Warehouse Labeling: Everything You Need to Know

Managing a typical warehouse comes with challenges like misplaced inventory, inaccurate shipments, and slow order processing. Without a proper labeling system, errors pile up, leading to delays and losses.

If you've faced missing stock, scanning errors, or tracking issues, you're not alone. These problems affect productivity and customer satisfaction.

This blog post covers warehouse labeling essentials, common challenges, and how the right system improves accuracy and efficiency. Whether you need better tracking or barcode integration, this guide will help you find the right solution.

What is Warehouse Labeling?

Warehouse labeling is a system used to organize and track inventory. It involves applying labels to shelves, bins, and products for easy identification. These labels can include barcodes, QR codes, or alphanumeric codes. Proper labeling improves efficiency, reduces errors, and streamlines warehouse operations.

Warehouse labeling uses barcodes, RFID tags, or simple labels to identify and track inventory, storage areas, and equipment. These labels show key details like item codes, weight, volume, sender, and destination, helping employees pick and pack items correctly. A clear labeling system reduces errors, speeds up orders, and improves accuracy. Whether on shelves, bins, or pallets, proper labeling keeps operations smooth and inventory easy to manage.

What Are the Types of Warehouse Labels?

A well-organized warehouse labeling system is key to efficiency, ensuring smooth inventory tracking, faster order processing, and reduced errors. The most common different types of warehouse labels include barcode labels, rack labels, floor labels, pallet or LPN labels, and many more. These labels are designed to withstand the industrial environment and enable efficient inventory management.

Barcode labels in warehouse management

Barcode labels are critical for tracking inventory, pinpointing product locations, and ensuring timely shipping and receiving. They enhance warehouse efficiency by enabling quick scanning and reducing human error.

• Used for product identification, order fulfillment, and asset tracking.

• Improve warehouse organization and minimize misplacements.

• Help implement the 5S methodology, reducing inefficiencies and waste.

• Designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions for long-term use.

• Best printed using Zebra ZT411 or Epson CW-C6000 industrial label printers.

Warehouse LPN/Pallet Labels

License Plate Number (LPN) or pallet labels are preprinted barcodes used to track movable units like pallets, cartons, or bins. These labels contain unique identifiers that provide crucial details like quantity, lot numbers, and tracking information.

• Work in conjunction with warehouse management systems for seamless tracking.

• Improve traceability from receiving to dispatch.

• Manufactured with durable paper stock for various warehouse conditions.

• Best printed with Epson C4000 printer and Epson C4000 inks for color code durable, high-resolution labels.

Warehouse Rack Beam Labels

Rack beam labels are essential for identifying rack bay storage locations in warehouses. They are affixed to the horizontal beams of storage racks and used to streamline picking and inventory management, helping with effective location labels management.

• Feature barcodes and human-readable alphanumeric codes for quick scanning.

• Made from polyester or polypropylene, ensuring durability.

• Help reduce picking errors and enhance inventory visibility.

• Best printed using Zebra ZT421 for high-quality, long-lasting labels.

Warehouse Rack Upright Labels

Upright rack labels, also known as totem labels, are vertical labels placed on warehouse racking systems. They provide multi-level identification, often including color coding for easy navigation.

• Contain multiple barcodes, each corresponding to a different rack level.

• Matching companion labels ensures accurate cycle counts and inventory management.

• Eliminate the need for long-range scanning, reducing potential errors.

• Best printed with Epson C8000 printer and Epson C8000 inks for clear, high-resolution color coded labels.

Warehouse Tote and Bin Labels

Tote and bin labels are used to identify small storage containers, making it easier to locate and manage inventory.

• Essential for organizing e-commerce and fulfillment centers.

• Help in quick item retrieval and reduce operational costs.

• Laminated label-holding strips allow easy replacement of barcode labels.

• Best printed with Epson TM-C7500 for crisp, removable labels.

Warehouse floor labels

Warehouse floor labels are designed to mark specific storage zones, aisles, and work areas. Given their placement, they must be highly durable to withstand constant foot traffic and environmental stress.

• Guide workers and forklift operators, improving workflow efficiency.

• Available in pre-designed kits for quick installation.

• Help maintain warehouse organization when overhead signage is insufficient.

• Best printed using Zebra ZT620 for long-lasting, high-durability labels.

Warehouse bulk storage identification

Bulk storage labels identify large storage areas for oversized goods, raw materials, and heavy equipment. Since traditional rack labels aren’t feasible, warehouses use alternative identification methods.

• Overhead signs with barcodes and human-readable numbers improve visibility.

• Retro-reflective graphics allow scanning from distances up to 50 feet.

• RFID tags automate the identification and tracking of bulk inventory.

• Best printed using Epson SurePress L-6534VW for large-format, high-resolution labels.

Warehouse Labeling Process

The warehouse labeling process starts with careful planning. Before operations begin, layout design, zoning, and storage coding are mapped out to simplify workflow. Labels are often applied when goods arrive to improve inventory tracking and reduce errors. With tools like barcode scanners, label printers, and warehouse software, the process becomes faster and more efficient. Here are some vital steps to do so:

• Identify Label Needs: Determine the right labels based on inventory type and layout.

• Choose the Right Material: Pick durable materials suited for the environment to ensure clear, long-lasting labels that can withstand frequent use.

• Plan Label Placement: Place labels in visible, accessible spots to prevent wear and make scanning easier.

• Implement and Maintain: Print, apply, and regularly check labels to keep them readable and effective.

Steps for Labeling	Description
Identify Label Requirements	Identify the types of labels needed based on your warehouse layout and stock
Choose Suitable Material	Choose materials based on warehouse conditions and longevity requirements
Plan Label Placement	Ensure visible and accessible placement of labels for easy scanning
Ensure Effective Implementation	Proper printing, application, and maintenance of labels

Choosing the right label material

Choosing the right label material keeps best warehouse labels durable and readable. Pick waterproof or heat-resistant labels for humid or high-temperature areas, as well as extreme conditions. Use polyester or polypropylene labels to prevent tearing and fading, and to support long-range scanning. Freezer-grade labels work best in cold storage. Matching materials to your warehouse conditions ensures long-lasting and efficient labeling.

Label placement and visibility

Label placement goes hand-in-hand with visibility in an efficient warehouse labeling system. For something as essential as scanning, labels should be placed in prominent locations with the right background color allowing for swift and easy identification. Here are some tips to enhance label visibility:

• Labels should ideally be located at eye level for optimal visibility.

• Place labels on the front edge of shelves, making them readily accessible for scanning.

• Labels can be color-coded to differentiate between different types of inventory, sections, or aisles.

• Use large, clear fonts to ensure the readability of labels from a distance.

• Consider validation lighting for barcode scanners that confirm successful scans by flashing a light on the label.

Label system implementation

After selecting label types, materials, and placement, the final step is implementation. This includes printing, applying, and maintaining labels to ensure readability. Replacements are needed when labels wear out. Automated solutions streamline label creation, while a Warehouse Management System (WMS) integrates labeling with inventory management.

Does Warehouse Labeling Software Improve Efficiency?

Yes, Warehouse Labeling Software makes operations faster and reduces inventory errors. It automates label creation, ensuring accuracy across the warehouse.

Benefits of Warehouse Labeling Software:

• Faster Order Processing: Barcode and RFID labels speed up picking, packing, and shipping and improve the quality of product information.

• Easy WMS Integration: Works with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for real-time tracking.

• Faster Order Processing: Barcode and RFID labels speed up picking, packing, and shipping and improve the quality of product information.

• Fewer Misplaced Items: Clear labels prevent mistakes and delays.

• Better Tracking: Helps monitor products from arrival to dispatch.

Using Warehouse Labeling Software helps businesses work faster, cut costs, and keep warehouses organized.

Can OmegaBrand’s Labeling Solutions Optimize Your Warehouse?

At OmegaBrand, our labeling solutions help warehouses stay organized and work more efficiently with magnetic labels on metal surfaces. With automated label generation, businesses can avoid manual errors and speed up daily operations. Our labels easily integrate with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), allowing real-time inventory tracking and smooth stock movement.

Our barcode and RFID labels are durable and designed for tough warehouse conditions. They make picking, packing, and shipping faster and more accurate. By reducing misplaced items and delays, OmegaBrand helps warehouses improve productivity, cut costs, and manage inventory more effectively. Reach us today!

Conclusion

Warehouse labeling keeps operations organized with quick navigation and accurate tracking for warehouse managers, contributing significantly to space utilization. It boosts productivity, reduces errors, and speeds up order processing. Barcode, rack, floor, and pallet labels improve workflows, while WMS and RFID enhance tracking and inventory control. Durable labels withstand tough conditions, ensuring long-term use. A strong labeling system helps warehouses handle growing demands, streamline operations, and improve overall efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you label items in a warehouse?

Items in a warehouse are labelled with unique codes or barcodes adhered to the item or its packaging. This code contains details like product name, SKU, expiration dates that are easily readable by barcode scanners aiding smooth warehouse operations.

How can warehouse labeling improve overall efficiency?

Warehouse labeling enhances the visibility and traceability of items, leading to an effective way of efficient navigation and quick location identification of goods for warehouse staff. It assists in streamlining picking, packing, and shipping while reducing errors, thus significantly boosting overall warehouse efficiency.

How do you label inventory?

Inventory is labelled using unique identifiers or barcodes usually created through a Warehouse Management System. These labels carry crucial information such as the item code, key information on logistics attributes, sender or destination warehouse, enhancing the tracking and control of stock.