A variable data merge tells us what text you want and number of labels with that text.
Using variable data printing, we can change text elements of your custom labels on the press during printing. The option is available to you because of digital printing. It allows for flexibility in your label design and text. We use this technique to change text, serial numbering, or barcode elements.
How It Works
In variable data printing, you decide where the variable data will continue on your label. We then set our printers up to vary the data based on the spreadsheet you give us.
The location of the variable data is in one place on the label, called the variable field. The information entered enter this field will have the same font, color, and size. These may differ from other fonts and colors used elsewhere on the label.
You can customize labels with various information – product name, barcodes, customer name, etc. This ability to personalize is a key advantage of variable data.
How You Can Use It
Asset tags often use variable data to change serial numbers or barcodes. Most customers prefer sequential serial numbers or barcodes that do not require a data merge. If you need other prefixes, suffixes, or numbering styles, you can give us an Excel or text file with those details. We’ll merge that info with the labels as they are printing.
Other options for variable printing include:
- Labels that include information on country of origin, expiration/use by dates, part numbers.
- Data for different batches or lab results (particularly for cannabis, with stringent government regulations and small batches).
- Different languages (same label, but in German, Arabic, and English, for example).
- Direct marketing or social media campaigns:
- Story-telling; put parts of the story on different labels so your customers can find and piece together the whole.
- Quotes, song lyrics, seasonal messages.
Our Variable Data Labels
Our variable data products allow for changes to text, numbering, or barcodes/QR codes. You can request variable data on our asset tags. You can also variable data on our industrial equipment labels. We also provide variable data on specialty products like UL labels, warning labels, blank roll labels, and graphic overlays or control panels.
Our online quoters allow you to create data labels easily. You only need a few variable fields such as serial number and model number. For additional variables, contact Customer Care to ensure proper setup and clear understanding of your requirements.
We offer label lines with multiple versions of the same label, each featuring different graphics and text. Each version must be the same size and use the same set of options (material, laminate, etc.)
Placing one order with multiple versions, or “lots”, will save costs over placing a separate order for each version. That’s something else you should talk to one of our Customer Care reps about.
