by Cassandra Balentine
As label printers and converters adopt digital print technologies, an efficient workflow is critical.
Software providers continue to advance integration capabilities and automated functions throughout many steps in the workflow, including ordering, pre-press, MIS/ERP integration, press automation, and finishing automation.
Web to Label Ordering
Digital label printing is gaining significant traction, particularly among small businesses, start-ups, retailers, and cloud kitchens, who frequently require low-quantity, product-specific labels. “This shift is further accelerated by the rise of web-to-print (W2P) platforms, which allow end users to go online, upload artwork or create customized labels using intuitive design tools, and seamlessly place orders—regardless of quantity—through a streamlined, user-friendly process,” says Ravi Shekhar, senior application specialist, InSoft Automation.
Vast technological advancements in both software and hardware support this move. “Several key enhancements have helped converters unlock new revenue streams, improve customer experience, and scale operations more efficiently including seamless repeat ordering, 24/7 mobile responsive order platforms, integration with prepress and production workflows, as well as support for multi-brand and multi-language portals,” suggests Alex Bowell, managing director, Infigo Software.
Stephan Reiter, sales director EMEA, indirect channels, OneVision Software AG, adds that cloud-based W2P portals now enable customers to personalize and order labels online with real-time proofing and pricing, reducing manual touchpoints and errors.
“The move to fully cloud-based, mobile-responsive storefronts means customers can now place orders at any time, from any device, from anywhere in the world, removing the restrictions of business hours and geography and giving end customers the flexibility to order when it’s convenient to them,” agrees Bowell.
When it comes down to production from a print provider or label converter’s standpoint, one way to look at web to label ordering is to focus on the manufacturing component, after the customer or the business enters the order into a web portal. “We take the job metadata, the file, and prepare the image for the press the most efficiently and effectively,” offers Mike Agness, EVP, Americas, Hybrid Software. “For example, we partner with Infigo, a very competent technical partner. They’re always looking at the front end to the client, although what they feed us has pretty much been about the same. In terms of enhancements and more discussions at this point are about the 3D aspects of a job for proof approval. So, as it’s been for a while, things continue to move forward on multi-dimensional 3D views and displays for products with labels, such as pouches, bottles, or cans. More advancements are focused on greater dimension to products and more realistic looks in a view.”
CERM’s suite of modules includes Web4Labels, a business to business (B2B) tool that Steffen Haaga, director of global business development, CERM, says gives the label converters’ customers 24/7 access to a range of functions. “These include customizable request for quote forms to push pricing requests into the CSR team, quick quotes to generate pricing instantly, online ordering based on the customer’s bespoke catalog, artwork file upload for new projects, and proof approvals.”
CERM also offers enhanced integration with Infigo Software’s W2P solution for labels. “This is fully API connected to the CERM engine meaning a single source of data and parameters, ensuring accurate and consistent pricing across platforms. The Infigo storefront is fully customizable and offers online design tools, artwork visualization in 3D, and preflight services to ensure print ready files are delivered into the MIS to push downstream into the production workflow,” adds Haaga.
Esko recently introduced technologies that embrace cloud computing, AI, and software as a service. Jan De Roeck, CMO, Esko, explains that the new innovations deliver true value creation that goes beyond the sum of individual solutions. “These latest introductions to the Esko ecosystem underline how we remain true to our mission of shortening speed-to-market of packaged goods from months to weeks,” adds Roeck. “With brands and their label partners facing growing challenges we have developed technology solutions that address the increased business need to better connect people, processes, and technologies.”
Many modern systems enable customers to view order history, manage their artwork library, and reorder with very few clicks. “Repeat business has become far more streamlined. Which in the B2B space where product lines remain consistent, but order frequency is high, it shows huge rewards,” adds Bowell.
These integrations eliminate redundant tasks, reduce lead times, and significantly improve operational efficiency. “For label converters, this means it’s now entirely possible to achieve zero-touch automation—where jobs flow seamlessly from order through to production without manual handling, increasing throughput and boosting profit margins,” says Bowell.
Web to label platforms now cater to global enterprises by supporting multi-brand storefronts, localized content, and multiple language and currencies. This enables converters to serve diverse customer bases under a single unified system, all while maintaining brand control and regional compliance. As demand continues to grow for customized, short-run labels, Bowell predicts that web to label platforms will continue to evolve—with AI, predictive ordering, and fully autonomous workflows expected to play a larger role.
Prepress Automation
Prepress automation is critical for reducing bottlenecks.
Agness states that prepress automation means having automated systems that are able to not only prepare the file but also go through approval processes and everything else you need to do. A good system will offer tasks like preflight, color management, approval processes—all automatically.
“Automated file preparation and proofing tools streamline tasks like trapping, color management and barcode creation, reducing human intervention and errors,” says Reiter.
Adding onto web to label ordering, Bowell says integration between W2P tools like Infigo and prepress tools such as Esko, Enfocus Pitstop and Switch, and Hybrid Software enable automatic preflighting, imposition, and artwork checks. “Once a customer places an order, files are automatically validated, optimized, and prepared for print with minimal human input. This not only speeds up the production process but also ensures consistency and accuracy, especially for short-run and variable print jobs.”
These advancements allow label converters that adopt these technologies to handle more jobs with less manual labor, greater consistency, and shorter lead times. “By automating order intake and prepress businesses not only improve efficiency but also gain the flexibility needed to thrive in a market increasingly dominated by personalization, speed, price, and volume,” stresses Bowell.
Agness points out that printers don’t just have their first digital press now—they have their second, third, fourth, or fifth digital press. “These are often from different manufacturers, utilizing different types of manufacturing processes, such as hybrids, inkjet, electric ink, or toners. Because of this, we see a new color management workflow trend. It’s automatically managing and assuring the best color match across multiple presses where printers will move jobs based on what’s most profitable. A lot of it is the ability to manage color by numbers as automatic manufacturing and integration integrated that years ago. But, now it’s color by numbers for best the match on any or all devices.”
As SKU counts rise and print runs shrink, Shekhar feels that prepress automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. “Printers and converters can’t afford downtime while presses wait for files. Every idle minute impacts productivity and profitability. To stay competitive, the prepress process must keep pace with the speed and flexibility of today’s printing equipment.”
Core automation tools such as preflighting, color management, and imposition are critical. “They reduce manual intervention, eliminate errors, and ensure files are press-ready faster.”
Layout speed also matters. Shekhar points out that InSoft Automation’s Imp software is purpose-built for label converters, offering fully automated label imposition for every scenario, whether it’s single label, versioned runs, or complex lane ganging of multiple SKUs. Imp helps optimize material usage, reduce print and finishing setup times, and apply all necessary marks for seamless print-to-finish workflows.
MIS/ERP Integration
A fully connected and automated workflow is only possible with robust, real-time integration between front-end ordering systems and back-end MIS/ERP platforms, according to Bowell.
Integration with MIS/ERP and prepress systems creates seamless, automated order intake and job ticketing, “deep, real-time integration between MIS/ERP and production systems eliminates duplicate data entry, enables automated job ticketing and ensures end-to-end workflow alignment,” agrees Reiter.
Reiter sees growing adoption of cloud-based ERP platforms for scalability and remote access.”
In terms of MIS and ERP integration in the label production space, Agness sees most continuing advancements being brought about by API communications, building APIs to plug into the app. “We continue to advance the API and its calls, working closely with MIS suppliers to understand what’s needed in production and manufacturing, but with the openness for acquiring and sending whatever data there is. For example, we set up inspection for the finishing side of jobs, defining slitting knives if roll slitting is required.”
W2P tools like Infigo offer bi-directional integrations with MIS and ERP systems such as CERM, Tharstern, Label Traxx, PrintIQ, and Radius.
Bowell explains that these integrations enable real-time data sharing. “This level of integration ensures key information—such as pricing, inventory levels, production status, and customer data—is always accurate and up to date across the entire workflow. When a customer places an order through an Infigo storefront, the data can flow seamlessly into the MIS, automatically generating job tickets, assigning production slots, and triggering downstream workflows. This eliminates the need for manual touchpoints and removes the chance of duplicate data entry, reducing the risk of errors and speeding up turnaround times.
Shekhar adds that layout planning is the foundation for accurate job estimation. Integrating a layout engine like InSoft Automation’s Imp within a MIS/ERP system delivers measurable benefits and can be achieved through simple file-based methods (CSV, XML) or through tighter, real-time connectivity using REST APIs.
“A deeper integration ensures seamless data exchange within a unified interface, making job management, planning, and estimation more streamlined. It reduces manual inputs, eliminates duplication of tasks, and enhances data consistency across departments. Additionally, it minimizes touchpoints, simplifies data handling, and strengthens backup and recovery processes—resulting in better control, faster turnaround, and improved operational efficiency,” says Shekhar.
Hybrid Software strives to offer easier MIS/ERP integration. “We take all the production information, pull it out, and create an order as automatically and quickly as possible. Something that’s overlooked too often is the efficiencies gained from less downtime, and not just from the press. Typically a customer service person prints out the job ticket and walks to deliver it to prepress—or waits to deliver it along with a few others. From there, that job ticket—and the others—has to be compiled in an integrated system. Now it’s done automatically. You don’t need to move that job jacket to prepress. It also means you don’t have to be in the same building, room, or office,” shares Agness
Press Automation
With more press automation, Agness says workflow has to prepare the inspection ‘eyes.’ “This includes setting the parameters of what you want to inspect, and where the ‘hot spots’ are. A good automated workflow will have connections with companies like Baldwin, a BW Converting company; BST; and Global Vision, for example.”
Reiter points out that next-gen prepress automation supports complex label types (e.g., peel-off, booklet labels), 3D visualization, and regulatory compliance (CLP/CHS).
“The ability for our customers to remove bottlenecks throughout production is critical to optimize output. Bi-directional integration enables job specifications to be submitted from CERM to presses, reducing errors and set up times. When the presses are running, production data is sent back to CERM for monitoring, progress status, and costing purposes.
Reiter adds that inline print-and-cut solutions and hybrid presses combine digital and analog technologies for flexible, efficient production. “Presses now feature remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven job scheduling for minimal downtime and optimized throughput.”
Finishing Automation
Inline finishing—e.g., cutting, varnishing, laminating—is increasingly integrated with digital presses, reducing manual handling and turnaround times. Further, automated inspection systems ensure quality control, both online—during printing, and offline—post-production, according to Reiter.
By supplying structured metadata and the option to include barcodes within the artwork files, Infigo enables automated finishing equipment to identify cut paths, crease lines, and variable elements. “This is particularly important for hybrid label production where digital embellishments or die cutting must align precisely with printed content,” says Bowell.
The latest version of CERM’s AB Graphics International integration was featured both in the LabelExpo Europe 2025 Master Class and CERM Studio Sessions, which addressed taking job pre-setting and live data feedback to a new level. “Our customers shared measurable results and real-world success stories, highlighting the production gains made possible by finishing automation. We also have close integrations with other finishing providers like Grafotronic and GM, which are also widely used in the market,” states Haaga.
Shipping & Fulfillment
Shipping and fulfillment is often overlooked but can be critically important.
Reiter feels that enhanced workflow automation extends to shipping, with integrated fulfillment modules that automate packing, labeling, and tracking. “Direct integration with ecommerce and logistics platforms enables real-time order updates and efficient direct-to-consumer fulfillment.”
CERM offers comprehensive solutions for picking products from stock, labelling cartons, and pallets to industry standards. “When combined with products coming through production for immediate shipping the dispatch process can become complex, especially if the label converter uses multiple shippers depending on the requirements. CERM has developed advanced integrations with leading providers like nShift and Sendflex, which in turn offer integration with a range of domestic and international shippers—enabling faster, more reliable, and cost-effective logistics,” offers Haaga.
Infigo integrates with a number of shipping APIs to automate shipping cost calculations, label printing, tracking, and shipping documentation. “Once a job is completed, the system can trigger shipment creation, notify the customer, and provide tracking information. This helps our clients achieve faster delivery times and improves customer satisfaction,” says Bowell.
Living in a Digital World
As adoption of digital print continues in label production, software and workflow tools are critical to success.
Jan2026, DPS Magazine
