THE RIGHT LABEL, CHOSEN BY RULE # Rules-based label printing: the right layout, data and printer for every job Updated 19 October 2026 Rules-based label printing uses approved conditions to choose the label template, fill its fields and send each job to the right printer, instead of someone choosing them by hand. In LabelRules, your team describes a rule in plain English or builds it in the editor, checks it against examples and publishes it. Each job then gets its layout, values, copies and printer route automatically, and a job missing required data is held with the reason. [Discuss your label rules](https://labels.smartfact.ai/request-access?from=rules) For a defined manufacturing CSV workflow. [![LabelRules station showing the label prepared for review, ready to accept, with the Acme label preview beginning ACME PRODUCT, AC-00017](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/screens/labels/rules-based-label-printing/normal-run--prepare.webp)](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/screens/labels/rules-based-label-printing/normal-run--prepare-full.webp) The approved rules chose this job’s layout and code; the operator reviews the label on a handheld or scan station. WHAT A RULE DECIDES ## Template, values, quantity and printer. Each job is matched against your approved rules, and each rule decides one part of the label: which template a customer or product gets, which values fill it, how many copies each unit needs, whether the job may print at all, which printer it goes to and what a reprint requires. ### Choose the template and values A customer, product or destination selects its approved layout, and approved lookups fill its fields with exact values. Leading zeros and codes stay exactly as written. ### Set the quantity ‘For customer ACME, make two copies per ordered unit’ prints six labels for a three-unit line, while other customers keep one copy each. ### Route to the right printer Rules choose among your approved PrintStation printer bindings, such as the assembly printer for the assembly station group. PrintStation still checks the printer before anything is sent. IF REQUIRED DATA IS MISSING ## Hold the job. Show the reason. ‘For customer ACME, require the purchase-order field before label preparation’ holds any ACME job without a purchase order, with that reason shown at the station. When no approved template matches a line, the label is blocked rather than replaced by a lookalike. [![LabelRules station showing a job line’s Prepare label button with Label blocked under it: no product label template matches this line](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/screens/labels/rules-based-label-printing/blocked-data--blocked-prepare.webp)](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/screens/labels/rules-based-label-printing/blocked-data--blocked-prepare-full.webp) A job with no approved label is held with the reason, on a handheld or scan station. FROM REQUIREMENT TO RULE ## Describe it once. Check what it will do. Write the requirement in plain English. LabelRules proposes the rule with a plain restatement and its exact values, and you check that restatement before adopting it. One reviewed change can set several things together: ‘For ACME outdoor products choose the approved Acme template, make two copies per unit, and when the station group is assembly select the approved assembly printer. Keep every other customer and route unchanged.’ [![LabelRules rule draft Destination recycling rule in the office browser, with the rule intent written in plain English: Match when destination.country_code equals "DE".](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/screens/labels/rules-based-label-printing/author-rule--intent.webp)](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/screens/labels/rules-based-label-printing/author-rule--intent-full.webp) The requirement is written in plain English first. [![LabelRules rule compilation in the office browser: the compilation request recorded, and the proposed condition destination.country_code equals "DE" marked Ready For Review](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/screens/labels/rules-based-label-printing/author-rule--refresh-rule.webp)](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/screens/labels/rules-based-label-printing/author-rule--refresh-rule-full.webp) Check the proposed condition and its exact values before adopting it. CHECKED BEFORE IT GOES LIVE ## Test with examples before you publish. Each rule is checked against examples written from the requirement, not from whatever the rule produces: a match, a non-match, missing data, a quantity boundary and an unrelated workflow. Nothing prints during these checks. Approved rules then run without an AI call for each job. [![LabelRules rule examples: all reviewed examples passed, with each case’s expected and actual outcome and its label proof](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/screens/labels/rules-based-label-printing/rule-examples--verify-examples.webp)](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/screens/labels/rules-based-label-printing/rule-examples--verify-examples-full.webp) Examples written from the requirement pass before the rule can be published. ONE PLACE FOR EVERY RULE ## Write, test and approve label rules in SmartFACT Automation. Label rules can also be written in [SmartFACT Automation](https://automation.smartfact.ai/) , alongside the rules of your other SmartFACT products, with the same examples and review before LabelRules applies them. Automation is included with LabelRules Pro. See how [AI drafts the rule while people approve it](https://automation.smartfact.ai/ai-rules-engine) . COMMON QUESTIONS ## Before you write your first rule. **Does AI decide which label prints?** No. AI can propose a rule from your description. Once it is reviewed and published, LabelRules applies that rule exactly to each job, with no AI call during printing. **What happens when data is missing?** A rule can require a field before label preparation. A job without it is held with the reason at the station, and nothing is substituted. **How do I automate label printing from my business system?** Jobs come in from a supervisor’s CSV import, and reference tables from LabelRules’ reviewed import, including files from data.smartfact.ai. SAP is a paid integration that SmartFACT scopes with you and builds through data.smartfact.ai. [Explore SAP label printing](https://labels.smartfact.ai/sap-label-printing) . **Does it print unattended?** LabelRules Pro adds station routing and unattended printing through PrintStation. In Free, an operator attends each print. KEEP EXPLORING ## The next part of your workflow. ### [Customer-specific labels](https://labels.smartfact.ai/customer-specific-labels) Customer-specific labels follow each customer's own layout, codes and required values. LabelRules chooses them for every job from the rules you approve. ### [CSV to labels](https://labels.smartfact.ai/print-labels-from-csv) To print barcode labels from Excel, save the sheet as CSV with codes kept as text, then import it. See how LabelRules prints each job's labels from its rows. ### [Browser printing](https://labels.smartfact.ai/browser-label-printing) Printing labels from a browser sends each label to a qualified label printer, with no print dialogue. See how LabelRules prints through SmartFACT PrintStation. LET’S START WITH YOUR WORKFLOW ## Bring one label. We start there. Tell us about your data, customer requirements and printer. We show you LabelRules with sample data and, if it fits, set up your first label workflow with your team as an invited trial. [Discuss your labels](https://labels.smartfact.ai/request-access?from=rules) THE SMARTFACT SUITE ## Useful on their own. Better around the same floor. Automate factory decisions with rules you describe in plain English. Explore focused SmartFACT services, plus free tools for everyday checks. ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/scannerbench.svg) Free tool ### ScannerBench See the text and key events your keyboard scanner sends. Compare them with the value you expected. [Test a scanner](https://scannerbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/printbench.svg) Free tool ### PrintBench Print a known PDF, measure its reference marks and compare scans from the printed codes. [Check a print](https://printbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/factorycards.svg) Free tool ### CardBench Create 100 × 50 mm bin and rack cards with Code 128 or QR, from one record or a CSV. [Make bin cards](https://cardbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/countbench.svg) Free tool ### CountBench Count stock by location with a barcode scanner, compare it with a stock file and export the results. No account needed. [Start a free count](https://countbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/barcodebench.svg) Free tool ### BarcodeBench See exactly what a scanned barcode contains, with hidden characters shown and GS1 fields, check digits and dates explained. No account needed. [Inspect a barcode](https://barcodebench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/matchbench.svg) Free tool ### MatchBench Scan a reference and each label, see an exact match or the first difference, and download the results. No account needed. [Start a free comparison](https://matchbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/tagbench.svg) Free tool ### TagBench Scan an item or location, note what needs attention, print a review tag and keep a review list. No account needed. [Make a free tag](https://tagbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/findbench.svg) Free tool ### FindBench Load your own parts and locations CSV, scan a code and see every location it lists. No account needed. [Start a free lookup](https://findbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/manifestbench.svg) Free tool ### ManifestBench Check cartons, pallets or serial numbers against a list with a phone or scanner and see what is missing. No account needed. [Start a free check](https://manifestbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/feedbench.svg) Free tool ### FeedBench Check CSV and JSON files exactly as written, preview a column mapping and compare two versions by key. No account needed. [Check a file free](https://feedbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/cyclebench.svg) Free tool ### CycleBench Time work cycles and changeovers on a phone, record interruptions with reasons and download the results. No account needed. [Start a free study](https://cyclebench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/offcutbench.svg) Free tool ### OffcutBench Label the offcuts on your rack, find a piece long enough before cutting new stock and record what you used. No account needed. [Track offcuts free](https://offcutbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/tracebench.svg) Free tool ### TraceBench Load one or two CSV exports and follow a lot or serial forwards or backwards, with the row behind every link. No account needed. [Start a free trace](https://tracebench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/reclaimbench.svg) Free tool ### ReclaimBench Record the parts recovered from each return, label them with a QR code, check them and record the unit each one goes into. No account needed. [Track recovered parts free](https://reclaimbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/labels.svg) Invited trial ### LabelRules Describe label rules in plain English. Automatically select layouts, resolve customer codes and check each job before printing. You’re exploring this service ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/kitproof.svg) Early access ### KitProof Turn plain English component rules into automatic kit checklists, then check scans against the expected parts and quantities. [Explore KitProof](https://kitproof.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/worksteps.svg) Early access ### WorkSteps Turn plain English rules into automatic step selection for each unit, with required evidence and a record of completed work. [Explore WorkSteps](https://worksteps.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/factoryspec.svg) Early access ### FactorySpec Apply approved product rules and calculations automatically to turn dimensions and options into manufacturing requirements. [Explore FactorySpec](https://factoryspec.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/configsheets.svg) Early access ### SmartFACT Data Maintain reference tables with ConfigSheets or bring shop orders into SmartFACT through reviewed connectors. Check changes and deliver data to the products that use it. [Explore SmartFACT Data](https://data.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/orders.svg) Early access ### OrderRun Turn plain English rules into automatic order checks and destination selection, with controlled production release. [Explore OrderRun](https://orders.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/parceloffice.svg) Early access ### ParcelOffice Scan the work order and the parcel choice to book the courier and print the labels. Approved plain English rules recommend or choose the parcel. [Explore ParcelOffice](https://parceloffice.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/refillflow.svg) Early access ### RefillFlow Scan an empty container to send the right refill request to stores. Approved plain English rules set the stores queue, priority, ticket printer and escalation. [Explore RefillFlow](https://refillflow.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/remnantrack.svg) Early access ### RemnantRack Label each offcut, find a suitable length before cutting new stock and record what you used. Approved plain English rules decide what to keep and where it goes. [Explore RemnantRack](https://remnantrack.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/tooltrack.svg) Invited trial ### ToolCustody Check a shared tool before handover, record who has it and keep damaged or overdue tools out of the next issue. Explore an invited trial for one factory crib. [Explore ToolCustody](https://toolcustody.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/stockflow.svg) Invited trial ### StoresFlow Receive, put away, reserve and issue stores material with barcode checks, keeping held, reserved and available stock apart. Explore an invited trial for one stockroom. [Explore StoresFlow](https://storesflow.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/batchtrail.svg) Invited trial ### LotTrail Follow a lot or serial number through the records your factory already keeps, with the source of each link and the gaps shown. Explore an invited trial with two declared sources. [Explore LotTrail](https://lottrail.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/checkstation.svg) Early access ### CheckStation Scan an identified unit to get its approved final-inspection checks, then record exact readings with their result, holds and release history. [Explore CheckStation](https://checkstation.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/reclaimstation.svg) Invited trial ### ReclaimStation Book returned units in, recover and label the usable parts, release them independently and record the unit each goes into. Explore an invited trial for one product family. [Explore ReclaimStation](https://reclaimstation.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/guidbench.svg) Free tool ### GuidBench Generate GUIDs, UUID v4 and v7, ULIDs and Nano IDs, format and download batches, or inspect a UUID in your browser. No account needed. [Generate identifiers](https://guidbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/octetbench.svg) Free tool ### OctetBench Inspect and edit text, hex, Base64 and binary bytes in your browser, reveal hidden characters and compare byte sequences. No account needed. [Inspect some bytes](https://octetbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/patternbench.svg) Free tool ### PatternBench Test JavaScript regular expressions in your browser, inspect matches and captures, preview replacements and check expected cases. No account needed. [Test a pattern](https://patternbench.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/purchasing.svg) Invited trial ### SmartFACT Purchasing Collect purchase requests, approve supplier orders and track what is still to arrive. Explore an invited trial for one site. [Explore Purchasing](https://purchasing.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/automation.svg) Invited trial ### SmartFACT Automation Describe, test, approve and audit the automation rules of every SmartFACT product in one place. Included with each product’s paid plan, or on its own. [Explore Automation](https://automation.smartfact.ai/) ![](https://labels.smartfact.ai/_marketing/suite/help.svg) Help ### SmartFACT Help Step-by-step guides and interactive demonstrations for the SmartFACT suite. Read the instructions, watch a task or practise with real product screens and sample data. [Open SmartFACT Help](https://help.smartfact.ai/)