Why Coding and Marking Matter: Boosting Traceability, Quality, and Compliance in Manufacturing

Coding and Marking play a vital role in ensuring that products move seamlessly from production to end-users. But what exactly is coding and marking? And why should manufacturers care?  This article will explore these questions.

Traceability Marks Printed on Wine Case

What Is Coding and Marking?

Coding and marking refer to the process of applying essential information directly onto a product or its packaging. This includes:

• Expiry dates

• Batch and lot numbers

• Barcodes and QR codes

• Serial numbers

• Manufacturing dates

• Logos or traceable graphics

• And many other items

These marks are typically printed using technologies such as continuous inkjet (CIJ), thermal inkjet (TIJ), piezo inkjet (PIJ), valve inkjet (VIJ), laser marking, and thermal transfer overprinting (TTO), depending on the substrate and production environment.

Why Is Coding and Marking So Important?

Let’s break down its importance across four key areas:

1. Traceability

In industries like food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, lumber, and others, being able to track and trace products through the supply chain is non-negotiable.

How coding helps:

• Batch codes and serial numbers enable manufacturers to trace products from raw materials to the consumer.

• In the event of a recall, precise coding helps isolate affected items quickly, minimizing risk and cost.

2. Operational Efficiency

Modern coding and marking systems integrate seamlessly with production lines, enabling high-speed, non-contact printing without interrupting workflow.

Efficiency benefits:

• Automated data printing reduces human error.

• Real-time updates and centralized control improve uptime and reduce waste.

• Less manual intervention leads to faster production and fewer bottlenecks.

3. Quality Control

Every mark is a checkpoint for quality. If a code is missing, illegible, or incorrect, it can signal a larger issue in the production process.

Why it matters:

• Reliable codes ensure that only conforming products reach customers.

• Vision systems can verify codes for accuracy, allowing defective products to be identified and removed early.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Many industries are subject to stringent regulations requiring accurate, visible, and permanent product marking.

Compliance needs:

• FDA, EU, and other international agencies often mandate traceable coding for medical devices, drugs, and food products.

• Failure to comply can lead to fines, recalls, or even bans from entering certain markets.

Conclusion

Coding and marking is more than just printing a date on a box—it’s a strategic investment in product integrity, brand protection, and operational excellence. At Western Print Systems, we work with businesses to choose the right technology for their environment and ensure every mark counts.

Whether you're looking to upgrade legacy equipment, meet new compliance standards, or simply improve traceability and efficiency, our team is here to help.

Ready to modernize your marking systems? Contact us today to learn how we can support your production goals with smarter, more reliable solutions.