Key information:
Self-adhesive labels in logistics - how to efficiently mark goods and speed up the implementation of warehouse processes.
The modern warehouse is an area that cannot operate without the support of appropriate information systems. In low-complexity warehouses, a system for recording events, combined with elements for marking goods and packages with shipping labels, may be sufficient tools. However, already the average level of complexity of warehouse logistics processes makes the event recording system insufficient. In such a situation, a WMS (warehouse management system) class computerized warehouse management system comes to the rescue.
This system relies on barcode technology to function. Barcodes require a medium on which they can be printed. These media are self-adhesive labels, onto which barcodes are printed using specialized label printers.
For nearly thirty years , HKK Group has been manufacturing self-adhesive labels used in the logistics sector. In this article, we’ll discuss which types of self-adhesive labels are particularly well-suited for this industry.
Self-adhesive labels for marking goods entering the warehouse
The initial element of the warehousing process, is the process of receiving goods into the warehouse. Its importance is crucial for the subsequent tracking of goods in the storage space. It is at this stage that the so-called commodity registration, that is, the individual number with which each smallest batch of goods is marked, is generated.
The registration label is printed using a self-adhesive label printer, and the data comes directly from the WMS. The information system integrates various hardware infrastructure elements of the automatic identification area, which, in addition to label printers, include data collectors or barcode readers.
Due to the fact that the registration label is temporary – it is used only for the time a particular batch of goods stays in the warehouse, it is best to use thermal self-adhesive labels for their printing. Thermal labels have less resistance to damage, their lifespan is not long, but the cost of printing them is relatively low. (When printing such a self-adhesive label, we do not use tape/transfer paper).
Of course, for outdoor storage or for materials that are stored in a warehouse for a long time, it is better to use labels printed using the thermal transfer method. These can be either paper labels or foil labels, which offer the greatest resistance to external conditions.
Storage process - self-adhesive label for shelf marking - warehouse labeling
Another warehouse process in which self-adhesive labels play a crucial role is the goods storage process. As part of this process, the WMS system determines the allocation of warehouse space for a given item (the space allocation process uses algorithms designed to optimize the use of warehouse space).
In order to ensure that the activities prescribed by the WMS are carried out properly, operators in the warehouse should confirm that a specific commodity (accompanied by a registration label) has been put away at a specific storage location (usually a specific part of the warehouse rack). Quickly finding the storage location is possible, thanks to the use of self-adhesive labels for marking high storage racks.
Labels of this type are produced from raw materials provided with very strong adhesives, the strength of which is activated as soon as they are applied to the surface of the rack. The printing of such a label itself is done using printing machines working with digital technology, more specifically UV inkjet machines. In order to further protect the print from physical damage, it is possible to laminate them. This design of the self-adhesive label makes it almost indestructible.
Shipping goods to the customer - pallet label/courier label
The third stage of the logistics process using labels is the stage of shipping the completed goods to the customer. The shipment itself regardless of the form (it can be a parcel shipment, but it can also be a full-pallet shipment), must be marked according to the standard of the specific carrier or courier. Such marking is printed on an adhesive label.
As with registration labels, shipping labels can be printed on thermal paper, transfer paper, or film. The choice of material depends on how long it will take for the shipment to reach the customer and the mode of transportation. For local shipments, the simplest and least expensive materials can be used, but for air transport—and especially for sea transport— transfer labels, preferably made of film, must be used.
Return process especially important for e-commerce industry
Modern logistics, especially e-commerce logistics, must face the challenges of handling returns. This is an issue that requires advanced system configuration, and when reaching a certain scale of operation, it should be supported by appropriate self-adhesive labels.
These labels are personalized with an individual number and barcode. They are used to quickly identify the return and facilitate its analysis, which often ends with the release of the returned goods for resale. Return handling labels usually take the form of self-adhesive labels produced from paper, and the individual number is printed on digital machines.
HKK Group - printer of self-adhesive labels and warehouse markings
Our company has been printing self-adhesive labels on a wide variety of materials for thirty years. In our daily work, we use modern printing machines in analog technology (flexo technology) and digital technology (UV inkjet technology).
Our self-adhesive labels can also be refined in a variety of ways (gilding, embossed elements, gouging). Our clients include hundreds of organizations from Poland and other European countries.
