Overview

• The Secret to Efficiency
• Types of Warehouse Labels Based on Material
• Types of Warehouse Labels Based on Location

Warehouse Labels: The Secret to Efficiency

A warehouse label is a piece of material that gives information about a specific product. Despite their small size, the importance of labeling cannot be denied. Without labels, a warehouse falls into chaos. This means only one thing for the company: less profitability. In fact, having labels increases picking efficiency in a warehouse. In addition, it also increases inventory location accuracy. Labeling also helps you comply with customer requirements. Labels are customer-specific: tailored to the needs of the company or the client.  Each part and each type of  the label plays a role in the effectiveness of the warehouse label.

A warehouse label typically consists of the following parts:

Top Coat

The top coat is a physical layer applied to the facestock. Top coats increase ink adhesion. In addition, it also modifies the glossiness of the label. Aside from that, it increases durability and printability. That is to say, the top coat shouldn’t slow down printing speeds. There are two general types of top coat: 

Varnish

Varnish is a liquid finish applied via the printing press. It seals and protects the ink on the printed surface. Varnish is available in gloss and matte finish.

Laminate 

Laminate is a thin film made of polypropylene. It is applied to the surface of the paper after printing. Similarly, it comes in gloss or matte finish and provides the ultimate protection.

Facestock

Facestock is the most crucial part of the label. It contains the message or information about the product. The facestock holds ink on one side and adhesive on the other side. Additionally, the following should be considered in making the facestock: 

• Font
• Color
• Language
• Logo

Adhesive

Adhesive is responsible for bonding two surfaces together. But, it is also important to ask yourself the following:

• What type of surface do you want the adhesive to bond to?
• What conditions do the labels need to withstand?

Then, there are three general types of adhesives to choose from. 

First, there is rubber. Rubber has a speedy initial bonding time. It can also stick to most surfaces. But, it is typically used indoors. It is also temperature resistant up to 300°C. In addition, it is fairly resistant to chemical and UV exposure. On top of that, it is the cheapest type of adhesive. 

Second, there is acrylic. Acrylic has a longer bonding time than rubber. But, its resistance is also higher. It is good at resisting UV exposure and chemicals. It can also withstand up to 400°C. While rubber is for indoors, acrylic can be used outdoors. It will also stick to many surfaces, but not as much as rubber. Acrylic also has a higher price than rubber. 

Finally, there is silicone. Silicone is the most expensive of the three adhesive materials. But its resistance to the different elements is extremely high. It withstands temperatures up to 600°C. Aside from that, it is ideal for extreme environments. 

Liner

The liner of the label carries the sticky substrate. It makes sure the label doesn’t get transferred to a surface until it is ready to be released.

Types of Warehouse Labels Based on Material

There are many types of warehouse labels. Choosing one for your company starts with understanding how they are different. Below are the different materials used in creating labels. Included are the benefits each material provides. 

Metal Tags

Metal tags are the most durable material for warehouse labels. About 0.008” to 0.063” of aluminum make up metal tags. As a result, they survive the most extreme environments. For instance, it withstands temperatures up to 1000°C. Metal tags contain holes that allow them to be fastened to different assets.

PET Labels

Also known as Polyethylene Terephthalate, PET labels continue to grow in popularity. Made from clear polyester, they are strong but lightweight. In addition, they last from five to ten years and don’t crease. Aside from this, PET labels also offer the following benefits:

• Thermal stability
• Resistance to rub off or abrasion
• Optical clarity

Polypropylene Labels

Polypropylene (PP) labels are usually 3 millimetres thick. Further, they have an aggressive adhesive backing. This makes them highly resistant to harsh environments. For example, PP labels are able to withstand temperatures up to 175°F. Under chemical resistance, these warehouse labels only show little scratching or smearing. In addition, PP labels can last up to 12 months. 

Polyester Labels

Polyester is thinner than Polypropylene labels. But, despite this, they are more durable and long-lasting. Polyester can withstand temperatures ranging from 270°F to 300°F. They are also chemical and solvent resistant.

Polyimide Labels

Industrial labels often used polyimide material. They are highly resistant. Polyimide withstands temperatures up to 500°F. Fluxes, chemical washes and cleaners don’t affect the material. This makes them ideal for circuit boards.

Aluminum

Anodized aluminum labels conform to curved surfaces. Unlike metal tags, they are only 0.003” thick. This makes them helpful in applying labels to tools and smaller assets. Aside from this, they survive all levels of temperature, chemical and abrasion.

Types of Warehouse Labels Based on Location

Warehouse labels are useful in various places throughout the warehouse. This is one of the reasons why they increase efficiency. Included below are the places where labels can be applied to: 

Warehouse Pallet Labels

Pallet labels are also known as license plate numbers (LPN). They help warehouse staff track moveable units. Moreover, once scanned, they provide the following information: 

• Quantity
• Expiry dates 
• Lot numbers

LPN warehouse labels work in conjunction with WMS. They make warehouse automation easier. These labels make use of paper stock as their base material. 

Warehouse Rack Beam Labels

Rack labels are one of the most common types of warehouse labels. Then, they are placed on rack beams to mark bay locations. Aside from this, they also help identify products for: 

• Storing
• Picking
• Inventory management

These types of warehouse labels use polyester or polypropylene for the material.  

Warehouse Tote and Bin Labels

Warehouses store individual parts and products in plastic bins. Identifying these bins with warehouse labels is also important. Warehouse labels on  storage bins help in: 

• Locating items
• Fulfilling orders
• Managing product inventory

Warehouse Floor Labels

Floor labels identify rack or bulk storage. The key to these types of warehouse labels is durability. On a daily basis, floor labels come in contact with: 

• Lift trucks
• Pallets
• Foot traffic

These are just to name a few. As such, it is important that the floor label is highly resistant to abrasions and smearing. 

There are many things to consider in choosing the right warehouse labels. These are just some of the common types being used by different businesses. However, there’s a lot more to learn about using warehouse labels for increased warehouse efficiency. Let us help you design labels that will work well for you. Contact Qbasis today!