industry use cases - pharmaPrecision Labelling. Patient Safety. Total Compliance.
Let’s be real — in Pharma and Life Sciences, the margin for error is zero. Whether you’re shipping medication across borders, labelling diagnostic kits, or managing cold-chain traceability, every label must be precise, compliant, and verifiable.
You’re not just labelling products — you’re ensuring patient safety, passing audits, and meeting strict global regulations like UDI and EU MDR. And when speed and accuracy are non-negotiable, a Scan, Print & Apply (SPA) solution steps in to take the pressure off.
Here’s how it’s helping teams like yours stay compliant and efficient across every step of the supply chain.
The Challenge:
Medical packaging requires unique identifiers that must be printed and applied in real-time — without disrupting line speed or risking non-compliance.
How SPA Solves It:
✔ Dynamically prints and applies UDI-compliant labels
✔ Connects with MES or ERP systems for real-time serialization
✔ Ensures perfect label placement and readability every time
Implementation Example:
A medical device manufacturer uses SPA to apply UDI barcodes to each sterile box. The system prints labels based on real-time data and verifies each one inline before sealing.
The Challenge:
Packaging integrity is critical — especially for over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. Tamper-evident labelling must be fast, flawless, and consistent.
How SPA Solves It:
✔ Applies tamper-proof seals and safety labels inline
✔ Ensures tight application without damaging packaging
✔ Uses vision sensors to confirm label presence and alignment.
Implementation Example:
A leading pharma brand uses SPA to apply safety seals to pill bottles. Each bottle is scanned, sealed, and verified before moving to final packaging — all at full speed.
The Challenge:
When you are shipping temperature-sensitive meds or vaccines, every shipment must be traceable. Labels must include time, batch, and tracking data — and they must stick, even in low temps.
How SPA Solves It:
✔ Prints cold-resistant labels with batch numbers and shipping info
✔ Applies them automatically to cold boxes or vials
✔ Captures tracking data in your WMS for end-to-end visibility.
Implementation Example:
A biotech distributor labels frozen vaccine packs with serialized codes and applies them in a chilled environment — ensuring full traceability from plant to hospital.
The Challenge:
From blood tests to DNA kits, clinical labs handle thousands of small, sensitive samples every day. Mislabelling is not an option — and manual processes just can’t keep up.
How SPA Solves It:
✔ Scans sample IDs and prints custom barcode labels in real time
✔ Applies labels to test tubes, vials, or sample bags automatically
✔ Eliminates manual entry errors and speeds up processing.
Implementation Example:
A diagnostics lab uses SPA to label 10,000+ test tubes daily. The system prints and applies patient-specific labels while scanning each one to ensure accuracy.
The Challenge:
Every box that leaves your facility must include the correct documentation — matched to the right batch and product version.
How SPA Solves It:
✔ Label leaflets and inserts with batch codes and product data
✔ Integrates with your inventory system to ensure match accuracy
✔ Verifies every label before packaging.
Implementation Example:
A contract manufacturer labels product inserts with serialized barcodes, ensuring they match the product lot inside. SPA helps automate the entire verification process.
productsProducts Tailored for Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
product storyReducing Labelling Errors by 90% in an EU MDR Rollout
One Pharmaceuticals manufacturer was applying UDI labels manually — and struggling with accuracy. Between human error, misplaced labels, and verification delays, the process was slowing down shipments and failing audits.
Here’s what changed after implementing SPA:
⚠ 25% of boxes had minor label misalignments
⚠ UDI verification was being done manually post-line
⚠ Packaging lines were limited to 10 SKUs per shift
After implementing SPA:
✔ 90% reduction in labelling errors within the first month
✔ Fully automated UDI printing and verification
✔ Real-time integration with the company’s MES and documentation system
"We went from reactive to proactive — and audit-ready — practically overnight."
— Head of Quality Assurance, Global Pharma Manufacturer
featured resoursesScan, Print & Apply in Pharma
FAQsEverything You Need to Know About Scan, Print & Apply in Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Can this solution handle serialized labels for compliance with EU FMD or US DSCSA?
Absolutely. The system supports dynamic printing of serialized barcodes (e.g., GS1 DataMatrix) and can integrate with your serialization software, ERP, or L4 traceability platform. Labels are printed and applied in real-time and instantly verified for compliance.
What kind of products or packaging can it label?
It’s highly flexible. You can label:
- Vials, syringes, ampoules (with wrap-around units)
- Cartons, cases, bottles, and blister packs
- Flat or curved surfaces
- Bottom, top, or side application — even on high-speed lines
Does it support label verification?
Yes. A built-in vision system or barcode reader can instantly check:
- Code content (GTIN, lot, expiry)
- Code quality (grade/contrast)
- Label presence and position
If a label is missing or incorrect, the product is rejected before leaving the line.
What happens if the printer runs out of labels or there's an error?
- Label roll end
- Ribbon break
- Print head issues
- Barcode verification errors
Can it integrate with our existing MES or L3 serialization system?
Definitely. The system supports common industrial protocols (OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP) and can be integrated into your MES, L3 or L4 serialization platforms, such as TraceLink, SAP ATTP, or custom middleware.
Can it integrate with our existing MES or L3 serialization system?
It depends on the application, but Scan, Print & Apply solutions for pharma can typically operate at:
- Up to 120 cartons per minute for single-line carton labeling
- Lower speeds for ampoule/vial wrap-around labeling due to product handling needs
What’s the difference between this and traditional labeling?
With traditional pre-printed labeling:
- You have to manage inventory for every SKU
- There's a higher risk of human error or mix-ups
With Scan, Print & Apply:
- You print the correct label on-demand
- You ensure serialized, real-time traceability
- You reduce label waste and eliminate label changeover downtime
Is the solution 21 CFR Part 11 and GMP compliant?
Yes. All logging, user access, and audit trail functions follow 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, and GMP best practices. The software supports electronic records, validated workflows, and user role management.
Scan, Print & Apply in Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences





