Companies who save money by using less expensive alternative consumables over the tried-and-tested, specifically-designed options will save money in the short term but lose money in the long term says Rowan Beattie, managing director of Pyrotec,a South African product identification solutions provider.
Beattie says that, due to the downturn in the economy, many companies are looking for ways to cut costs in the short term by using cheaper alternative options for their printing consumables. "Although they may save a little money in the short term, the harmful effect of these consumables will only cost companies more money in the long term as expensive printer parts become damaged."
Pyrotec PackMark, a division of Pyrotec, provides factory-level printing equipment to a range of South African companies, selling and renting equipment while also providing the consumables and taking care of any maintenance and repairs. It is the sole distributor of the Markem-Imaje range of printing equipment in South Africa.
Beattie says they have recently seen many of their clients abandon the slightly more expensive official brand of consumables for less expensive 'grey' options. "It has had a negative effect on the lifespan of the print heads and the printer, forcing customers to replace expensive parts at a cost that far outweighs the savings they made on using the cheaper alternativesm," he says.
There are distinct advantages to using the correct consumable, especially with pricey equipment such as large printers. Beattie explains:
1. Specifically developed
The correct consumables are specifically developed for their intended purpose on a specific machine. "The Markem-Imaje Thermal Transfer Ribbons are developed with specific release layers and a back coating that matches the Markem-Imaje machine's print heads. A poor quality back coating can cause premature print head wear and damage, as well as machine malfunction due to static build-up."
2. Less risk
Markem-Imaje consumables are extensively tested using ISO standards and are put through strict inspection criteria prior to shipping to ensure the highest quality products reach the end-consumer. "Using cheaper alternatives also negates the terms of the warranty, so when something does go wrong - and it often does - the client is left with a hefty repair bill that could have been avoided had they used the correct product."
3. Consistency across the world
Markem-Imaje consumables are consistent across the world. This means that clients with facilities in multiple parts of the world can be assured that they will always receive the same product to the same exacting standards.
4. Cost savings
Although companies may save some money in the short term by using alternative options, the damage they can cause to expensive machinery in the long run far outweighs this advantage. "Where customers could save a hundred rand on a cheaper alternative, damaging the print head could cost thousands of rands. And if something big goes wrong, the cost could go up to tens of thousands of rands. And remember, when alternative consumables are used, the warranty on the equipment then falls away”.
Look out for an in depth interview with Martin Bailey, the global key account manager for Markem Imaje, in an upcoming issue of Food Review.
