Qu’est-ce que le batch printing d’étiquettes ?

Le batch printing, ou impression par lots (multi print), est un processus logistique qui permet de générer et d’imprimer simultanément un grand nombre d’étiquettes de transport pour plusieurs commandes. Cette approche remplace l’impression unitaire et permet d’accélérer significativement l’étape d’expédition tout en réduisant les manipulations manuelles et les risques d’erreur.

Quel logiciel utiliser pour imprimer des étiquettes multi-transporteurs ?

Pour gérer efficacement l’impression d’étiquettes multi-transporteurs, il est recommandé d’utiliser un logiciel TMS connecté à un OMS. Une solution intégrée comme celle de Shippingbo permet de centraliser tous les transporteurs, d’appliquer des règles d’expédition automatiques et d’imprimer l’ensemble des étiquettes depuis une interface unique, quel que soit le transporteur sélectionné.

Faut-il utiliser une imprimante thermique A6 pour l’e-commerce ?

Oui, l’imprimante thermique A6 est fortement recommandée pour l’e-commerce, dès lors que les volumes deviennent significatifs. Elle est plus rapide qu’une imprimante A4, plus économique (absence d’encre ou de toner) et parfaitement adaptée au format standard des étiquettes colis (10 × 15 cm). Elle permet ainsi d’optimiser les coûts et de limiter le gaspillage lié à l’impression sur feuille A4.

Comment éviter les erreurs d’étiquetage lors de l’expédition de colis ?

La clé pour éviter les erreurs d’étiquetage repose sur l’automatisation. En s’appuyant sur un WMS (Warehouse Management System), il est possible de mettre en place un processus de Scan & Print, dans lequel l’étiquette est générée et imprimée uniquement après la vérification du colis par scan. Cette méthode garantit que chaque étiquette est associée au bon colis, éliminant les erreurs d’attribution.

Multi print e-commerce logistics: label printing

In e-commerce logistics, multi print refers to a method ofprinting labels in series, automatically generating several parcel labels from orders that have already been validated and prepared. This approach transforms a manual task into a reliable, measurable industrial process.

In 2025, according to FEVAD, the number of e-commerce parcels shipped in France exceeded 2.8 billion, up 6.3% on 2024, highlighting the need for high-performance automated logistics solutions.

What is multiprint in e-commerce logistics?
The 3 pillars of multiprint automation (OMS, WMS, TMS)
Workflow and hardware: how to switch to Scan & Print
Multi print: how Shippingbo guarantees error-free labelling

In this article, we’ll explain what e-business logistics multiprint really is, how it fits into a unified OMS, WMS and TMS workflow, and why Scan & Print is today’s standard for securing labeling while saving time on a large scale.

What is multiprint in e-commerce logistics?

Definition of multiprint e-commerce logistics

Multi-printing is a batch printing method that enablesseveral labels to be printed at the same time, from a set of ready-to-ship orders. Unlike unit printing, this logic is based on automation and standardization of the optimized labeling process.

In an e-commerce context, multiprinting makes it possible to dissociate order preparation from the act of printing. Information is controlled upstream, making printing fast, fluid and unambiguous. This organization is essential to support growth without compromising operational quality.

Batch printing definition

In e-commerce, batch printing of parcel labels involves grouping several orders together in a single print cycle. The system then automatically generates the corresponding labels, in the right order, with the right format and the right carrier.

This enables mass production of transport labels while maintaining full traceability. Each label is linked to a single order, with verified data. The software for printing parcel label becomes a reliable execution engine, capable of handling large volumes without human overload.

Measurable time savings for e-tailers

The main benefit of multiprint is directly measurable. On average, a single print job takes between 20 and 30 seconds per order. From a few hundred parcels per day, this represents several hours wasted on printing alone.

With multiprint, all labels are generated in just a few minutes. This increase in label printing productivity reduces pressure on teams, absorbs peaks in activity and ensures reliable shipping times. In short, multiprint saves label printing time while improving overall workflow quality.

In concrete terms, the operational benefits observed are as follows:

drastically reduce the time spent launching and checking print jobs,
elimination of repetitive re-entries and manual checks,
better absorption of order peaks without immediate reinforcement of teams.

These gains explain why multiprint quickly becomes indispensable as soon as volumes increase.

Here is a table comparing single and multi print:

Criteria	One-off printing	Multi print
Print mode	Order by order	Batch printing
Time per label	20-30 seconds	A batch in seconds
Risk of error	High	Low
Multi-carrier management	Manual	Automated
Scalability	Low	High

The 3 pillars of multiprint automation (OMS, WMS, TMS)

A high-performance multiprint workflow relies on three complementary software building blocks. Without integrated OMS, WMS and TMS, batch printing loses consistency and reliability. Multi-print is not an isolated tool, but the result of a well-orchestrated logistics chain.

Centralization of orders for serial printing (role of OMS)

OMS centralizes all orders from all sales channels. This centralization is essential for consistent multi-label printing, with no need for re-entry or manual export.

Thanks to OMS, multi-order label software knows exactly which orders are eligible for printing. Multi-printing thus becomes a logical extension of order management, rather than an isolated action.

Automatic carrier selection (role of the TMS)

The software TMS software intervenes before printing to apply automatic automatic shipping rules. These rules determine the most suitable carrier according to weight, destination or delivery commitments.

Because this choice is made upstream, multiprint guarantees multi-carrier label printing without manual intervention. This greatly reduces mapping errors and reinforces the reduction of label errors.

Multi-carrier and multi-format printing (A4 vs A6)

A high-performance multiprint system must natively manage the diversity of label formats, without manual configuration or arbitration at print time. In e-commerce logistics, not all orders respond to the same constraints: some shipments require an A4 document, notably when a label integrated into the delivery note is required, while others rely on an A6 parcel label format optimized for an A6 thermal printer.

The print engine plays a central role here. It automatically adapts the format, layout and content of the label according to the carrier, the type of order and the rules defined upstream. The operator no longer has to think about which media or model to use: the logistical information drives the printing directly.

This automation is essential to maintain a smooth, continuous label-printing workflow, even in a multi-carrier or multi-channel environment. By eliminating manual format changeovers and selection errors, multiprint secures labeling while guaranteeing high speeds, essential for absorbing volumes without slowing down order-picking.

Workflow and hardware: how to switch to Scan & Print

Scan & print: the natural evolution of multiprint e-commerce logistics

Scan & Print is a natural evolution of multiprint, as volumes increase and reliability becomes critical. The principle is simple but structuring: the label is no longer printed before preparation, but at the last moment, once the parcel is physically ready for dispatch.

In an e-commerce context, this approach radically changes the logic of labeling. Printing is no longer an isolated task, but the culmination of a secure logistics workflow, in which each step validates the next. Scan & Print makes it possible to associate a parcel with the right label, the right carrier and the right format, with no risk of inversion.

Optimized order preparation: from picking to multiprinting

Reliable multi print relies above all on perfectly controlled picking. Until order picking is secured, print automation remains fragile. It’s the role of the WMS to structure this stage by guiding operators, checking picked items and validating expected quantities.

Every scan produced, every pick confirmation feeds the system with reliable data. As long as the entire order is not compliant, printing should not be triggered. This logic prevents premature label generation and ensures that logistical information is aligned with the physical reality of the parcel.

The single print scan then acts as the tipping point. Once the order has been prepared, the package is closed and scanned one last time. This scan automatically triggers the printing of the corresponding label. Package and label are thus linked at the same moment, without any intermediary or additional handling.

Choosing the right equipment: A6 thermal printer and printing software

Hardware directly affects multiprint performance. Today, theA6 thermal printer is the most suitable solution for high e-commerce volumes, thanks to its speed and reliability.

Combined with software for printingpackage label software, it enables 1-click label generation with no break in the logistics flow. Conversely, unsuitable equipment severely limits the benefits of multiprint.

For intensive logistical use, the hardware/software combination must enable :

continuous printing with no warm-up time,
native compatibility with A6 parcel label format,
seamless integration into the label printing workflow.

This technological choice is decisive in maintaining a stable output and avoiding slowdowns during preparation. Today, theA6 thermal printer is the best solution for high volumes. It offers speed, reliability and continuity.

Package label printing software must be able to drive this hardware without complex configuration, to guarantee 1-click label generation.

Handling complex cases: multi-piece and return labels

Multiprint also has to handle more complex cases such as multi-package label printing or return labels without weighing down the process. For an order shipped in several parcels, the system automatically generates the number of labels required, maintaining a clear association between each parcel and its order.

In the same way, the automation of return labels enables post-purchase to be anticipated without the need for customer service intervention. When integrated natively into the workflow, these scenarios have no impact on dispatch rates and contribute to improved service quality, while maintaining an optimized labeling process.

Multi print: how Shippingbo guarantees error-free labelling

Unlike purely shipping-oriented solutions, Shippingbo integrates multiprinting at the heart of a global OMS/WMS/TMS solution. This approach ensures total continuity of the logistics workflow, from order receipt to label generation, with no information gaps and no manual re-entry.

In this way, labeling becomes a step perfectly aligned with actual order picking.

Secure printing with WMS

The Shippingbo WMS checks every step of the process before printing. Items, quantities and preparation status are systematically checked. Until the order is fully compliant, the label cannot be generated.

This logic prevents premature printing and transforms labeling into a logical consequence of a validated process, enhancinglogistics label optimization and shipment reliability over the long term.

A single platform for all your transport connectors

Shippingbo centralizes all carrier label connectors within a single label platform. E-merchants can thus manage all their carriers from a single back-office, with consistent rules and complete visibility over flows.

This centralization simplifies carrier label managementand guarantees global consistency, even in complex or fast-growing multi-carrier environments.

Multiprint as a logistics standard

When integrated into a unified OMS, WMS and TMS architecture, multi print becomes much more than a printing function. It establishes itself as a logistics standard, making it possible to industrializelabel printing in series, making each shipment more reliable, and supporting e-commerce growth without creating operational friction. Labeling is no longer a breaking point, but a fluid, controlled link in the supply chain.

Based on a complete workflow, from picking to dispatch, Shippingbo transforms multiprinting into a global performance lever. Preparation is secured by the WMS, carrier selection is automated by the TMS, and printing becomes the direct consequence of a validated process. The result: fewer errors, higher throughput and a reliable shipping experience, even on a large scale and during busy periods.

Discover how to print your parcel labels in 3x less time thanks to Shippingbo :

FAQ

FAQ (with structured data)

What is label batch printing?

Batch printing is a logistics process that enables a large number of shipping labels for several orders to be generated and printed simultaneously. This approach replaces unitary printing and significantly speeds up the shipping process, while reducing manual handling and the risk of errors.

Which software should I use to print multi-carrier labels?

To efficiently manage theprinting of multi-carrier labels, we recommend the use of TMS software connected to an OMS. An integrated solution like Shippingbo’s can centralize all carriers, apply automatic shipping rules and print all labels from a single interface, regardless of the carrier selected.

Should you use an A6 thermal printer for e-commerce?

Yes, theA6 thermal printer is highly recommended for e-commerce, as soon as volumes become significant. It’s faster than an A4 printer, more economical (no ink or toner required) and perfectly suited to the standard format of parcel labels (10 × 15 cm). This optimizes costs and reduces the wastage associated with printing on A4 sheets.

How to avoid mislabeling when shipping packages?

The key to avoiding labeling errors lies inautomation. Using a Warehouse Management System (WMS), it is possible to implement a Scan & Print process, in which the label is generated and printed only after the package has been verified by scan. This method ensures that each label is associated with the right parcel, eliminating allocation errors.