In a large warehouse it can be difficult to find specific items without a labelling system that will guide workers to the correct location. Warehouse labels are therefore used to identify both locations and items throughout the warehouse. A thorough labelling system can help to streamline operations and improve accuracy and efficiency in the warehouse.
To ensure an effective warehouse labelling system, consider the following pointers when setting up a labelling system
Make it Numerical
When demarcating the areas, racks, shelves and bins in a warehouse it is best to use a sequential numbering system, so that employees can easily find what they are looking for. Having sequentially numbered isled, racks, shelves, and bins is more effective and easy to use than a more abstract system such as symbols or colors. It also makes it easier to expand, as you are not limited by how may isles or racks you can add.
Make it Easy to See
It is important to make the labels easy to find and read. This includes putting them at a convenient height for both reading and scanning and not somewhere that will get covered up or damaged during everyday warehouse movement.
Make it User Friendly
The system should be easy to follow and understand for all employees. The numbering should follow a logical layout, with numbers following each other in a consistent direction, both from left to right for rows and aisles, and from floor to ceiling for shelves.
Make it Consistent
Labels should always be placed in the same spot on racks, aisles, shelves, and bins. This makes it easy for employees to know where to look when navigating the warehouse and finding specific details of an item, eliminating time wasted looking for labels.
Make it Compatible
The addresses in the warehouse should be the same on the labels and the pick path plans. There should be a consistent language for identifying areas and items in the warehouse across all labels and documentation so that they can be easily cross referenced. The best way to do this is to use a single program that generates both the labels and the pick path documents.
Make it Durable
The labels in the warehouse need to be durable enough to withstand daily activity without becoming faded, scratched or torn. While item labels only need to identify the item for as long as it is in the warehouse, location level labels need to be more long lasting. For these labels it can worthwhile looking at more permeant label options than the standard paper labels.
Contact us to find out more about how you can use labels more effectively in your warehouse, or go to Labels for Barcoding to learn more about your label options.
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