Background
Datacor is a leading provider of industry-specific solutions that help process manufacturers, chemical distributors and engineers to grow, run and elevate their business. TrackAbout, one of Datacor’s core products, is purpose-built for companies that track returnable containers such as gas cylinders and reusable assets. In the cylinder industry, containers are constantly exposed to harsh environments, heavy handling and outdoor conditions. This makes durable, scannable identification critical for accurate tracking and operational efficiency.
Many TrackAbout customers rely on individually serialized labels to track assets throughout their lifecycle. Because even a single duplicate number can create system-wide tracking issues, label quality and numbering accuracy are essential. After experiencing challenges with another supplier, Datacor partnered with Metalcraft for durable labels, accurate serialization and a more streamlined customer experience.
Opportunity
As Datacor’s TrackAbout customer base grew, the company wanted to simplify how labels were ordered and fulfilled while still supporting customers who needed custom labels with logos, colors or specialized numbering. Internal teams were spending valuable time managing inventory, packaging and shipping labels manually.
Datacor needed a scalable solution that would improve efficiency without sacrificing the high level of service customers expected.
Solution
Datacor and Metalcraft developed a collaborative partnership centered around a web store and referral program. Customers needing standard labels could order directly through the online store, while customers requiring custom solutions were referred to Metalcraft for design, approvals and fulfillment.
The partnership allowed Datacor to maintain strong customer relationships while leveraging Metalcraft’s labeling expertise and production capabilities. According to Susie Thomas of Datacor, Metalcraft’s commitment to accuracy has been especially important. Thomas said that Metalcraft “really fills that need of zero errors, which is the goal.”
By shifting fulfillment and custom label management to Metalcraft, Datacor reduced the time employees spent handling manual orders and inventory internally while continuing to benefit from referral revenue tied to custom projects. Thomas said the partnership has worked well for both companies, explaining, “We’re still getting a referral fee from Metalcraft on that, so that all just works well.”
Result
The partnership between Metalcraft and Datacor streamlined ordering for TrackAbout customers while reducing the time that Datacor employees spent managing inventory and fulfilling label orders manually.
Despite initial concerns about changing the ordering process, customers adapted quickly. Thomas said, “I thought [the transition] was going to be a big hiccup. I have not heard anything bad about it.” She added that the process has been “really seamless” and “really easy.”
Customers also benefited from Metalcraft’s durable labels and reliable serialization. Thomas said, “The adhesive is incredible,” noting that labels tested through extreme Pennsylvania weather conditions held up without failing. “The label never budged,” she said.
As Datacor continues to support TrackAbout customers in demanding industrial environments, the partnership with Metalcraft helps ensure that they have reliable, long-lasting labeling solutions built to grow with their needs.