its specific operational needs and environment to determine the most suitable labelling solution. For operations managers, engineers, and IT technicians, the choice between on-premise and cloud solutions should be based on a thorough analysis of both immediate and long-term requirements.
BarTender’s offerings in both realms provide robust and reliable options tailored to 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.
