Automated Shipping Labels
Chicago Tag & Label helps high-volume operations improve the way labels are printed, applied, and managed on the shipping line. Our Multiplex™ auto-applied solutions are built for companies that need more than a standard hand-applied label.
Multiplex™ Auto-Applied Enclosed Packing Lists and Shipping Labels
Chicago Tag & Label’s patented Multiplex™ Print & Apply system revolutionizes packing slip automation by merging packing list labels and shipping labels into one seamless process. This innovation eliminates manual handling, reduces errors, and speeds up fulfillment for high-volume distribution environments.
High-speed production lines benefit from working with advanced automated label companies capable of delivering precision-built labeling systems and materials. If your team is applying labels by hand, matching packing slips to packages, or using separate processes for shipping labels and concealed documents, automated Multiplex™ labeling may help simplify your workflow.
With the right setup, your operation can print and apply automated shipping labels while keeping packing documents, return information, gift messages, or other shipping materials aligned with the correct package.
Compatible with both direct thermal and thermal transfer materials, our automated label printing solutions integrate easily into conveyor systems or tabletop label applicators. Each label set is designed for accuracy and consistent performance, ensuring that your documents and packing slips are applied precisely every time. Available in both standard and custom configurations, our label automation options deliver efficiency, precision, and reliability at scale.
Chicago Tag & Label can help review your application, package size, line speed, document needs, and equipment setup to recommend the right Multiplex™ auto-applied solution.
Photo Gallery
Multiplex Auto Applied Shipping Labels 
Multiplex Auto Applied Shipping Labels 
Robotic Multiplex Label Application 
Multiplex Auto Applied Shipping Labels 
Multiplex Enclosed Packing List Solution 
Multiplex Enclosed Packing List Solution 
Multiplex Enclosed Packing List Solution 
Multiplex Enclosed Packing List Solution 
3-Part Multiplex Label 
3-Part Multiplex Label 
Opening the Multiplex Enclosed Packing List Label
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Multiplex™ Auto-Applied Packing Lists
Multiplex™ 2+ Auto-Applied Packing List
The Multiplex™ 2+ Auto-Applied Packing List streamlines order fulfillment by combining a packing list label and shipping label into one automated process. Ideal for integration with an automated shipping label applicator, it allows for efficient application while maintaining print clarity and alignment. This system helps reduce labor costs, improve accuracy, and support rapid packaging workflows.
Multiplex™ 3+ Auto-Applied Packing List
The Multiplex™ 3+ builds on automation efficiency by incorporating a shipping label, enclosed packing list, and return label—all automatically applied in one pass. Designed for advanced packing slip automation, this system ensures accuracy and consistency while reducing handling time. It’s a perfect fit for operations using a packing slip inserter or packaging slip inserter that requires quick and precise document placement.
Using Multiplex™ Packing Lists
Multiplex™ Print-and-Apply Labeling for Automated Shipping Workflows
Multiplex™ auto-applied labels are designed for shipping and fulfillment operations that need to reduce manual handling and keep packages moving. Instead of printing a shipping label, printing a separate packing slip, inserting documents by hand, and applying labels manually, Multiplex™ can help combine these steps into an automated print-and-apply process.
These are not basic automation labels. Multiplex™ labels are multi-layer shipping solutions that can support variable information, concealed documents, return labels, packing slips, gift messages, and other customer-facing or internal shipping materials.
Depending on the configuration, Multiplex™ auto-applied labels can support:
- Shipping labels
- Concealed packing slips
- Return labels
- Gift messages
- Order details
- Customer documents
- Additional shipping paperwork
- Variable data
- Barcodes and tracking information
High-speed production lines benefit from working with our advanced automated label company because our systems are capable with delivering precision-built labeling and materials.
The goal is simple: print, apply, and keep the line moving.
Conveyor Systems and Tabletop Label Applicators
Automated label printing starts with the way your packages move through the line. Some operations use conveyor systems to move cartons or bags through a print-and-apply station. Others use tabletop label applicators to support more compact or semi-automated workflows.
Multiplex™ auto-applied solutions can be planned around your workflow, equipment, package type, and application location.
Conveyor-Based Label Application
Conveyor-based label application is often the right choice for high-volume shipping, fulfillment, distribution, and manufacturing lines. Packages move through a controlled path while the print-and-apply system prints the variable label information and applies the label to the package.
A conveyor-based Multiplex™ workflow can support:
- Continuous carton movement
- Carton and bag labeling
- Top label application
- Side label application
- Shipping label application
- Concealed packing slip application
- Return label or gift message workflows
- High-volume package handling
- Consistent label placement
This type of setup is often helpful when a facility needs to reduce hand application, support a faster shipping line, and keep label placement more consistent from package to package.
For broader label and thermal printing needs, Chicago Tag also offers thermal solutions and custom shipping labels.
Tabletop Label Applicators
Tabletop label applicators can be a strong fit for facilities that want automation support without a full conveyor-based system. These setups may be useful for shipping stations, smaller packaging lines, or controlled work areas where teams still want to reduce manual application.
A tabletop label applicator can help create a more repeatable labeling process while keeping the workflow practical for the available space.
| Conveyor Systems | Tabletop Label Applicators |
|---|---|
| Best for continuous, high-volume lines | Best for compact or semi-automated workflows |
| Supports faster package movement | Easier to fit into existing workstations |
| Good for cartons and bags moving downstream | Good for controlled label application areas |
| Often used in larger fulfillment environments | Useful when full conveyor automation is not needed |
Chicago Tag & Label can help you to determine whether a conveyor-integrated system, tabletop applicator, or another print-and-apply setup makes the most sense for your operation.
Arca LinerPlus Print & Apply Label Applicator Support
In an automated Multiplex™ workflow, the applicator is a key part of the process. The label has to print correctly, separate properly, and apply cleanly to the carton or bag. That is why the application equipment matters.
The Arca LinerPlus Print & Apply Label Applicator can support automated Multiplex™ label application for high-volume workflows. Depending on the setup, it can be used to apply labels to cartons, bags, and other package types as part of a print-and-apply process.
Why the Applicator Matters
A print-and-apply applicator helps control how the label is placed on the package. This can be especially important when labels include barcodes, tracking information, concealed packing slips, or other documents that need to stay aligned with the shipment.
The right applicator setup can help:
- Reduce manual label application
- Improve placement consistency
- Support high-volume package flow
- Apply labels to cartons or bags
- Keep variable data aligned with the correct package
- Reduce handling at the packing line
- Support a cleaner shipping process
Zebra Print Engine Support for Automated Multiplex™ Labels
In an automated print-and-apply system, the print engine is the component that prints the variable information before the applicator applies the label to the package. For Multiplex™ auto-applied workflows, a Zebra print engine with a 4½” print head can help support many shipping label and packing slip applications.
This is different from a standard manual printing workflow. In an automated setup, the print engine is part of the larger application system. It prints the required information, then the applicator handles label placement.
A Zebra print engine can support:
- Variable shipping data
- Tracking numbers
- Barcodes
- Order details
- Packing slip information
- Return label data
- Thermal printing workflows
- Automated print-and-apply integration
The print head is useful for many shipping label formats and variable-data applications. The right setup depends on the label construction, Multiplex™ format, application speed, package type, printer settings, and equipment configuration.
You can learn more about Zebra print engines directly from Zebra. Chicago Tag & Label can also help review whether the label format and print-and-apply setup are a fit for your workflow.
Benefits of Automated Labeling
Automated label application can help high-volume shipping and fulfillment teams reduce manual steps, improve consistency, and create a more scalable labeling process. For companies managing hundreds or thousands of packages, these improvements can add up quickly.
Faster Throughput
Automated labeling helps packages continue moving through the line. Instead of stopping for manual label application, document matching, pouch insertion, or separate packing slip handling, the system can print and apply the label as part of the workflow.
This can help support higher daily order volume, especially during busy seasons.
Less Manual Handling
Manual labeling takes time and attention. It may involve printing, folding, inserting, matching, and applying multiple pieces for one shipment.
Automated Multiplex™ labeling can reduce the number of touchpoints in the packing process. This allows teams to focus less on repetitive label handling and more on keeping orders moving.
More Consistent Label Placement
Consistent label placement matters for scanning, package handling, and presentation. Automated systems can apply labels to a consistent area on the carton or bag, such as the top or side of the package.
This can be especially helpful for operations using scanners, sortation systems, conveyor lines, or standardized package handling processes.
Fewer Document Matching Errors
When shipping labels, packing slips, return labels, or gift messages are handled separately, there is more room for mix-ups. Multiplex™ auto-applied labels help keep documents together in one printed and applied label format.
That can help reduce the risk of the wrong packing document being matched with the wrong package.
Better Scalability
Growing operations need systems that can handle higher order volume without relying only on added labor. Automated Multiplex™ labeling gives companies a more scalable foundation for fulfillment growth, peak season surges, and higher shipping demands.
Automated Multiplex™ Labeling for High-Volume Operations
Multiplex™ auto-applied solutions are designed for operations where labeling speed, document accuracy, and workflow consistency matter. These systems can support a wide range of high-volume shipping and packaging environments.
eCommerce Fulfillment Centers
For many eCommerce operations, Multiplex™ can offer an alternative to a separate packing slip inserter process by combining the shipping label and concealed document into one automated labeling workflow.
Distribution Centers and 3PL Operations
Distribution centers and 3PL operations often manage multiple clients, carriers, package sizes, and service levels. A consistent automated label application process can help standardize the way labels are applied across different shipments.
Multiplex™ auto-applied labels can support high-volume distribution workflows where cartons and bags need to move quickly while keeping shipping documents attached and concealed.
Manufacturing Shipping Lines
Manufacturers may need to include order paperwork, customer documents, product details, work order information, or return instructions with outgoing shipments. When those documents are handled manually, the process can become time-consuming and difficult to scale.
Automated Multiplex™ labeling can help manufacturers apply shipping labels and concealed documents as part of a repeatable end-of-line process.
Transportation and Logistics Operations
Multiplex™ auto-applied solutions can support logistics environments where labels need to be printed, applied, scanned, and moved through the operation with fewer manual touchpoints.
Healthcare and Regulated Shipments
Healthcare and regulated shipping environments often involve documentation-heavy packages, sensitive shipments, and the need for reliable identification. Automated Multiplex™ labeling can help keep required documents attached to the right package while reducing unnecessary handling.
Pick and Place Labels vs. Print-and-Apply Labeling
Companies researching pick and place labels are often looking for a more automated way to apply labels accurately and consistently. A pick-and-place process may apply preprinted or staged labels to a product, carton, or package.
Multiplex™ auto-applied solutions are focused on print-and-apply workflows. That means variable shipping information is printed first, then the label is applied to the package as part of one automated process.
| Pick-and-Place Labeling | Print-and-Apply Multiplex™ Labeling |
|---|---|
| May apply preprinted or staged labels | Prints variable shipping data before application |
| Often used for repetitive placement tasks | Built for shipping labels, packing slips, return labels, and variable documents |
| Can improve placement consistency | Can combine printing and application in one process |
| May still require separate document handling | Helps reduce separate packing slip and label steps |
If your team needs automated label placement for shipping documents, concealed packing slips, return labels, or variable package data, a print-and-apply Multiplex™ workflow may be the better fit.
Talk to Chicago Tag About Labeling Automation Services
Chicago Tag & Label has been manufacturing labels, tags, forms, and specialty printed products since 1946. We understand that a labeling solution has to fit your equipment, documents, package type, line speed, and production goals.
If your operation needs automated shipping labels, Multiplex™ auto-applied solutions, or support with print-and-apply workflows, our team can help. We can review your package size, application location, equipment setup, document needs, and production volume to recommend the right solution.
Explore our custom labels or contact Chicago Tag & Label to discuss labeling automation services for your shipping or fulfillment operation.