Updated February 2nd, 2024
Are you over-engineering your warehouse labels? Choosing the right label and scanner combination can simply and streamline your processes. With a variety of warehouse label options available, choosing the right label for each warehouse application may seem like an overwhelming process, but this simple, three-step guide will help you choose the best warehouse label and scanner combination for your needs.
1. Where are your labels going?
Warehouse racks and bulk storage locations may be two components in the same warehouse, but when it comes to labeling, they’re distinct entities and require labels designed for the purpose.
Warehouse rack labels come in several options to suit your specifications, including:
- Single Level Labels – If you need single-level labels, you have several options designed for specific applications including polyester warehouse rack labels, magnetic rack labels, cold storage rack labels, and cold storage warehouse rack placards. Magnetic warehouse rack labels are useful if you need to relocate labels periodically, while cold storage rack labels and cold storage rack placards are specially designed to withstand the low temperatures in cold storage applications. Polyester warehouse rack labels are a more durable solution compared to standard paper labels for standard warehouse rack labeling needs.
- Multi-Level Labels – Multi-level labels make scanning more efficient by making it easy to identify multiple racks with a single label. Multi-level rack labels eliminate the need for long-range scanners, which can simplify your scanner selection as well. With color directional elements, these labels are a functional solution for warehouses.
- Wraparound Labels – Wraparound labels such as Camcode’s Rack Mount Retro-Reflective Label make it easy to scan upper-level racks from the floor, at a distance of more than 50 feet with a long-range scanner. The unique design of these labels make it possible to scan from a dramatic angle, which aids in boosting scanning efficiency.
If you need to label bulk storage, such as containers and totes, pallets, or even the floor or ceiling, there are a multitude of warehouse label options for a complete warehouse label solution:
- Container Labels – Label your totes and containers with Metalphoto® Aluminum Warehouse Tote Labels or Premium Polyester Plus Tray Labels. Resistant to abrasion and common cleaning solutions, these labels remain readable even on containers that take a beating.
- Pallet Labels – Pallets almost always have to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but Camcode’s Metalphoto Pallet Barcode Labels and Pallet Rack Tags can withstand abuse from forklifts, warehouse conditions, and even outdoor environments, offering a permanent labeling solution for your returnable pallets.
- Floor Labels – Floor labels designed for the warehouse must have exceptional durability to hold up to foot traffic, heavy equipment, abrasion, cleaning, and other wear and tear. Peel & Stick Floor Label Kits and Screw-Down Floor Label Kits offer easy installation and lasting durability.
- Hanging Signs – Hanging signs make warehouse navigation simpler than ever, thanks to scanning distances of up to 50 feet and precision mounting to ensure optimal scanning angles.
2. Should you be using short- or long-range scanners?
Long-range scanners can improve efficiency by making it possible to scan labels from greater distances, which can cut down on traffic issues within the warehouse as well. Short-range scanners generally work for distances of about three to 15 feet, while long-range scanners can scan from distances up to 50 feet.
Bulk storage labels, pallet labels, floor labels, and lower-level rack labels typically work with short-range scanners, while hanging signs and higher-level rack labels will require a long-range scanning solution. After you know where your labels are going, you can easily determine if you need short-range or long-range scanners.
3. Can you save hardware costs through better label design?
Choosing the right barcode size and label material can make all the difference, but certain materials are better-suited for specific warehouse applications. Retro-reflective labels in 100 mil or 80 mil barcode are ideal for hanging signs and rack level three and four labels. Polyester is the material of choice for rack level one and two labels and multi-level rack labels. For container labels, pallet labels, and floor labels, durable Metalphoto® is the ideal choice. These materials are proven to be best-suited for their respective applications, ensuring lasting readability – and that means eliminating the cost of frequent re-labeling as less-durable options break down and become unreadable.
We’ve put together this infographic to help you easily identify the warehouse label type, scanner type, and material selection for every warehouse application. If you like it, please share it with others on social media. You can add the infographic on your website using the HTML code below as well. We only ask that you credit Camcode, the leader in durable asset tags, as the source.
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Full Infographic Text Transcription:
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT LABELS FOR YOUR WAREHOUSE?
Bulk Storage or Rack Labels?
Bulk Storage Options:
- Container Labels
- Pallet Labels
- Floor Labels
- Hanging Signs
Rack Options:
- Single Level Labels
- Multi-Level Rack Labels
- Wrap-Around Labels
Short Range or Long-Range Scanners?
Short Range:
- Bulk Storage Labels – 3-8 Feet
- Pallet Labels – 3-8 feet
- Floor Label –5-8 feet
- Rack Level Label 1- 5-10 feet
- Multi-Level Rack Labels – 10 Feet
- Rack Level 2 Label – 10-15 Feet
Long Range:
- Rack Level 3 Labels – 15-20 Feet
- Rack Level 4 Labels – 20-30 Feet
- Hanging Sign – 20-50 Feet
What’s the Right Barcode Size and Label Material?
- Hanging Sign – 100 mil barcode, retro-reflective label
- Rack Level 4 Labels – 100 mil barcode, wrap-around retro-reflective label
- Rack Level 3 Labels – 80 mil barcode, retro-reflective label
- Rack Level 2 Label – 50 mil barcode, polyester label
- Multi-Level Rack Labels –20 mil barcode, polyester label
- Container Labels –10-15 mil barcode, Metalphoto® Label
- Rack Level 1 Label– 20 mil barcode, polyester label
- Pallet Labels– 20 mil barcode, Metalphoto® label
- Floor Label– 50 mil barcode, Metalphoto® floor label
- Cold Storage Label – 0.6 mil all temperature adhesive, works in temperatures down to -20°F
