4 Tips for Best Practice Warehouse Labelling

Warehouse labelling might seem like simply another step when opening or adding a new warehouse, but it’s actually an essential element in driving the productivity, efficiency and ultimately the success of your facilities. There are several important aspects to consider before investing in your industrial barcode labels and printing system; here’s where to begin.

1. Consider where the labels will be scanned

You’ll have the option of labelling each individual item, or labelling cases or pallets within a warehouse. What you label – and how – will depend on your product and distribution cycle. If your products or pallets are to be distributed to customers and/or suppliers, you’ll want to be working with EAN barcodes from GS1 for compatibility. It’s also important to consider what type of inventory data will need to be scannable. Batch number? Manufacture date and expiration date? Now’s the time to discuss these requirements with suppliers and clients so you can identify the ideal barcode system for all involved.

2. Consider label material

To ensure your labels remain adhered and in working order for as long as you need them, it’s essential to consider the label environment both for application and for storage and use.

For example, if your warehouse is temperature-controlled you’ll want to ensure that your top coated direct thermal labels can withstand that temperature range without fading, or consider using thermal transfer printing for a more durable result. And if you’re applying labels to chilled, moist or frozen items, then levelling up to a stronger label adhesive will be a sensible choice to avoid labels peeling or falling off. 

3. Consider how labels will be placed and accessed

Consider how warehouse staff will be accessing, handling and scanning labels each and every day. Best practice is to place the label at eye level and in a standardised location on each object, because even the smallest inconsistencies can add up to hours per week spent searching for a barcode to scan. Size and contrast is also an important consideration to ensure easy scanning. GS1 has fantastic in-depth information to finding the ideal size for your labels.

4. Consider label printing and supply

pre-printed warehouse labels to direct thermal labels in Australia with rapid turnarounds.

Read Related Article: The Possibilities for Custom Printed Labels in Australia

A handful of important considerations, and you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and interruption-free warehouse labelling process.