For a production director, every new year brings its share of challenges, but above all, opportunities. In 2026, the marking and coding systems industry is no longer content with just printing dates and lot numbers. It is becoming the nervous system of your traceability and a significant lever for productivity.
We are now in the era of intelligent, connected, and sustainable equipment. To help you stay one step ahead, we have identified, according to our experts, the five technological trends that will redefine the standards of the marking and coding industry this year.
1. Artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance
This is the innovation that changes the game for your downtime. In 2026, marking systems no longer signal a breakdown; they predict it.
Thanks to integrated artificial intelligence algorithms, your printers analyze their own parameters in real‑time (ink viscosity, pump vibration, printhead wear, etc.). The result? Your equipment warns you that maintenance will be required before the breakage occurs. For you, this means the end of unplanned downtime and a significant optimization of your Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
2. Eco‑friendly industrial inks to reduce the carbon footprint
The pressure for sustainable production has never been stronger. Manufacturers have answered the call by offering a new generation of inks and consumables.
This year, we are seeing the emergence of bio‑based inks, MEK‑free (methyl ethyl ketone) and low‑VOC (volatile organic compounds) options, which offer the same adhesion and ultra‑fast drying time as traditional solutions. It’s proof that we can combine industrial performance and environmental responsibility!
3. Integrated vision for an automated “zero defect”
In 2026, printing is not enough: you must validate. New marking systems now integrate smart cameras directly into the printhead or immediately after it.
This is no longer a costly option reserved for the pharmaceutical sector. This democratization of vision allows for instant verification of the legibility and accuracy of every lot number, expiration date, or barcode. In the event of an error, the system ejects the product or automatically stops the production line. This radically eliminates waste and the risk of recalls.
4. Total interconnectivity (IIoT) of marking equipment
Your printer should no longer be an island. The trend of native integration with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) protocols is one to watch in 2026.
Specifically, this means that your industrial marking equipment communicates seamlessly with your ERP or MES, eliminating the need for complex gateways. Production changes are made remotely, in one click, reducing human data entry errors to zero (or close to it!). This is the goal of a truly connected factory, where data flows freely.
5. Hardware agility and compact designs
Floor space is expensive, and production lines require frequent reconfiguration. Equipment manufacturers have understood this.
Innovations in 2026 focus on modularity with:
- Ultra‑compact printheads
- Detachable controllers
- Universal mounting systems
The goal is to be able to move an industrial marking or coding solution from one production line to another in minutes, offering total flexibility to your operations.
Is your factory ready for 2026?
These innovations can transform the profitability of your operations. At DMS Marking Coding, our role is to filter these technologies to propose those that bring real added value to your reality. Our mission is to support and advise you in achieving the success you deserve.
Would you like to learn how to integrate these marking solutions into your existing production line? Our team is here for you!
