Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1347119
April/May/June 2021 I 17 Choosing the Right Equipment There are only two ways to create clear, legible, and permanent labels for the job site. Workers can be sent to the field with sheets of pre-printed labels and hope they meet their needs. It is more efficient to equip them with compact, rugged, and easy-to-use handheld or mobile printers so they can print the labels they need, when and where they are needed without waste. The affordability and performance of today's hand- held, industrial-grade labeling tools should be considered when budgeting. When evaluating on-demand printers for electrical systems and cable identification, select a rugged, commercial unit that is built for industrial use. In addition, units should function for an entire shift without overheating, unlike consumer units that are designed for occasional home use. Jobsite printers must also be easy to use with intuitive menus and built-in label application keys that make it easy to create and produce high-quality, laminated labels in seconds, without reading the manual. This is important for project speed, quality, and accuracy. The following key features, gathered from worldwide user feedback, can be significant time savers. They should be seriously considered when comparing and evaluating industrial handheld label printers: • Buttons: Look for QWERTY keyboards, clearly marked shortcut buttons, and easy-to-follow navigation menus. Users have familiarity with these features and they allow them to create a variety of different labels with simple keystrokes. • Displays: A large backlit LCD provides optimal visibility in all environments for an at-a-glance view of label designs. By making it easier to preview and edit labels prior to printing, it also reduces waste. • Fonts: Automatic smart font-sizing technology offers clear, readable labels that conform to short and long ANSI/TIA identifier formats, so users can quickly make labels suitable for cables, optical fiber, wires, faceplates, patch panels, punch blocks, control panels, and more. • Speed: Faster printing speeds increase efficiency and productivity; work crews can accomplish more during a shift. • Storage: Built-in memory and pre-loaded software allow users to download and store data to create custom-designed labels and to access preformatted label templates that come with the printer. • Wireless Connectivity: This will help speed up labeling applications on site, including if label inputs need to be edited due to errors in a data- base. Look for Wi-Fi, USB, and/or Bluetooth connectivity to match work practices. • Languages: A multilingual user interface can help make the smart labeler more user-friendly for diverse work crews. • Portable: Lightweight but rugged units are best. A carrying case and wrist strap keep printers near at hand. • Sized Right: Small format printers are compact and can go anywhere. However, label requirements will vary. Make sure the printers can handle the different label sizes needed for wrapping, flagging, and serializing. • Adaptable: Media-friendly printers are easily adaptable. Look for ones with drop-in labeling cassettes that make it easy to change label sizes, colors, and adhesive types in seconds. Those that accommodate larger label cassettes can provide more printing up-time with a lower cost per label. • Durability: Electrical contractors and installers need a labeler that will stand the test of time, even in harsh environments. Some of the more advanced features now available take advantage of the printer's wireless connectivity options. For example, users can create preformatted label templates on their iOS or Android devices and send them directly to the printer. A second type of app pairs the printer with a cloud-based project management system, effectively bridging the gap between the office where the project originates and the jobsite where the data is needed for testing and labeling. Finding the right commercial grade, portable printer is just half the battle. The next essential step is to make sure it can readily produce the labels needed for the job.