a labeling system employs a multi - processing computer control system for a servo motor which drives a label - carrying web . the system is responsive to the physical position of the labels and the physical position of containers or similar objects to which the labels are applied . the label application motion controller identifies the machine position and performs the mathematical calculations needed to create a piecewise continuous function motion profile required to achieve label contact at a predefined contact point on the surface of each container . multiple functions may be used to construct a motion profile , which smoothly accelerates the label at a calculated acceleration needed to cause a label to arrive at the defined contact position on a container and to decelerates the carrier web after application . correction for measured label registration error is provided for . because the position of the label is based on the position of the container and a motion profile is calculated for each application , a fixed initial staging position of the label prior to application is not needed .