Revolutionising Date Coding in South Africa

Battling Inconsistent and Costly Printing Errors

In the fast-paced world of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), every detail matters—especially expiration dates on product labels. For a large bakery in South Africa, date coding errors had become a costly and recurring problem. Invalid dates like “31st of February” were slipping through, the result of operator mistakes and inadequate security in traditional Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printing systems.

The consequences of such errors can be quite severe: compromised food safety, the risk of regulatory penalties, and potential damage to a company’s reputation. These challenges demanded an urgent, innovative solution to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and reliability in the bakery's date coding and marking process. The solution: HSAJET® Thermal Inkjet Printers.

The bakery’s Vision and Key Requirements for Date Coding Printers

Recognizing the critical importance of reliable date coding equipment, the bakery outlined a clear set of priorities for a new system. The goal was not just to fix the immediate issues but to create a long-term solution that could enhance their operations and align with modern manufacturing standards. The requirements included:

• Minimal Operator Intervention – Reducing reliance on manual input to minimize human error.
• Enhanced Accuracy – Ensuring correct data input and eliminating inaccuracies in date coding.
• Print Quality – Achieving consistently readable, high-resolution prints that meet labelling standards.
• Environmental Sustainability – Eliminating toxic chemical risks and waste associated with traditional CIJ systems, such as chemical spills of ink and MEK solvent.
• Boosted Productivity – Reducing downtime to maintain smooth, uninterrupted production.
• Reduced Maintenance Requirements – Using technology that lowers maintenance costs and demands.
• Cost-Efficiency – Cutting overall operational and consumable expenses.

Optimising with HSAJET® Thermal Inkjet Technology

To address these challenges, the bakery turned to HSA Systems' distributor Signea Systeme (Pty) Ltd, who introduced the perfect solution: HSAJET® thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers. These printers not only resolved the issues with incorrect date coding but also delivered significant improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and environmental impact.

Key upgrades included:

The HSAJET® MiniTouch 1-Pen Printer, mounted on mobile columns (IP55 Standard) with wheels for flexibility and durability.

The HSAJET® MCX Compact Printer with Panel Mount, offering streamlined and precise printing.

The HSAJET® K4011si Bragi Black Solvent Ink and K4022si Thor Black Solvent Ink were also included in the upgrade. The HSAJET® ink range consists of genuine HP cartridges, which ensure that customers experience durable prints and reliable operation.

By transitioning from their previous CIJ printers, the bakery embraced a more cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient solution.

HSAJET® MiniTouch 1-Pen Printer

HSAJET® MCX Compact Printer with Panel Mount

Why HSAJET® Was the Perfect Fit

The adoption of HSAJET® printers wasn’t just a technical upgrade—it was a strategic transformation. These printers directly addressed the bakery's key requirements:

Minimal Operator Intervention

HSAJET® TIJ printers feature user-friendly interfaces and intuitive designs that require minimal operator training. Staff simply select the correct expiration date, eliminating the potential for human error.

Enhanced Accuracy

With automated settings, manual data input is no longer needed, removing a key source of errors. Operators can confidently rely on consistent and accurate date coding.

Print Quality

CIJ printers often struggle with inconsistencies caused by ink viscosity and alignment. HSAJET® printers, on the other hand, produce sharp, high-resolution prints, ensuring product labels meet the strict industry standards.

Print made by the customer's old CIJ printer

Print made by HSAJET® TIJ Printer

Boosted Productivity

By cutting downtime by 70%—equivalent to 416 production hours annually—the bakery dramatically improved operational efficiency after adopting the HSAJET® TIJ printers. The HSAJET® printers' reliability has ensured uninterrupted production, a critical factor for the baking industry.

Reduced Maintenance Requirements

Over three years, the bakery slashed maintenance expenses by 76%. Unlike CIJ printers, which demand frequent part replacements, HSAJET® printers require only occasional check-ups, saving both time and money.

Cost-Effective Printing

In FY 2022-2023, the bakery reduced consumables costs by 47% and maintenance costs by 100%. The HSAJET® printers’ efficiency also meant no material usage during downtime, further reducing expenses.

Setting a New Industry Standard

The bakery's success with HSAJET® printers has set a benchmark for the baking and FMCG industries. Beyond the bakery, HSA distributor Signea has helped six additional brands adopt this technology, installing 63 machines across South Africa. The widespread adoption underscores the industry’s confidence in thermal inkjet technology’s efficiency, sustainability, and reliability.

A Future Built on Innovation

Through their partnership with Signea, the South African bakery has transformed its date coding processes by adopting HSAJET® thermal inkjet printers. This change has not only eliminated costly errors but also enhanced productivity, showcasing how innovative solutions can effectively tackle industry-wide challenges.