Manufacturing security built into every layer of CoLOS® 7 software solutions

Not a bolt-on. Not an add-on.

 

Production environments that were once isolated are now exposed. Printers, cameras, scanners, databases and enterprise systems all exchange critical data across connected lines. CoLOS® 7 software solutions is built with manufacturing security designed into the software from day one.

 

 

 

Production lines are more exposed and connected than ever

 

Manufacturers have spent years connecting IT and OT: ERP, MES, printers, vision systems, scanners, production databases. That connectivity drives efficiency. It also means that the software sitting in the middle of those systems needs to be built to withstand the threats that come with it. For IT teams, the concern is risk. For operations teams, the concern is downtime. For the business, the concern is continuity, compliance and trust.

 

 

CoLOS® 7 Software Solutions, manufacturing security by design

 

CoLOS® 7 platform has cybersecurity built into its design and development process. It is part of the ecosystem across every tier: Base, Line, Factory and Site. This means manufacturers get a stronger foundation for connected coding operations without adding complexity to the line. IT teams get software they can defend. OT teams get reliability they can count on.

 
 
 
 

Manufacturing Security Identification Authentication CoLOS | Markem-Imaje

 

Identification and authentication

Only verified used and trusted systems can access CoLOS® environment.

Manufacturing Security System Integrity CoLOS | Markem-Imaje

System integrity

The software environment is protected from unauthorized changes, helping maintain stable and trusted operations.

Manufacturing Security Restricted Data Flow CoLOS | Markem-Imaje

Restricted data flow

Control how data moves across connected production systems. Unused services and ports can be disabled.

 
 
 
 

Manufacturing Security Data Security CoLOS | Markem-Imaje

Data confidentiality

Sensitive production and operational data is protected in transit and at rest across the CoLOS® environment.

Manufacturing Security Time Management CoLOS | Markem-Imaje

Timely response to event

Security events are logged automatically. Audit trails are available for alerts, incident review and root-cause analysis.

 
 

 

Manufacturing security built for IT and OT

 

CoLOS® software sits at the intersection of production-line equipment and business-critical systems. That makes the software architecture a shared concern. Manufacturers can support more secure collaboration between IT and OT while continuing to improve coding accuracy, line control, traceability and operational efficiency.

 

 

Globally certified cybersecurity standards

 

 

IEC 62443-4-1 secure development lifecycle

 

Manufacturing Security IEC SDL C | Markem-Imaje CoLOS®

Markem-Imaje process and CoLOS® software is engineered under a certified IEC 62443-4-1 Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL), ensuring that cybersecurity is embedded into our entire product lifecycle. This process-driven certification validates that from initial design and coding to rigorous vulnerability testing and deployment, our team follows strict, standardized security practices. Furthermore, it guarantees a proactive approach to long-term maintenance, including continuous security monitoring, robust patch management, and timely disclosure of vulnerabilities.

 

IEC 62443-4-2 component certification

 

Manufacturing Security IEC CC | Markem-Imaje CoLOS®

CoLOS is built and certified in compliance with IEC 62443-4-2, the global benchmark for industrial cybersecurity. This certification ensures that the application includes robust, built-in security mechanisms such as role-based access control, secure data transmission, and audit logging designed to protect industrial automation and control environments. This ensures software ensures operational integrity, protects against common human errors, and seamlessly establishes a secure baseline within the system.

 

 

Check our CoLOS® latest blog posts

 

by Lakshmi MENON October 7, 2025

How V33 Improved Productivity with CoLOS® Packaging Intelligence Solution

For years, V33 had been seeking ways to enhance the productivity of its manufacturing lines. The turning point came when they adopted the CoLOS® Packaging Intelligence Solution, which allowed them to integrate their entire printer fleet to achieve 100% automated product validation and gain productivity. 


About V33 

Founded in 1957, V33 is a global leader in paint and wood protection products. Operating in more than 60 countries, the company manages an extensive portfolio of over 20,000 product references, making efficient and reliable labeling operations critical to its success. 



V33 Packaging Intelligence CoLOS x CIJ Coders | Markem-Imaje



The Challenge 

Despite their scale, V33’s coding and labeling processes were held back by outdated and fragmented systems. Key challenges included: 

  • Legacy operations slowing down line efficiency
  • Manual label creation and verification prone to human error
  • Printers managed individually with no central oversight
  • Frequent mismatches and incorrect labeling
  • Hardware and software running in silos, causing inefficiencies 
These issues not only reduced productivity but also increased compliance risks and production costs. 


The Solution: CoLOS® Packaging Intelligence Solution 

To overcome these hurdles, V33 implemented CoLOS® Packaging Intelligence Solution across their production lines and chose to purchase over 30 2200 Series P&A printers for Primary packaging of paint cans and secondary cardboard packaging, 9450 range of CIJ printers for primary printing of plastic bottles, cans, and metal,s and managed 26 Zebra tabletop printers. The deployment of printers and CoLOS® Software modernized and streamlined operations with: 

Automated Message Design and Management replaced the manual process of creating and updating labels, eliminating errors and ensuring consistency across more than 20,000 product references. Every label generated was GS1 1D barcode compliant, reducing compliance risks and streamlining audits across global markets. 

Vision Solution guaranteed accuracy at line speed, the system integrated advanced cameras and scanners for real-time code verification, allowing every product to be validated automatically before leaving the production floor. 

The move to centrally control and manage the entire printer fleet and operator’s station helped them monitor performance, gain comprehensive visibility, track uptime, and make quick adjustments in real time —driving higher efficiency and OEE. 

Through modular IT-OT Integration, CoLOS® Packaging Intelligence Suite connected MES systems, printers, scanners, and other devices, enabling seamless collaboration across production lines. This removed silos between hardware and software and created a smoother, more synchronized workflow.

Finally, by consolidating hardware and software management under one unified vendor, V33 simplified operations via easy printer selection and automatic label quantity management and eliminated the inefficiencies of dealing with multiple providers. The result was faster troubleshooting, reduced IT overhead, and a more resilient production environment. 

This holistic approach transformed V33’s labeling process into a modern, connected, and error-free system. 


The Results 

Within two years, the impact was clear: 

  • Significant improvement in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and productivity
  • Transition to a centralized client-server architecture, enabling seamless scalability
  • 100% message code verification, eliminating mislabeling risks
  • Full compliance with GS1 standards, reducing regulatory burden 


Key Takeaways 

  • Centralized management of printer fleet provided real-time visibility across operations
  • Automated code verification delivered 100% labeling accuracy and eliminated manual errors
  • Modernized operations accelerated processes, saving time and boosting productivity 
Are you ready to see the same transformation in your operations? 

Discover how CoLOS® Packaging Intelligence Suite can help optimize productivity and compliance.  
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

 

How does CoLOS® 7 support manufacturing security?

CoLOS® 7 supports manufacturing security through secure development practices, access control, system integrity, restricted data flow, data confidentiality, event logging and audit trails. These capabilities help manufacturers protect connected coding operations while supporting IT and OT collaboration.

 
 

What are manufacturing cybersecurity best practices for manufacturing?

A basic cybersecurity strategy for manufacturing facilities combines asset discovery, risk assessment, access controls, patch management, network segmentation and security monitoring.

Manufacturers should establish governance, train staff and define incident response processes. They should also prioritize critical production systems, ensure backups, test recovery and maintain supply-chain transparency.

Regular audits and tabletop exercises reinforce resilience against evolving threats across manufacturing operations.

 
 

What are manufacturing cybersecurity best practices for manufacturing?

A basic strategy combines asset discovery, risk assessment, access controls, patch management, network segmentation, and security monitoring. Establish governance, train staff, and define incident response. Prioritize critical production systems, ensure backups, test recovery, and maintain supply-chain transparency. Regular audits and tabletop exercises reinforce resilience against evolving threats across all operations.

 
 

Why does manufacturing cybersecurity matter for connected coding operations?

Coding operations rely on accurate data, controlled workflows and reliable communication between systems such as ERP, MES, printers, scanners, cameras and production databases. If these workflows are not secured, manufacturers can face data integrity issues, unauthorized changes, downtime and compliance risk.

 

 

Ready to secure your coding operations?

 

Discover how CoLOS® 7 can help your teams build a more secure, connected and future-ready production environment.

 

 

 

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