Mitigate labour challenges by improving operational efficiencies

However, findings suggest that three out of four (76%) logistics and supply chain leaders are still experiencing significant workforce shortages; 37% describe them as high to extreme.

The worst affected areas were said to be transportation operations (61%) and warehouse operations (56%), both of which are fairly labour intensive.

Countering that global perspective, the UK 2023 Logistics Confidence Index put staff shortages as less of a business concern, claiming that challenges in recruiting warehousing staff and LCV drivers were also easing as volumes fell.

But many logistics and supply chain leaders still need to alleviate labour issues. A number of solutions are being explored, including leveraging AI and digital transformation, both of which require significant investment and detailed ROI analysis, necessitating long-term strategies. 

A quick win

A more immediate solution to labour shortages is to improve daily operations and flow. By equipping operators with better tools, for instance, workforce efficiency and productivity can be significantly boosted. 

Most industries need barcode labels, and the demand for variable data label printing is escalating, and is especially pronounced in sectors like logistics and food and drink. Printers are being pushed to their limits to cater for this growing demand, which not only increases operational and maintenance efforts but also exacerbates labour shortages.

So, while there are numerous strategies that would help companies tackle global labour shortages, optimising daily operations with an effective tool is a practical and quick solution. 

TSC Auto ID’s industrial printer, the MB241 Series is one such tool, it helps counteract workforce shortages by optimising daily activities. Choosing the right printer can help organisations navigate their lack of resources with resilience and efficiency.

The MB241 supports an 8-inch outside diameter label capacity, meaning it doesn’t just meet high-volume printing demands but also improves operational flow as the label roll doesn’t need changing quite so often. The device has easy to use interfaces and auto-switching emulation for hassle-free deployment. It has various accessories (including a linerless kit) to cater for diverse needs. By improving operational efficiency and productivity, operators can focus on more critical tasks, and make better use of their limited labour resources.

Ideal for demanding environments

The MB241 Series was designed for challenging environments like warehouses, logistics, and food sectors, where labour shortages are prevalent. 

• Its durable all-metal print mechanism and rugged casing reduce maintenance and repair frequency, thus minimising the need for scarce and costly IT professionals.
• An optional kit equips the MB241 with linerless printing capabilities and all the benefits that offers like enhanced sustainability and safety, cost reductions and increased efficiency. 
• Equipped with the optional internal rewinder kit, the MB241 prints and rewinds labels quickly. These rewound labels can then be fed into the labelling machine, automating the labelling process.

If you think your operation could be made more efficient by the new generation of industrial printers then contact TSC to test-drive the new MB241.