SpeedFerries Standardise on LabelFive from DED

Due to the continued expansion of the Dover based SpeedFerries retail concept, a fast and flexible label design and printing solution was required to cope with increasing needs. David Price-Evans, Retail Manager, of SpeedFerries has addressed these needs by updating their system to include the latest in label design software and PoS printing. Installations took place on the SpeedFerries high speed catamaran and the retail outlet in the Boulogne terminal building in August 2006.

Label software was required to design the shelf edge tickets which would then be combined with a thermal printer and printed from a pre-determined database. Several different sizes of tickets were required by SpeedFerries and so a variety of templates needed to be set up – flexibility was the key.

SpeedFerries asked NFive partner DED Limited to supply and install LabelFive, following a recommendation from Star Micronics. On working with DED Limited, David commented that “having a small team to deal with was very refreshing”.

The system, which is now successfully up and running comprises a Star Micronics TSP1000 thermal ticket printer and LabelFive from NFive. This combination provided the perfect solution. The TSP1000 uses a continuous roll of ticket material to tackle the ticket variety problem and LabelFive, with it’s easy to select multiple templates, has proved so flexible and straightforward that several staff have even commented on how user friendly it is.

LabelFive is a Windows based application which allows the design and print of any kind of labels, tickets and forms to any type of page or label printer. Labels can be quickly and easily designed in the WYSIWYG layout screen including lines, boxes, images, text and barcodes all of which can be linked to variable data sources and databases via ODBC. The simple to use database features query, find and report printing facilities together with image capture from file or via Twain or Video for Windows. LabelFive is protected by a smart card based security system that prevents the software being used if the card is not in the reader and for added security it also features user definable password protection. Designed for Windows 95/98/NT/2000 & XP, LabelFive delivers all the features and power to handle all label printing requirements.

The Star Micronics TSP1000 features a unique ticket stacker as standard and this versatile low cost printer is ideal for ticketing, POS, kitchen, lottery and warehouse applications. The TSP1000 has a print width of 82.5 mm & features a high capacity paper roll of up to 180mm diameter and the ability to print on media up to 0.15 mm thick.

SpeedFerries successfully launched the world's first low cost fast ferry company in May 2004 and has had an effect on the ferry industry similar to that of low cost airlines in the airline industry. Strong support by loyal customers during a difficult start up period and SpeedFerries' determination to "Fight the Pirates," saved the company and secured the success of the Dover-Boulogne fast ferry service.

Following SpeedFerries' launch, the average sales price of car tickets on the Dover Strait has reduced dramatically, benefiting all cross-Channel travellers. SpeedFerries continues it’s commitment of offering cross-Channel prices at an acceptable level whilst providing a high quality, low cost ferry service. Since its creation in 1996, NFive’s goal has been to achieve a quality standard in the Auto ID market. Operating worldwide through a distribution network, the company offers specialized printer driver development services for the card printer market and is recognized for its CardFive and LabelFive software products for card and label printing.

Formed in 1982, DED Limited based in Lydd, Kent. The ensuing years have seen the company grow to become a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of: ‘Specialist’–Kiosk/Receipt/Label/Ticket–Printers, PoS Equipment, CCD and Barcode Scanners, Magnetic and Smart Card Readers & Writers, Cash Drawers, Pole Displays, Plastic Card Printers and Touchscreen Terminals. DED is a major distributor for a number of world-class companies such as: Star Micronics, Zebra, Magicard, Fargo, Metrologic, Axiohm, Posiflex, Vibrant, Nippon Primex, Data Modul, Neuron and N5 Software.