Procuring or upgrading your barcode and RFID label design software is a strategic decision that will impact your business for several years. Here are some considerations to get this right the first time:
1. Has the software been written on a current, stable platform?
Some older legacy products that have been laced up with new features are not stable. This can also open the door to security issues. I've sold and supported most label software packages during the past quarter century including Bar One, Bartender, Easy Label, Label View, Label Matrix, Backtrack, Codesoft, Loftware, Nicelabel, and Data Vision. Most of these if still offered today are "buggy" because they have been "laced up" and patched in order to run with the latest Windows OS. Only a few have been re-written for the latest Windows OS and a few have cloud printing options.
2. Is the software scalable?
Can your company evolve with it and add more features at a later date?
3. Do you require, or will you require web-based label printing in the future?
Web-based printing has become more viable but needs to be configured correctly to prevent hacks. All of the label formats and data can be hosted on the web, and satellites or remote locations can log in and print labels.
As of today, cloud label software has come a long way, but its viability for a lot of companies is still in question.
4.Test the support team.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to support during the demo phase to confirm your level of comfort and see how your call gets handled. This will also give you a good idea on where the support is coming from.
I recently required some software support, and the only way forward would have been to allow a 3rd party outfit from India to gain control of my desktop. For a week, they were not able to understand what I had been trying to achieve, which was simply to log into their clunky portal.
5.Consider the distribution channel and long-term viability and stability of the software parent company.
I like to consider recent investments that have been made into a software product, as well as having a strong overall market presence. How is employee morale? Was there a recent merger?
One of the software outfits I had partnered with for years was acquired. Employee morale and service tanked. After looking into it further, the particular outfit had been purchased by none other than KKR; needless to say, I decided to terminate our long-term partnership.
Sure, there are tons of articles and marketing resources touting their cloud label solution, now offered as their only alternative, when most of the larger companies still desire on-premises software licensing. The huge data breech with Microsoft Azure helps debunk the necessity and safety of their cloud software; particularly when they require a Microsoft account in order to sign in! Most of the investment there seems to be geared toward creating an AI type of software, with little human interaction or support - all geared to increase their bottom line. With folks at the helm who have deep pockets but limited experience in the label industry, will they survive?
To learn more in order to help guide your upgrade or purchase new label software, feel free to contact me (George Righter) at 215-493-7191 or info@rightertrack.com to ensure you are headed down the right path.
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