Code machines or jet printers have data generators build in. So all those "best before, batch numbers" and so on are usually not needed to be delivered.
Templates usually just require to mark spot where the data need to go on final label.
So you printer template should just be shape of it with place for data marked with spot where the data should go.
So for example your label look like this 
The template should be just rectangle, with it border marked with spot color. And the place for barcode (let's call it code place) should be filled with spot color. Once the template is loaded to machine it will recognise the place and position final product in such way that printing head will be facing empty space.
Now, different thing is when the machine is label printing. Like this

Then files should be delivered in two section. One is "constant" so pictures and so one, that don't change from label to label. And second one, which is loaded into printer management software where operator see only wireframe and places where all variable data can go.

This label is designed as whole in label printer software.
But as you can see the variables are dates. So for the operator place where the dates belong should be leaved blank.