Guide to Warehouse Labels for Racks, Floors & More

In this digital age, we often look first to advanced software solutions for improving the flow of the supply chain. While such systems can make a meaningful difference, it would be a miss to overlook the seemingly simple, yet vital labels that keep the supply chain moving.

When carefully selected and managed, they can serve many functions in the operations and inventory management sector, ranging from location tracking to capacity designation.

Warehouse labeling is far more diverse than most people realize. Different types of labels serve different functions for racks, pallets, and more. Strategic selection is critical, as the wrong label can wear out quickly, prompt unacceptable inefficiencies, or even create alarming hazards in the warehouse environment.

Warehouse location labels, in particular, are important, as they streamline the flow of both items and personnel to produce the safest and most efficient operations possible. The better you understand the various types and how they can be used, the more likely you are to choose the solutions capable of producing dramatic improvements to warehouse operations and the supply chain.

Common Types of Warehouse Labels & Materials

From different dimensions and materials to labels designed for extreme environments, there are many options to choose from when choosing labels for warehouses. With so many possibilities, it can be difficult to know where to start.

This breakdown organizes warehouse labels by their most common use cases, technologies, and materials.

• Racking & shelving labels – Magnetic, PVC
• Pallet & carton tracking – LPN, Metal
• Floor & space management – Adhesive floor labels
• Special environments – Cold storage
• Labeling technology – 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes, RFID

Racking & shelving labels

Magnetic

Among the most durable and versatile warehouse labeling solutions available, magnetic labels are designed to attach firmly to metal surfaces. They can be removed instantly and reapplied to other surfaces as needed. They are ideal for marking rack and shelf positions and, while more costly, provide long-term value due to their adaptability.

PVC Labels

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) labels are a very common warehouse labeling option thanks to their versatility and durability. PVC labels can be produced in many sizes, shapes, and colors, making them ideal for shelf identification, safety signage, and branding. Their ability to display clear, custom graphics makes them a go-to choice for everyday warehouse use.

Pallet & carton tracking

LPN

License plate number (LPN) labels involve sequential barcodes for tracking moveable units. Under this approach, cartons, cases, and pallets are affixed with LPNs as soon as they arrive at warehouses. From there, essential data is entered into the appropriate warehouse management system to ensure that it can be quickly retrieved as soon as LPNs are scanned. This cost-effective solution is favored for its ability to minimize the time burden of data entry.

Metal

In situations that call for rugged labeling solutions, metal labels may be the best option. Urethane-coated steel or anodized metal, for example, hold up to heavy use. As such, they can be affixed to pallets, the floor, or other surfaces that might prompt damage to different types of labels. Metal options are compatible with both 1D and 2D barcodes.

Floor & space management

Adhesive Floor Labels

Low in cost yet surprisingly strong, adhesive floor labels are often constructed using plastic composites and can hold up under foot and forklift traffic. Offering a quick but strong bond, they’re ideal for warehouse facilities that largely reserve storage for vast expanses of floor space. They can be designed for easy removal while still remaining strong enough for reuse. Applications include pallet lane marking, warehouse striping, and more.

Special environments

Cold Storage

Freezer-grade adhesives, protective coatings, and magnet-backed options make cold storage labels reliable in subzero conditions. They are designed to stay intact on racks, cartons, and containers where standard adhesives would fail.

Labeling technology

1D

Sometimes referred to as linear barcodes, 1D barcodes can often be found on packages. They are the more widely used type of barcode label, and are recognizable due to their alternating black lines, which appear in varying widths. They store a limited amount of information but integrate easily with databases for quick product identification.

2D 

Using patterns of squares, dots, or hexagons, 2D barcodes store significantly more data than 1D. They can be scanned from multiple angles and are valuable for complex inventory tracking and product authentication.

RFID 

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) labels contain embedded chips and antennas that transmit data wirelessly. They allow for contactless, real-time tracking of items as they move through the warehouse. Unlike barcodes, RFID does not require line-of-sight scanning, making it highly efficient for fast-moving supply chains.

Areas to Label

Labeling considerations can vary dramatically from one warehouse space to the next. The following are a few of the most important areas to keep in mind when selecting solutions:

• Rack/shelving
• Pallet racks
• Storage bin/tote
• Floor labels

Warehouse Rack Labels & Shelving

The shelving units used to store equipment and inventory should be adorned with labels designating location, status, and other essentials. They can be affixed to both vertical upright frames and horizontal shelving beams.

Magnetic rack options are popular for facilities in which rack locations are regularly reconfigured. Otherwise, removable barcode labels provide a similar level of flexibility, with advanced adhesives minimizing the potential for leftover residue.

Pallet Racks

As pallet racks are moved from storage to picking, they’ll require label adjustments. As such, the removable styles referenced above are helpful. With location labels, magnetic solutions tend to offer the best return on investment. Many warehouses also favor LPNs, which work alongside inventory management systems to provide detailed insight into pallet status.

Capacity labels are also important, as they offer safety warnings regarding maximum load sizes. This information should be easy to spot. Regardless of the type applied to pallet racks, durability should be prioritized. Otherwise, they could suffer swift damage, which limits ROI.

Storage Bins and Totes

Often applied to plastic boxes, bins, and other containers, storage bin labels are used both for identification and location purposes. These should feature strong adhesives that bond easily. Cost-effective solutions are desirable, as high volumes may be required.

Labeled appropriately, bins can be organized in a way that streamlines everyday processes to make the warehouse environment as efficient as possible. This type is also useful for designating small amounts of stock that might otherwise be lost within larger pallets or rack shelves.

Floor Labels

As referenced above, these can come in several forms, including adhesives, metal, and more. No matter the preferred system, these need to be able to hold up to heavy use. When utilized properly, they will optimize stocking and picking, making the higher investment more than worthwhile.

Custom Warehouse Labeling Solutions

Strategic labeling system selection is crucial in today’s warehouse environment.

As you determine which types of labels are appropriate for your warehousing situation, be sure to partner with a company that will work closely with you to create and implement a customized plan. Our team at Peak Technologies can help you select the best solutions for the racking, floors, and containers within your warehouse.

Contact us today to learn more about our labeling services and solutions.