Choosing Warehouse Labels: Best 3 Providers
In the fast-paced world of warehouse management, a tiny label can make the difference between smooth operations and costly chaos. Yet, many businesses overlook these unassuming stickers’ critical role in their supply chain efficiency. Let’s review the best suppliers for warehouse labels in 2024.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Warehouse labels are crucial for inventory management. If you are going to purchase inventory for customers, you must have a way of knowing exactly where it is located in your facility.
This sounds simple enough, but many thriving companies fail to physically and systemically find and maintain a specific, usable space within their warehouse to store goods.
Here are the main reasons why inventory gets lost in a warehouse about location labels:
1. Labels are damaged, requiring associates to ‘key in’ locations by hand versus scanning them. A 2003 NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) study estimated an average keying error rate of 1-2 per 100 keystrokes for experienced data entry operators under ideal conditions.
2. Labels are missing, requiring associates to ‘guess’ which location they should be ‘stock to’ or ‘picked from’. This is common when labels are magnetic or improperly protected from wear and tear.
3. The locations are not numerical or organized to facilitate finding. For more information on proper location setup design, click here.
This guide will discuss the key factors to consider when selecting a custom warehouse label company, spotlight some top contenders, and provide tips to make the best choice for your unique requirements.
Pro Tip: While printing and placing homemade labels may seem like a cost savings, the results are almost always disastrous. I highly recommend purchasing quality labels and having them professionally installed, at least initially. In addition, replacement labels should be purchased when needed to maintain consistency in font and alignment.
Importance of Quality Warehouse Labels
In the complex ecosystem of a modern warehouse, quality labels serve as the critical nervous system, facilitating smooth operations and preventing costly errors. Here’s why investing in top-notch warehouse labels is crucial:
- Efficiency: High-quality labels with clear, scannable barcodes speed up picking, packing, and shipping processes, reducing time spent on each task.
- Accuracy: Durable, easy-to-read labels minimize errors in inventory management and order fulfillment, leading to higher customer satisfaction.
- Organization: Well-designed labels enable logical warehouse layout and storage, making it easier for staff to locate items quickly.
- Compliance: Many industries require specific labeling for regulatory compliance. Quality labels ensure you meet these standards consistently.
- Cost-effectiveness: While premium labels may have a higher upfront cost, their durability and reliability lead to long-term savings by reducing replacement frequency and errors.
- Adaptability: Custom labels can be tailored to your specific needs, accommodating changes in inventory systems or warehouse layout.
- Durability: High-quality warehouse labels are designed to withstand harsh environments, including temperature fluctuations, moisture, and frequent touching. This durability ensures they remain legible and adherent for extended periods, drastically reducing the need for replacement and minimizing disruptions to warehouse operations.
By prioritizing quality in your warehouse labeling, you’re not just buying stickers but investing in operational excellence and setting the foundation for scalable, efficient logistics.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Label Company
Selecting the right warehouse label company ensures your operations run smoothly. Here are key factors to evaluate:
- Product Range: Look for companies offering various label types, sizes, and materials. This ensures they can meet your needs, whether you require rack labels, bin labels, floor markers, or specialized cold storage labels.
- Customization Options: Customizing labels with your company logo, specific color schemes, or unique identifiers is essential for brand consistency and improved warehouse organization.
- Material Quality: Warehouse labels need to withstand harsh conditions. Ensure the company uses high-quality, durable materials that resist tearing, fading, and extreme temperatures.
- Printing Technology: Advanced printing technologies produce clearer barcodes and text, improving scannability and readability. Inquire about the printing methods used.
- Industry Experience: Companies with extensive experience in warehouse labeling are more likely to understand your specific challenges and offer appropriate solutions.
- Customer Support: Look for companies that offer strong customer support, including assistance with label design, troubleshooting, and reordering.
- Turnaround Time: Quick production and shipping times can be crucial, especially if you need labels urgently.
- Pricing: While cost shouldn’t be the only factor, finding a company that offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality is important.
- Minimum Order Quantities: Some companies may have high minimum order requirements. Ensure their minimums align with your needs, especially if you require small batches of specialized labels.
- Compliance Capabilities: If you operate in a regulated industry, choose a company familiar with relevant labeling standards and regulations.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select a label company that meets your current needs and can support your warehouse as it grows and evolves.
Building a Strong Relationship with Your Label Company
The relationship you cultivate with your label company can significantly impact your warehouse operations. Here’s why it matters and what to look for:
- Responsive Communication: Choose a company that values open lines of communication. You should be able to easily reach out and speak directly with a knowledgeable representative when needed rather than navigating complex automated systems.
- Problem-Solving Attitude: A good label company doesn’t just sell products; they provide solutions. Look for a partner willing to troubleshoot issues and offer expert label selection and usage advice.
- Flexibility with Reprints: Mistakes happen. A reliable label company should have a clear policy for handling reprint requests due to errors, whether they’re on your end or theirs. Some companies offer a certain number of free reprints or have a streamlined process for quick turnaround on corrected labels.
- Consistency in Quality and Service: Your label company should maintain high standards in product quality and customer service over time. This consistency allows you to rely on them as a long-term partner in your warehouse operations.
- Proactive Updates: A good partner will inform you about new products, improved materials, or printing technologies that could benefit your operations.
- Understanding of Your Business: Over time, your label company should gain a deep understanding of your specific needs, allowing them to provide more tailored recommendations and faster service.
- Scalability: As your business grows, your labeling needs may change. A strong relationship with your label company ensures they can scale their services to match your evolving requirements.
Remember, the goal is to find a supplier and a partner in your warehouse management efforts. A strong, collaborative relationship with your label company can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ultimately streamline your warehouse operation.
Top 3 Custom Warehouse Label Companies
While there are many players in the warehouse labeling industry, some companies stand out for their quality, service, and innovation. Here’s a look at three top contenders based on my 20 years of experience:
1. Graphic Information Systems
With over 25 years of experience producing warehouse signs and labels for most major warehouse vendors, GIS is our top choice.
Their team’s expertise in the designing and planning of warehouse label and signage projects is unsurpassed. They are highly experienced and understand your needs when designing a system for you, providing key strategies and ideas throughout the entire process.
Then, when the labels and signage have been designed and printed, they will also professionally install them for you as your single-source solution as well as validate their placement and accuracy.
2. ID Label Inc.
ID Label Inc. provides design engineering, production, signage and nationwide installation services of custom, variable-information barcode labels and asset tags.
Since 1994, they’ve been one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of barcode labels and asset tags. Their solutions are used by thousands of global organizations to keep their businesses moving with efficiency, speed and accuracy.
Their expert sales consultants are passionate about working with their customers and partners to provide smart ideas and innovative products including patented products like Clean Release™ removable labels.
Note: ID Label Inc. primarily focuses on larger-scale warehouse operations
3. Label Source
Label Source Inc. is a leading provider of specialty graphics and innovative print solutions for the OEM marketplace worldwide.
Label Source is known for specialized industrial labeling solutions. They offer high-durability materials, custom design services, and expertise in compliance labeling. They may be more expensive than some competitors and do not offer installation.
Each of these companies has its unique strengths and may be better suited to different types of warehouse operations. It’s important to evaluate your specific needs and reach out to multiple providers to find the best fit for your business.
Tips for Working with Label Companies
Once you’ve selected a warehouse label company, these tips can help ensure a smooth, productive relationship:
- Clearly Define Your Requirements:
- Provide detailed specifications for your labels, including size, material, adhesive type, and any special requirements, such as temperature resistance.
- Share examples or mockups of what you need to avoid misunderstandings.
- Request Samples:
- Always ask for samples before placing a large order. This allows you to test the labels in your specific environment.
- Check for print quality, scannability, and adhesion on your surfaces.
- Understand Lead Times:
- Be aware of standard production and shipping times, especially for custom orders.
- Plan ahead for seasonal peaks or major inventory changes.
- Communicate Your Timeline:
- If you have a specific deadline, make this clear from the outset.
- Ask about rush options if you need labels urgently.
- Stay Informed About New Products:
- Ask your label company to update you on new materials or technologies that might benefit your operations.
- Be open to suggestions for improvements in your labeling system.
- Provide Feedback:
- If you encounter any issues with your labels, inform the company promptly.
- Constructive feedback helps the company serve you better and can lead to improved products.
- Consider Volume Discounts:
- If you use labels regularly, ask about pricing tiers or bulk order discounts.
- However, this can be balanced against storage capabilities and the risk of label obsolescence.
- Maintain Consistent Communication:
- Establish a regular point of contact at the label company.
- Schedule periodic reviews to assess your labeling needs and discuss any changes.
- Plan for Contingencies:
- Discuss the company’s policy on misprints or defective labels.
- Consider having a backup supplier for critical label needs.
- Leverage Their Expertise:
- Don’t hesitate to ask for advice on label placement, material selection, or barcode optimization.
- Many label companies have extensive experience that can benefit your operations.
Following these tips, you can build a mutually beneficial relationship with your chosen label company, ensuring your warehouse labeling needs are consistently met with high-quality products and services.
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