5 Examples of Variable Data Printing
5 Examples of Variable Data Printing
Variable data printing (also known as VDP) is the result of breakthroughs in modern technology. Prior to digital printing, it was a time-consuming and expensive process to print documents that contained personalized information. Thanks to digital printing and variable data printing technology, companies have access to customized print jobs and all the benefits they can provide.
But what types of variable data printing are there? The truth is, the options for variable data printing jobs are nearly as endless as your imagination. However, if you’re just getting started with VDP, you might not know about all the different things you can do with it. This article will explore what variable data printing is used for and discuss 5 examples of variable data printing to give you a better idea of all your options.
What is Variable Data Printing Used for?
Variable data printing is used for a variety of different print projects that all have one thing in common: the need for large quantities of customized or individualized final products. Variable data print jobs like labels, postcards, decals, and mass mailers require certain pieces of information—like a number, name, or address—to be unique, and variable data printing is the process that makes it happen.
Variable data printing is a type of digital printing that allows you to change certain components of a job between each piece. This allows you to create customized print jobs without the need to slow down or stop the printer to edit each piece.
While the customization options for variable data print jobs are nearly endless, there are typically four main types of variable data used: text, numbers, graphics, and colors.
What are 5 Examples of Variable Data Printing?
Exploring examples of variable data printing may provide you a better understanding of the full scope of options available to you. Here are five of the most common variable data printing examples we come across.
领英推荐
Postcards
Postcards and other forms of mass-market mailers are one of the most common types of variable data printing, especially for the marketing and advertising industry. Have you ever received a mailer from an auto dealer, internet provider, or store with your name and address on it? Most of us do, and while some might discard this as “junk mail,” others take note due to the personalization. This is an example of variable data printing. The company uses consumer information (like your name and address), supplies it to a VDP company, and they produce a unique product that will grab people’s attention.
Barcode Labels
Many different industries use linear barcodes or 2D barcodes—also known as QR codes—to provide detailed instructions to their employees about specific parts, their uses, and their location. But, barcodes are unique to a kind of product or part, which means hundreds or thousands of unique codes may be needed, especially for manufacturing companies that produce a large variety of products. For example, a warehouse may have a barcode on each bin in their building that employees can scan to receive detailed information about how to kit it. While the labels look mostly the same, each unique barcode is different. Before variable data printing, this was an incredibly lengthy process. Now, all the warehouse has to do is provide the information to a VDP printing company, and they’ll take care of the rest.
Serial Number Labels?
Serial numbers are another common variable data example. Serial numbers, for example, are placed on finished laptops, refrigerators, routers, and many other pieces of hardware to identify each unique piece (similar to how our fingerprints uniquely identify us). Each serial number is different, which means that printing one individual number after another manually could take hours. Variable data printing speeds up the process significantly. Companies simply need to provide the serial number and other data in an Excel Macro and variable data printing companies can take care of the rest.
VIN Labels
Much like a serial number, VINs (or vehicle identification numbers) are put on cars and other automobiles. They’re unique to the vehicle and are used by the end-user to identify their vehicle, register for insurance, and more. Due to their importance, manufacturers can’t finish a job without affixing VIN labels, so having the labels on time is of the utmost importance. Fortunately, most manufacturers work with trusted variable print data companies to talk production schedules and ensure just-in-time delivery for your VIN labels.
Asset Number Labels
Our final example is asset numbers. Asset numbers are unique numbers that are used by companies to label their assets (like computers, machines, furniture, vehicles, and more). These asset numbers identify that the piece is company owned, and they may also contain information about maintenance and upkeep. For example, fleet vehicles may be assigned asset numbers to ensure they are properly tracked and maintained. Just like our above examples, asset numbers are unique and require customized printing.?
DuraMark Technologies: A Fast, Affordable, And Quality Approach To Variable Data Printing
At DuraMark Technologies, we strive to stand out from other variable data printing companies by building ongoing partnerships with our clients. Variable data printing is complex, so having a partner on your side who can work with your production schedule and deliver your labels just in time is vital to your operations. As the leading label provider in North America, we’re committed to helping you find the right label for each and every one of your situations—no matter what kinds of variable data you have. Reach out to us today to discuss your VDP needs.