Print.IT Reseller - issue 82

LABELLING PRINTITRESELLER.UK 25 Brother UK has launched a new hardware-as-a-service platform called Managed Label Service (MLS) to help resellers capitalise on the growing market for label printers Brother UK launches managed label service and logistics as pressure increases on operators to ramp-up fulfilment speeds and improve returns processing. “The TJ models will not only enable Auto-ID and IT resellers to help their customers tackle this challenge but seize an opportunity to build new revenue as demand in the market increases. The devices introduce a number of new features and benefits, from market- leading print speeds to connectivity options, which makes our thermal print range a more competitive and relevant proposition for partners, particularly for customers operating in high volume and heavy-duty environments.” Unrivalled portfolio Brother offers an unrivalled portfolio of thermal printers, with products to cover an extensive range of applications, including receipts and shipping labels. In addition to the TJ devices, there is also desktop devices, such as the TD-4420TN and TD-4520TN and mobile printers, such as the RJ-4230B and RJ-4250WB. The TJ series of industrial barcode label printer offers up to 300 dpi resolution for clear text and barcodes, creating high-quality product, packing and shipping labels. The TD series of desktop printers is designed for high- volume, low-cost labelling, using direct thermal or thermal transfer technology for exceptional durability. For mobile printing, PocketJet printers fit easily into briefcases and laptop bags, producing high-quality mono A4 documents wherever and whenever they’re needed, supporting new flexible ways of working where workers are increasingly away from the office. And for workers in the field, the lightweight yet tough RuggedJet range of mobile printers produce receipts, quotes and labels, with IP54 certification ensuring durability and a free three-year warranty as standard across the entire range for peace of mind, which can be extended or enhanced as required. Complete labelling solution MLS will provide businesses with a complete labelling solution in a single package, including software, accessories, servicing and tech support, enabling them to start selling online or make their delivery function more efficient, while avoiding a big upfront investment. Using the platform, resellers can create custom quotes in real-time to offer a flexible solution to their customers. Partners get the revenue straight away once the deal has been processed and at the end of the contract. Resellers, rather than customers, retain ownership of the hardware – allowing them to either gain additional revenue or update the customer with new hardware. Ged Cairns, Head of Auto-ID business unit at Brother UK, said: “We’re always looking for ways to support our resellers as they work to break and expand into new markets. Online sales surged during lockdown and the elevated levels that we see now will continue post-pandemic. Retailers are investing in technology as they reshape their business models and make their logistics operations as efficient as possible. “But they are also experiencing pressure on their cashflow, and MLS can enable them to have the latest labelling solution, with no large upfront cost and a predictable monthly payment instead. Resellers get their entire payment up front and Brother can support them in using the platform and throughout the sales process. This service will enable them to provide their customers with flexible payment options at a time when many are making significant changes to how their businesses operate,” he concluded. www.brother.co.uk Reseller partners will be able to use the platform to provide customers with a subscription for labelling devices for the first time, giving businesses the option to spread the upfront cost of new Brother label printers, third-party hardware, software, services and supplies, over an affordable monthly payment plan. That gives them access to the latest labelling technology without the usual capital investment required. The shift to e-commerce and home delivery during the pandemic has resulted in strong demand for label printers from firms which have pivoted their business model to selling online, and the category is forecast to grow by 9% during 2021. The move follows the launch of the company’s first range of industrial label printers. The TJ series, which includes eight thermal printer models, provides users operating across manufacturing, logistics, warehousing and transport with print speeds of up to 14 inches-per-second to meet growing work volumes, precipitated by the sharp increase in online shopping. Aaron Hopkinson, Product and Solutions manager for SPS and Labelling, said: “Boosting employee productivity and picking efficiency are the top priorities across warehousing BROTHER Managed Label Service