Packaging and shipping industries rely on integrated forms to simplify the shipping process and increase accuracy and efficiency. A shipping label is also known as an integrated label or peel-out label. An integrated label can combine the customer’s invoice and shipping label on a single document, increasing cost-effectiveness in the shipping process.
Online shopping has become the new normal, and the global marketplace is always evolving and finding new ways to be innovative and simplify the return process for customers. Integrated labels and forms have been able to provide a resolution for both businesses and consumers.
Integrated Forms
Although there are many different types of integrated forms, it is the application of a liner material to the back of the sheet. The face of the sheet is die-cut to make it possible to remove a label or card. This method’s utility lies in merging two print operations into a single application. For instance, a shipping label may be printed in a separate location than a shipping document, which can increase the chances for inaccuracies. Integrated products increase efficiency and decrease errors by enabling the card or label to be printed simultaneously with the carrier document.
What are Integrated Labels?
‘Peel-out labels’ or ‘integral labels’ are other names for integrated labels. An A4-sized paper backing sheet with a kiss-cut, peel-out self-adhesive label incorporated is called an “integrated label.” Integrated label sheets can be overprinted using a laser or inkjet printer in addition to being litho-printed like regular letterhead.
When attached labels are the best option for your business needs, integrated labels can be used to develop marking systems for items, shipping, mailing, returning goods, and other uses. The area that will be labeled is lined with transfer tape on the back. Several labels can frequently be produced on a single sheet, with the flexibility of creating different label sizes if needed.
Integrated Label Applications & Configurations
The mindset of every business is to operate as efficiently as possible and increase productivity in the workplace, as that leads to improved consumer satisfaction and increased profitability. The idea behind using an integrated label in your business applications is to reduce the number of steps in the shipping process. Some common applications for integrated labels include:
- Return labels
- Invoice labels
- Packing labels
- Shipping of documents
- Pharmaceutical labels
- Promotional labels
- Labels used for dispatch
Integrated labels have become the prime choice for businesses to incorporate into their shipping process because they improve efficiency by including a product’s return/delivery labels on the same sheet.
To fit every application, you may choose between one, two, or three integrated labels per page with a permanent or removable adhesive. Although you can cut integrated labels to specific sizes and shapes, employing standard sizes that are made with already-existing cutters is the most economical option. You can add a laminate to the labels for further durability or security, but keep in mind that doing so will stop overprinting unless the laminate is laser printable.
Integrated Cards
Advertising and marketing your business are key components to building a strong network and expanding your customer base. Always having your company’s key information readily accessible when you are out in the field or on business trips is vital. Integrated cards make advertising your business easy and convenient no matter where you are.
Integrated cards and integrated labels are similar, except instead of using a self-adhesive sticker, you can use a paper backing sheet with a laminated card that is removable. There are several formats for integrated cards, such as peel-out, pop-out, and foldable (butterfly) cards.
Integrated business cards are peel-out cards that are typically printed on an A4 sheet of paper. The sheet of paper can be printed traditionally—that is, simultaneously printing both the card and the sheet—using a laser printer. With the added advantage of enabling the addition of extra information on every sheet of paper, these integrated business cards offer the same features and applications as standard business cards.
Integrated business cards allow you to show the branding and logo of your business, the URL of your website, and your direct ordering contact information. Using business-integrated business cards has proven to have several advantages for business owners.
Integrated Card Applications
Common integrated card applications include:
- Name tags
- ID cards
- Loyalty cards
- Badges (for conferences, etc.)
- Security passes for concerts and events
- Membership cards
- Admission tickets
Many organizations have discovered that integrated cards are a useful tool to boost their association’s membership or promotional efforts since they allow you to pair a letter with a sturdy laminated card that the recipient can remove and keep.
Integrated Form Design
Designing integrated forms is a great way for companies to increase accuracy and cost-effectiveness and streamline pertinent company information. Many businesses start their production process with the creation of an invoice or work order. Later, additional forms may be used to track and document workflow operations. Finally, shipping labels are created independently once the process is complete. There are several printing functions used during the procedure, which raises the possibility of human error.
When integrated documents are developed, published, and managed effectively, they represent an efficient method that provides businesses with a large boost in productivity. Integrated papers can cost more per piece than certain other print products, but if done correctly, they can be more cost-effective in the long run than using several different forms.
Designing successfully integrated forms is not something that every printing shop can manage. A document designer with experience in integrated forms can help you achieve the goals of your business to effectively streamline your workflow processes.
What to Include in the Form Design
There are many different components that you can include in your integrated form design. A common element of integrated forms is consecutive numbering, which allows individual forms to be identified; you can also add barcodes so the items can be read using scanners.
Integrated cards and labels are typically die-cut and coded with the same information so they can be matched to a specific form later.
Benefits of Using Integrated Forms
Utilizing integrated forms in your workflow processes has numerous benefits, including:
Cost-effectiveness – Your business will require less equipment and supplies if you streamline the process of creating shipping labels, packing slips, and client invoices.
Efficiency – One of the main advantages of utilizing integrated forms is the elimination of pointless phases from the procedure. With fewer opportunities for human error when handling customer orders and inventories, you will experience increased productivity and efficiency at work.
Reduced errors – Integrated forms eliminate the need for multiple data entry locations, thereby reducing the likelihood of human error.
Convenience – Integrated labels allow the printing of invoices and labels simultaneously on a single sheet, which is extremely convenient for businesses. Since the self-adhesive is not used on the back of the invoice and only on the label, businesses can manage inventory and order fulfillment more efficiently.
Personalizing forms – Businesses can easily personalize their forms by color-matching the forms to the company branding and customizing the information in a single pass.
Tamarack® Products has been an industry leader for over 50 years in engineering and manufacturing web finishing equipment. Tamarack’s® Versa Web 500 is Servo driven with easy installation and can be customized with RFID inlay insertion equipment and go inline on your existing press. Our web finishing systems are scalable, modular, and fully customizable, so they can be integrated into your existing equipment to evolve with the needs of your business.
Tamarack® Products brings more than 50 years of experience in manufacturing specialized machinery for the label, business form, and packaging sectors. Unlike other web finishing equipment manufacturers, we can completely adapt our equipment to match the specific requirements of any client. Contact us to learn more about how integrated forms can help streamline your business’s workflow processes.
