To enhance the efficiency and accuracy of label management in warehouse and production operations, Life Sciences Supply Chain Management™ module supports the functionality of Label Group Printing. This feature allows users to define and print multiple labels simultaneously with different printing parameters, such as layouts, printers, and the number of copies, all grouped under a single label group configuration.
The setup can be done in the new Label groups form (Warehouse management > Setup > Document routing > Label groups). This form enables the creation of label groups that specify the combination of label layouts, printers, and the number of copies for each type of label required in warehouse or production processes.
Each label group can be configured with the following details:
Label group ID: A unique identifier for the label group, either generated automatically or entered manually.
Description: A brief description of the label group
Operation number: Specifies the operation number linked to the Label Printing process.
Layouts, number of copies and printers: Multiple layouts and printers can be defined within a label group, each associated with a specific type of label (for example, identity labels, sample labels) and the corresponding printer settings.
The system supports the approval of label groups, which can be secured via electronic signatures. Once approved, a label group cannot be edited unless approval is removed, ensuring the integrity and compliance of Label Printing processes.
It is possible to define one or multiple label groups for an item in the Released products form (Product information management > Products > Released products > Manage inventory tab > Label groups button). It is possible to define the default label group for the item by clicking the Set as default button. The approval and definition of the default label group can be secured via electronic signatures. Only approved label groups defined for the product can be selected and the default label group defined for the product is displayed automatically.
The label group printing functionality can be triggered from various forms within the system, such as Batches, All production orders, Batch orders, and Production orders forms. When users select the option to print labels from these forms, the system presents the Select label group dialog, where the default label group for the item (if defined) is automatically selected. Users can adjust the following parameters before printing:
Label group: Users can choose a different label group if necessary. The default label group is pre-selected if configured for the item.
Print parameters: The dialog allows users to adjust the operation date, select the appropriate printer, and modify the number of copies to be printed for each label layout.
From an audit trail perspective, all printed label layouts are stored in the Labels form with the relevant print parameters, user ID, date and time and other product properties.