The label industry has requested new MIS (Management Information Systems) software, and suppliers have responded. As workforce challenges continue and concerns over tariffs and the supply chain abound, MIS software has emerged as a pivotal tool to drive efficiency and boost your business. In fact, MIS software thrives in uncertainty.

“The past few years have demonstrated how critical robust MIS solutions are for manufacturers facing unprecedented challenges,” states Mariusz Sosnowski, CEO, HiFlow Solutions. “The pandemic accelerated digital transformation, forcing businesses to adapt to remote work and shifting market demands. Companies relying on outdated systems struggled to maintain visibility and control over operations, while those with advanced MIS solutions, like HiFlow, benefited from real-time tracking, automated workflows, and AI-driven insights.”

“The label converting industry has seen major advancements in MIS software in recent years,” adds David Weston, marketing manager, Amtech Software. “AI-powered tools now handle everything from predictive maintenance to advanced scheduling, reducing downtime and boosting on-time delivery.”

According to CERM, there is a key differentiator for new MIS solutions. “Scalability is the word,” comments Sebastiaan Hermans, marketing manager, CERM. “Nobody knows exactly what the future holds. But our CERM MIS is scalable, and it grows together with our customers. It is never a limiting factor. On the contrary, we pride ourselves in being a big accelerant when our customers adapt to new technologies and processes.

“In addition, we release a new version update every six months,” adds Hermans. “Those version releases tackle the demands of our customers and help us anticipate new functionalities. Since the CERM MIS Software is 100% subscription-based, all our customers benefit from the latest updates and newest developments.”

The newest products are considerably more user friendly than those of previous years, explains Philip Kanjuka, manager, Global Events & Communications, eProductivity Software Solutions (ePS). “User experience has also improved with intuitive interfaces, mobile accessibility, and customizable dashboards,” he says. “These advancements allow converters to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and respond quickly to market demands. Solutions like ePS Insights 4D provide powerful analytics to track and measure key business performance indicators, ensuring continuous improvement.”

Connectivity is another core tenet of MIS systems. The ability to link to numerous other aspects of a label printing business is critical in today’s fast-paced environment.

“While implementing automation at every stage of label production is essential, true efficiency comes when all prepress and production processes work together seamlessly,” says Tom Peire, CEO of Four Pees and chief evangelist of Atomyx. “Without this connection, automation remains fragmented, and manual tasks can continue to create inefficiencies.”

Artificial intelligence is all the rage in the label and package printing industry today – and with good reason. Modern MIS solutions are more automated, data-driven, and cloud-based. AI and machine learning enhance forecasting and process optimization, while real-time analytics provide deeper insights for decision-making.

“Today’s MIS platforms integrate seamlessly with other business and production systems, including estimating, financials, scheduling, and inventory, creating a fully connected ecosystem that improves efficiency and reduces errors,” notes Sosnowski.

MIS software is a top driver of efficiency, which can translate directly to cost savings.

“Cost savings are realized through optimized workflows and reduced waste, enabling manufacturers to streamline their processes without sacrificing quality,” Sosnowski adds. “In effect, manufacturers can now do more with the same number of staff, and those employees can be directed toward more value added activities that can grow the business.”

For those unconvinced of making the switch, Peire offers the following advice: “Firstly, don’t be afraid of change,” he says. “It’s necessary to evolve and succeed. Secondly, don’t underestimate the power of knowledge. Data and business analysis is a powerful way to find inefficiencies and bottlenecks, and your MIS system can be a fantastic facilitator for this as it gives businesses an accurate and real-time overview of what’s happening at every stage of production.”

This is a growing industry, too, and one that is poised to surge in the future. That is evident by Cerm’s recent acquisition of Sweden’s OMIKAI Systems. CERM acquired OMIKAI with a view to accelerating its cloud product development that will be commercialized in the coming years.

A ‘must have’ for modern printers

There are real downsides to not utilizing this software in a label converting facility. As converters are tasked with doing more with less, this software serves as the epitome of these demands.

“Companies that fail to embrace AI-powered ERP and MIS systems struggle with inaccurate data, slow decision-making, and challenges in responding quickly to shifting market conditions,” remarks HiFlow’s Sosnowski. “Continuing to use legacy systems means having to allocate time and resources to maintaining those systems.”

“Investing in a good quality MIS enables printers to benefit from automation and digitalization throughout the entire process, from prepress and job onboarding to fulfillment and delivery,” adds Four Pees’ Peire. “Developments in this software, such as greater utilization of AI at the point of data analysis, smart intuitive features, and a shift toward cloud-based platforms powered by seamless API integrations, are enabling printers to streamline their production processes.

“For converters ready to modernize, the first step is setting clear goals, auditing current systems, and building a phased implementation plan,” adds Amtech’s Weston. “Amtech offers tailored solutions for this journey, including Label Traxx ERP, Siteline for customer engagement, and Batched for AI-driven scheduling. Together, these tools help converters streamline operations, increase profitability, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.”

Adding these tools is a strategic decision that brings immediate and long-term value to print and packaging manufacturers. Ultimately, getting started with these systems revolves around identifying the unique needs of the label converter. Just like equipment, this software is tailored to each customer’s book of business.

“HiFlow begins with a thorough discovery process that seeks to determine the converter’s existing equipment, processes, product, and IT stack,” explains Sosnowski. “A composable solution is created that is based on specific needs and integrates with existing systems. Each solution is unique. The next step is creating a structured implementation plan. The platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing workflows, minimizing disruption and maximizing efficiency from day one.”

“In an environment of rapid change, business leaders need access to accurate, actionable insights to make informed decisions,” adds ePS’ Kanjuka. “ePS Insights 4D provides converters with enterprise-wide reporting, KPI tracking, and trend analysis.”

In CERM’s case, the newest technologies have been tailored specifically to label and packaging converters. “From the very beginning, our CERM MIS is developed to be industry-specific,” states Hermans. “All features and modules are based on a standard workflow all label printers or packaging converters maintain when processing their sales orders. On top of that, we play a centralizing role within your complete workflow. CERM MIS brings all your operating and third-party software systems together in one interactive framework that’s more than just the sum of its parts.”

Customer service tools

The inclusion of AI allows converters to better assess their data and inventory, making customer service a much more proficient process.

“MIS software enhances the customer experience by providing a faster, more transparent, and error-free production process,” explains Sosnowski. “Automated workflows streamline estimating, job tracking, and customer communication, allowing businesses to provide accurate and timely responses to customer inquiries. The speed that AI provides in AI-driven purchase order processing brings swift action to emailed PO requests. The AI-powered PO processing system leverages Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and machine learning to extract, validate, and register purchase orders in a few seconds. An auto-generated confirmation provides immediate feedback to customers.”

MIS systems also simplify the communication process. “As MIS systems evolve, there have been more developments of customer portals where customers can upload files, review and access proofs, and manage their information and order details in one centralized location,” states Peire. “This too removes the back and forth that emails and various platforms can cause and improves the customer experience from end to end.”

Converters can better service their customers, as they’re equipped with more information at their fingertips. All of this can be ascertained in mere seconds. AI-driven data analytics minimize order errors by identifying inconsistencies in job specifications before production begins.

“This level of accuracy leads to fewer delays and reworks, ultimately ensuring a higher-quality product for the customer,” says Sosnowski. “AI-driven order tracking allows customers to view real-time updates on their projects, improving transparency and trust. By leveraging AI-powered MIS, manufacturers can offer a more responsive and reliable service to their customers, ultimately strengthening client relationships and enhancing brand reputation.”

New solutions

Amtech offers tailored solutions for this journey, including Label Traxx ERP, Siteline for customer engagement, and Batched for AI-driven scheduling. Together, these tools help converters streamline operations, increase profitability, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

CERM most recently launched its Scheduling optimizer, which serves as an AI-scheduling tool for maximized efficiency. The new product manages long-term planning to provide the best scheduling solution based on constraint optimization and predefined parameters that are tailored to the customer’s needs.

“Lumi is our AI-support assistant and designed to help our customers get the most out of CERM MIS software,” says Hermans. “Whether it’s troubleshooting complex workflows or onboarding new team members, Lumi delivers real-time support exactly when you need it.”

ePS offers a comprehensive ERP/MIS system designed specifically for the packaging and converting industry, covering estimating, job costing, production planning, inventory management, and financials. ePS Automator features intelligent workflow automation that streamlines repetitive tasks, reduces human error, and improves efficiency.

Four Pees provides services and technology adapted to each printer’s needs. Atomyx, developed by the team behind Four Pees, is a cloud-based print production management platform that connects print service providers and their technology stacks with print buyers and online print platforms. Atomyx offers three platforms: Atomyx Manage for seamless integration, order visualization, automation, and manual intervention capabilities; Atomyx Prepare, which takes artwork preparation into the cloud; and Atomyx Layout, which optimizes media usage.

HiFlow Solutions offers a suite of products specifically designed for each segment of the label and packaging industry, especially for label converters and flexible packaging manufacturers. The core HiFlow MIS system provides end-to-end management of production processes, automating everything from job estimating to delivery tracking. “HiFlow offers warehouse management systems, with raw material tracking, quality control and compliance features,” says Sosnowski.

He adds, “Advanced business intelligence and analytics tools offer deep insights into operational performance, helping leadership make data-driven decisions with confidence. Integration with ERP and prepress systems enables a cohesive digital infrastructure, eliminating silos and streamlining communication between departments.”

Stay Ahead in the Rapidly Evolving Label Converting Industry

The label converting industry is transforming at an unprecedented pace. With evolving customer demands, intensifying global competition, and industry consolidation, companies that fail to modernize risk falling behind.

Why Modernization Matters
The packaging market is projected to grow from $1.17 trillion in 2023 to $1.42 trillion by 2028. Companies investing in automation, AI, and streamlined workflows are gaining a competitive advantage through greater efficiency, lower costs, and enhanced customer satisfactio

The Industry Landscape is Changing
Major acquisitions by Asteria Group, Brook & Whittle, and Multi-Color Corporation are reshaping the market. For smaller firms, digital transformation and lean operations are no longer optional—they’re essential for survival.

Meeting Customer Expectations with AI
With 75% of B2B buyers preferring self-service options, businesses must offer digital tools, automated workflows, and real-time tracking. AI is further revolutionizing label converting by optimizing production schedules, reducing downtime, and improving inventory management, giving forward-thinking companies a significant edge.

The Path to Long-Term Success
Modernization goes beyond adopting new technology—it’s about building a culture of
innovation. By streamlining operations and embracing AI-driven solutions, your business can achieve sustainable growth and stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry.

Download the full guide to discover how to future-proof your label converting business with proven strategies, real-world case studies, and expert insights.