Citizen printers support first ever cloud-based label printing solution

Delfi Technologies is using Citizen Systems' CL-S range of industrial desktop printers in its innovative SkyLabel cloud-based label design and printing solution. Developed for the simple, software-free design of labels, Delfi supplies Citizen printers as part of the SkyLabel solution, which is benefiting a range of customers in various applications.

SkyLabel enables users to design and manage one and two dimensional barcodes and label design layouts through the cloud. Design requirements and printing parameters can be controlled from a central location, with the end user simply pressing the print function when ready to print a local run of labels. Citizen's CL-S range then print the labels quickly and free of error.

The Citizen label printers that Delfi supplies as part of the complete SkyLabel solution are the CL-S521, CLS621 and CL-S700. As each printer is easy to use and install, the CL-S range is already proving popular with customers, especially those with a limited knowledge of technology. Once end-users have finished designing and laying out their new label, they simply click print. This triggers a URL print function, which automatically checks the parameters, layout and barcode, before printing to the designated local printer.

Depending on the printing requirements and environment of a customer, Delfi specifies either Citizen's CL-S521, CL-S621 or CL-S700. This ensures that end users are supplied with a printer that specifically meets their needs. For example, for end users that operate in a low space environment, the CL-S521 is ideal, or when a large media capacity is required, the CL-S700 is specified. The print speed of the three CL-S range models is proving especially beneficial to users, with fast print-outs varying from four inches per second in the CL-S621, six inches per second in the CL-S521 and ten inches per second in the CL-S700.

Since the launch of the SkyLabel solution at the end of 2013, feedback from customers on the ease of use of this integrated design and printing package has been extremely positive. To date Delfi hasn't received a single complaint regarding the performance of the printers.

One of the world's largest brewery groups is currently utilising the SkyLabel solution. The key advantage for this company is the simplicity of designing and printing labels of high quality regardless of where in the world a site is based. This process has hastened and simplified the process of identifying equipment within the company, improving and speeding up the interaction between IT and non-IT staff. For example, a Helpdesk request can be logged and solved much quicker when there is just one clear ID number to quote from the easy to read printed label. As a result of the success of SkyLabel and the Citizen printers, the globally renowned company is looking to expand its use to more locations worldwide.

Commenting on the decision to integrate Citizen printers into SkyLabel, Martin Nordberg, Solution Specialist at Delfi Technologies, said: "We know first-hand how robust Citizen hardware is, and how dependable the business is in terms of support and technical know-how. Like ourselves, they have cultivated a reputation for reliability, innovation and delivering products and solutions that are easy to install and use. That, combined with the impressive and reliable performance of the CL-S printer series, is why we chose to work with them as opposed to other label printer manufacturers. Citizen's printers are helping us to deliver an all-round excellent solution, as well as ensuring Delfi continues to be regarded as a provider of reliable and high performance solutions."

With the printers able to support a vast array of print label media, including bespoke labels for customers using SkyLabel, this is an ongoing partnership proving to be mutually beneficial for both Citizen and Delfi Technologies.