Loftware and Sato unveil cloud connected label printing solution for supply chain efficiency

Packaging Solutions

Loftware and Sato Corporation have announced the availability of their cloud connected label printing solution for AEP equipped Sato printers. This comes at a time when the adoption of cloud based technologies is on the rise, with the partnership supporting this shift to streamline business processes and enhance supply chain agility. 

The joint solution, which connects Loftware Cloud with Sato's cloud connected printers, eliminates printer driver dependencies, allowing IT teams to avoid installation, troubleshooting, updates, and management. This significantly reduces maintenance and support costs, while enabling businesses to print from any PC browser, providing flexibility to scale or adapt operations without technical constraints. Additionally, users can access the latest approved label templates from anywhere, at any time, through a secure browser and seamlessly print from their Sato printer. The platform also streamlines user management, enabling administrators to quickly add and approve new users in minutes without the need for license keys, reducing administrative burden and improving operational efficiency. 

The partnership supports a range of industry applications. This includes supplier compliance to ensure accurate, timely labelling and RFID tagging – eliminating relabelling and improving supply chain efficiency. It also enhances in-plant labelling for better process control within factories, ensures retail labelling consistency with industry standards, and streamlines third party logistics (3PL) labelling for seamless integration with logistics providers. 

Hayato Shindo, group business officer at Sato Corporation, commented: ‘In today's fast paced business environment, manufacturers face many challenges, such as changing customer, legal and regulatory requirements; remote working and collaboration; rapid scaling up of operations; and improving productivity while reducing operating costs. Traditional desktop label design applications, while effective in the past, are no longer sufficient to manage these complexities. The solution provided by Sato and Loftware addresses these challenges head on by offering a centralised and secure platform for label design and printing.’

Loftware Cloud expands labelling capabilities across internal stakeholders, external suppliers, co-manufacturers, and co-packers, who all play a role in the complex supply chain process. With seamless integration into both on-premise and cloud based business applications such as ERP, WMS, and PLM, Loftware Cloud optimises workflows for greater efficiency and accuracy. 

Denis Stojanoski, Loftware senior alliance programme manager, added: ‘Loftware and Sato have a long standing partnership built on a shared commitment to innovation. Together, we continue to develop cutting edge supply chain solutions that empower businesses to operate more efficiently, adapt to evolving industry demands, and futureproof their operations. By combining our expertise, we are driving the future of labelling to deliver greater agility, scalability, and value for our customers.’