When cloud labeling may be suitable
Cloud labeling can be relevant for organisations that need to reduce local software administration while keeping label templates, users and printing processes under central control.
- Limited IT resources for workstation software installation and maintenance
- A need to deploy labeling software quickly
- Multiple employees creating or updating label templates
- Label printing at several sites
- Template sharing between departments or locations
- Regulated processes that require controlled changes and approvals
- A requirement to simplify labeling software upgrades
Loftware Cloud capabilities
Core labeling functions
| Function | Loftware Cloud capability |
|---|---|
| Label and document design | Built-in label designer with a familiar Microsoft Word-like interface. It can be used for barcode labels and multi-page supply-chain documents, including delivery notes, packing slips and invoices. |
| Template storage | Centralised storage for label templates, accessed through a web browser. |
| Template accuracy | Integration with product data provides a single source of truth intended to help reduce errors and mislabeling. |
| Printing deployment | Label printing can be extended across departments and to external business partners, including suppliers, contract manufacturers and third-party logistics providers. |
| Business-system integration | Supports label-printing integration with cloud or on-premise business systems, including ERP, WMS and PLM applications. |
Label design and document output
The platform includes a built-in designer for creating professional labels without requiring IT assistance, barcoding knowledge or designer training, according to Loftware. In addition to barcode labels, the designer supports multi-page documents used in supply-chain processes.
Supported document examples
| Output type | Examples stated by Loftware |
|---|---|
| Labels | Barcode labels |
| Multi-page supply-chain documents | Delivery notes, packing slips and invoices |
Central template storage and version control
Loftware Cloud stores label templates in a centralised, secure system. Authorised users can access the latest approved template from a secure browser rather than relying on separate shared drives or local copies.
- Check-in and check-out controls help prevent more than one user editing the same template at the same time.
- Automatic document versioning provides template and change-request history.
- Users can retrieve the latest approved template from any location through a secure browser.
User administration and access
Rather than installing and licensing label software at each workstation, Loftware Cloud manages users centrally. New users can be added and approved without license keys, then receive access by email.
User access features
| Area | Capability |
|---|---|
| User management | Central management of users |
| Access control | Role-based access control |
| Authentication | Supports Windows Active Directory authentication |
| User access method | Internet browser |
| License keys | Not required |
Approval workflow and regulated environments
Loftware Cloud digitises the label quality approval process. Documents can be automatically sent to quality control managers for review, who can approve or reject changes in a web browser. A label comparison feature compares two revisions and graphically highlights their differences.
For regulated environments, Loftware Cloud Compliance includes separate Development, Quality Assurance and Production environments. This allows changes to be tested before they are made live in production.
Approval and compliance functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Workflow routing | Documents are automatically sent to quality control managers for review and approval. |
| Revision comparison | Compares two label revisions and graphically highlights differences. |
| Approval action | Quality control managers can approve or reject changes from their computer through a web browser. |
| Compliance environments | Development, Quality Assurance and Production |
Integration and scalable printing
Loftware Cloud is designed to connect labeling with cloud or on-premise business applications and to extend printing without visiting each print station to deploy or upgrade software. Loftware states that universal label templates can print to cloud-connected or on-premise printers, regardless of where those printers are located.
Integration and deployment scope
| Area | Details stated by Loftware |
|---|---|
| Business application types | ERP, WMS, PLM and other business applications |
| Named application examples | SAP, Oracle, Workday, NetSuite and Wonderware |
| Printer environments | Cloud-connected and on-premise printers |
| Expansion targets | Departments, suppliers, contract manufacturers and third-party logistics providers |
For businesses evaluating subscription options, Printer Power lists Loftware Cloud Business Small and Loftware Cloud Business Large.
Cloud architecture and security approach
Loftware Cloud is hosted on the Microsoft Azure platform. Loftware describes its architecture as prioritising security and availability, with multiple redundancies intended to eliminate single points of failure. Loftware also states that it works with Microsoft architects to follow security best practices.
Selection guidance
Loftware Cloud may suit organisations that require central control of label templates, distributed browser access and a managed approval process. It is particularly relevant where labels need to be shared across sites or external partners, or where printing must be connected to product data and wider business systems.
Teams that need instruction for a cloud deployment can also review the available Loftware Academy for Cloud Business and Loftware Academy for Cloud Compliance training options.