Standardizing GS1 Labels and Streamlining Vendor Selection for a CPG Manufacturer
In this standardizing GS1 labels case study, Clarkston Consulting recently supported a food manufacturer through a vendor selection. Read a synopsis of the project below or download the full case study.
Download the Standardizing GS1 Labels Case Study Here
Clarkston was enlisted by a food manufacturer that produces frozen food products for the top U.S. food retailers and distributors to comply with customer requirements and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). While this client already had a labeling solution in place to print ITF-14 barcodes, eight of their customers requested that the client adhere to their FSMA-compliant GS1-128 barcode requirements – failure to do so would result in fines from the customers.
Due to Clarkston’s success in supporting traceability activities at previous engagements and subject matter expertise in the area, the client asked Clarkston to provide a summary of the customer requirements and align on the commonalities, design a GS1-128 barcode to comply with all eight customers’ requirements, and develop an action plan with the estimated cost and timeline for implementing a new label printing solution.
Clarkston began by gathering customers’ case labeling requirements and finding the best solution to ensure all requirements were met or exceeded in one standard GS1-128 barcode. The primary requirements, such as the ability to scan/read the barcode and size limitations, were analyzed to compare the top label printing solutions in the industry, including Print & Apply, Continuous/Thermal Inkjet, and Piezo-Impulse systems. After reviewing the potential solutions, Clarkston provided an action plan estimating the cost of each system type, the timeline required for installation, and recommended the top printing solutions in each category.
Despite the strict customer requirements, Clarkston provided the client with a clear path forward, complete with a roadmap of next steps to take after the initial barcode design and vendor assessment were completed. The success of this engagement demonstrates Clarkston’s subject matter expertise in the traceability space and dedication to ensuring that our clients prosper.
Download the Standardizing GS1 Labels case study, and learn more about our Traceability Consulting Services by contacting us below.
Contributions by Zachary Fisher
