Constraint network approach to the design and manufacture of labels in a high-variety label-printing environment

This paper presents a constraint network approach to the design and manufacture of high-variety labels. The existing approach to label printing in the industry is essentially a sequential approach. In this approach, layout sheet utilization is optimized based on label attributes only. Production then attempts to meet delivery date of the labels by first processing high-priority labels from the layout sheet, and others later. This results in huge work-in-process inventory and high production cost. In this paper, we propose a constraint network approach to the design and manufacture of labels on layout sheets. Mathematical models of the various manufacturing stages are considered in the design process. Thus the emerging optimal layout design minimizes the work-in-process inventory and production cost, and maximizes production efficiency. The algorithm is an application of artificial intelligence techniques in a system domain. An example application of the algorithm results in an efficient production schedule and greater product delivery performance.