Interview with Mr. Palvinder Singh , Director, Dash Technologies & Labels Pvt. Ltd.
Modern labels are no longer identifiers—they are intelligent tools for traceability, system integration, and secure, reliable tracking across the entire paper supply chain.
Print3 : What inspired Dash Technologies to focus on barcode and label solutions as a core business, especially given the rise of digital tracking in manufacturing?
Palvinder Singh : Dash Technologies chose to focus on barcode and labeling solutions based on a clear ground-floor reality—no digital or centralized system, which can function reliably without accurate identification at the ground level. While manufacturers were investing in ERP and automation, we consistently saw breakdowns in tracking because physical assets were not being identified correctly. Real customer experiences showed us that a well-designed barcode label becomes the link between the shop floor and centralized digital systems, enabling seamless tracking of materials, products, and data from production to warehouse and management dashboards. This understanding, backed by hands-on industrial exposure, shaped Dash’s commitment to delivering robust, reliable, and technology-aligned barcode solutions that ensure end-to-end visibility and truly support digital manufacturing.
P3 : How did your early experiences with self-adhesive labels inform your long-term approach toward industrial labeling solutions?
PS : Our early work with self-adhesive labels gave us deep exposure to real-world industrial conditions—heat, dust, moisture, abrasion, and high-speed production lines. These experiences taught us that industrial labeling is not a commodity business; it demands engineering precision, material science expertise, and application knowledge. This hands-on experience shaped our long-term philosophy: every label must be designed based on the environment, substrate, application method, and lifecycle expectations. Today, this approach allows us to deliver highly customized solutions across paper mills, packaging plants, pharma, logistics, and manufacturing sectors.
P3 : Why was expanding into barcode labels an important strategic step in your company’s growth trajectory?
PS : Barcode labeling was a natural evolution for Dash. As customers moved toward automation, traceability, and compliance-driven operations, traditional labels alone were insufficient. Barcode labels enabled us to participate directly in our customers’ process optimization and digital transformation journeys. This expansion allows to move upstream—from being a consumables supplier to becoming a solution partner, offering integrated hardware, software, and consumables for end-to-end identification systems.
P3 : What adhesive and material technologies do you use to ensure barcode labels adhere reliably to various paper surfaces?
PS : At Dash, we produce application-specific, purpose-built labels rather than one-type-fits-all solutions. We use custom-engineered acrylic and rubber-based adhesive technologies, carefully selected based on the paper surface type, coating, surface energy, environmental conditions, and handling cycle. For dusty, recycled, or rough paper surfaces, we develop high-tack, aggressive adhesion labels to ensure reliable bonding, while for coated cartons and smooth packaging, we use controlled-adhesion formulations that prevent edge lifting or flagging. Every label is applied tested in real operating conditions to guarantee consistent adhesion throughout storage, transport, and end-use.
P3 : How do you ensure barcode readability and durability under abrasive manufacturing conditions?
PS : Barcode readability is ensured through a combination of print resolution optimization, correct ribbon selection, barcode grading verification, and protective top coatings. In demanding environments, we recommend thermal transfer printing with resin or wax-resin ribbons to resist smudging, abrasion, and moisture. We also support customers with barcode verification and scan performance audits, ensuring compliance with global standards.
P3 : What unique requirements does the paper industry present for barcode and identification labels, and how has digital transformation influenced label selection in this sector?
PS : With digital transformation, label selection has evolved beyond basic identification to support real-time tracking, system integration, anti-counterfeiting measures, and enhanced data capture through barcodes and 2D codes. Today, paper manufacturers look for labels that can withstand temperature fluctuations, enable seamless integration with ERP and WMS platforms, support traceability and authentication, and ensure consistent scan reliability across automated and high-speed operations. The paper industry operates in challenging environments involving temperature variations, dust, moisture, high frequency, and long storage cycles, which make label longevity and durability critical. Labels must remain readable throughout the product lifecycle while clearly serving their core objective of accurate identification and tracking from production to dispatch.
P3 : How do you innovate label design and print quality to meet high throughput demands?
PS : We innovate label design and print quality by engineering labels specifically for high-speed printing and automated application environments. Our focus is on optimized face stocks, consistent coating, and precise adhesive performance to ensure smooth feeding, sharp print contrast, and minimal printer downtime. We also test our labels extensively with high-volume thermal transfer and direct thermal printers to maintain scan accuracy and durability even at peak production speeds.
P3 : What key partnerships or collaborations have accelerated your reach within the paper and packaging industry?
PS : Our reach within the paper and packaging industry has been significantly accelerated through strategic collaborations with leading global technology brands. Dash is a premium partner of Zebra, Honeywell, Chainway, CipherLab, Newland, and other leading identification and automation solution providers. These partnerships enable us to deliver end-to-end identification ecosystems—integrating high-performance labels with industrial printers, scanners, mobile computers, and software solutions. By combining world-class hardware, purpose-built labeling, and system integration support, we help paper and packaging customers achieve higher operational efficiency, accuracy, and scalable digital adoption.
P3 : Can you share a case where your barcode solutions improved operational efficiency in a paper manufacturing environment?
PS : Yes, one strong example comes from our engagement with a leading paper manufacturing company in India, where Dash implemented a barcode-based identification and tracking solution to improve operational efficiency across production and logistics. The company was facing challenges related to manual identification, tracking inconsistencies, and limited real-time visibility of paper reels and finished goods in a high-volume manufacturing environment. Dash designed and deployed a robust barcode labeling system optimized for paper reels and pallets, seamlessly aligned with their existing operational workflows. The solution enabled reel-wise and batch-wise tracking from production to warehouse and dispatch, significantly reducing manual errors and material mismatches. As a result, the organization achieved faster material movement, improved inventory accuracy, enhanced traceability, and better coordination between production, stores, and logistics, leading to a measurable improvement in overall operational efficiency.
P3 : How are industry innovations such as 2D barcodes (QR, Data Matrix) transforming labeling practices in paper product tracking?
PS : Industry innovations such as 2D barcodes, including QR codes and Data Matrix, are transforming paper product tracking by enabling higher data storage, better traceability, and improved integration with digital systems. They allow manufacturers to capture detailed information such as batch numbers, production dates, and quality data in a compact format. This supports end-to-end visibility, regulatory compliance, and faster, more accurate scanning across the paper supply chain.
P3 : Are you exploring integration with RFID or IoT devices for enhanced traceability in paper logistics and warehouse operations?
PS : Yes, Dash is actively working on RFID-enabled labeling and IoT-based identification solutions to improve traceability in paper logistics and warehouse operations. These technologies are especially effective for paper reel, roll, and pallet tracking, where non-line-of-sight identification is critical due to size, stacking, and fast material movement. By integrating RFID with our purpose-built labels and tracking systems, we enable real-time visibility of rolls and finished goods, faster warehouse movements, and reduced manual scanning. This helps paper manufacturers achieve more accurate inventory control, smoother logistics, and a smarter, automated supply chain.
P3 : With the Indian paper packaging sector poised for accelerated growth, what labeling and identification technologies do you see becoming essential over the next 5–10 years?
PS : Over the next 5–10 years, as the Indian paper packaging sector scales rapidly, several labeling and identification technologies will become essential. High-density 2D barcodes (like QR and Data Matrix) will enable richer data capture and traceability across the supply chain. RFID and IoT-enabled solutions will drive real-time visibility and automation in warehouses and logistics. Smart, automated print-and-apply systems with advanced materials will support high throughput with consistent quality.
P3 : How do you anticipate customer expectations will evolve in terms of data capture, traceability, and automated asset tracking within paper supply chains?
PS : Customer expectations will evolve toward real-time, error-free data capture and complete end-to-end traceability across the paper supply chain. There will be a growing demand for automated asset tracking using 2D barcodes, RFID, and system-integrated labeling solutions that reduce manual intervention. Customers will also expect seamless integration with ERP, WMS, and analytics platforms, enabling faster decision-making, improved inventory accuracy, and higher operational efficiency.
P3 : In what ways is Dash preparing to support paper industry digitalization, for example, integration with AI-based scanning or real-time production analytics?
PS : Dash supports paper industry digitalization by addressing key operational pain points such as FIFO management, production tracking, dispatch visibility, inventory accuracy, and accountability across departments. In dusty, high-speed paper manufacturing environments, these challenges often lead to scan failures, manual errors, and data gaps. To overcome this, Dash provides rugged, vision-grade and AI-ready barcode labels, along with RFID-compatible solutions, that work reliably on paper reels, rolls, and pallets. Integrated with ERP, WMS, and real-time analytics systems, our end-to-end solutions enable accurate production tracking, FIFO compliance, real-time dispatch monitoring, and clear operational accountability—helping paper manufacturers move toward practical, shop-floor-ready digitalization.
P3 : Given the environmental concerns associated with label paper production and waste recycling, how is Dash working to improve sustainability in your label materials and processes?
PS : Dash improves sustainability by reducing paper waste at the source using liner-less labels, thinner gauge face stocks, and high-yield label materials that maintain performance with less paper consumption. We also promote direct thermal and optimized label constructions to eliminate unnecessary layers. Dash follows FSC-certified sourcing, is ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect)–certified, and supports liner recycling programs, ensuring our labels align with paper and corrugated recycling streams. These initiatives help customers achieve sustainability goals without compromising operational efficiency.
P3 : How do you ensure your workforce is trained in the latest labeling technologies relevant to industrial paper applications?
PS : We ensure our workforce stays updated through regular technical training programs, hands-on product workshops, and collaboration with technology partners. Our teams are continuously exposed to new labeling materials, printing technologies, barcode standards, and automation practices relevant to industrial paper applications.