1. In a dispenser having storage stations each containing at least one container, wherein each said container has a substantially planar outside surface with an embossed character therein and a shape and size different from that of a plurality of other said containers in respective said storage stations, a method comprising: for each said container: retrieving the container from the corresponding said storage station; moving the container to an inspection station; directing first light in a first direction across the embossed character to illuminate first parts of the embossed character; recording first image data representing the embossed character illuminated by the first light; directing second light in a second direction across the embossed character to illuminate second parts of the embossed character; recording second image data representing the embossed character illuminated by the second light; combining the first image data and the second image data to produce combined image data; comparing the combined image data to reference data; on the basis of the comparison, identifying the embossed character; applying the identified embossed character as an identifying label to the container; retrieving the labeled container from the inspection station; and moving the labeled container to one of the storage stations; receiving, from a network, an identifier; applying a label to the one said labeled container in one said storage station bearing the identifying label that corresponds to the identifier; and dispensing the labeled container to a user of the dispenser.