Inline Versus Offline Inspection

Consumers are probably as smart as you think they are, and when it comes down to one vendor’s package versus another’s, they notice everything. They’ll notice print and graphics on the package that are out of registration, and they’ll definitely notice when the bar code isn’t printed correctly as they wait at the checkout for an item to scan properly. You’ll see it in your bottom line if the vendors to whom you print packaging aren’t completely happy with the end result, especially if what you printed doesn’t match what they approved at the tail end of press qualification. Today’s web inspection systems have increased in sophistication to address the very specialized needs of several packaging categories, from food to pharmaceutical. There are various criteria converters must consider when selecting a web inspection system, beginning with which type to specify—inline, offline, or both.