LABELS IN 3PL
CONTINUED
them to use. They expect it to work with ease – and within a warehouse environment it is important that these technologies are robust, hard wearing and capable of taking the knocks that they will likely receive. Can they handle being accidentally dropped by staff or being bumped with objects in the warehouse? Have the label printers been well set-up by IT teams for ease of use by operatives – is training on the devices easy and straightforward for new staff members to pick up on, especially during peak periods? Are the consumables easy to change? These tools need to improve operations for warehouse staff, not hinder or slow processes down – and so in a deadline-driven environment where picking, packing and shipping accuracy is important, it is crucial that label printers are hardwearing and play their part well.
set out by ANSI and aim for coveted ‘C’ rating or higher; with the rating scale ranging from A, B, C, D, E, F (A being the best). Failing to meet these standards can lead to scanning errors, operational slowdowns, increased downtime and potential customer dissatisfaction, resulting in overall reduced productivity in warehouse settings. Another pain for many warehouse operatives is using labels with backings. This is because backings need to be removed and disposed of. In a busy DC, this takes time and space so reducing the need for backings by using linerless label printers, with labels that can be printed and stuck onto items is a better option. It is quicker and reduces waste. Mobile versions of these printers can prove useful too – for example when changing labels on racking or large items. Conclusion 3PL companies are integral to many supply chains across various industries today, especially ecommerce. They manage a range of functions for many of their customers as they execute fulfilment services. Many tools and technologies are used to improve productivity and throughput. However, key to these operations remains the use of barcode scanners and label printers. They play a vital role in facilitating communication and supply chain traceability at all stages of fulfilment. With that in mind, as 3PLs aim to take on new customers, automate their warehouses and embrace technology, the use of label printers will continue to thrive and support growth – either on their own or when coupled with other useful technologies like RFID. Given the size of the forecast growth of the 3PL market, the various opportunities and challenges, it becomes imperative not to forget the vital role that this industry workhorse performs. Supply chain throughput depends on it.
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As 3PLs aim to take on new customers, automate their warehouses and embrace technology, the use of label printers will continue to thrive and support growth...
Quality labels drive productivity and efficiency
But it’s not just about ease of use. Printers must print labels and codes to a high quality. Many manufacturers, retailers, 3PLs and shipment companies set out their standards for quality barcodes; and so it’s important that each party appreciates this and prints to a high standard accordingly. It’s no good printing a label if the quality of the information on the label is illegible for barcode readers. For instance, is the colour of the print truly black or is it greyed out? Can the ink withstand knocks and scratches? There’s nothing more frustrating than for a label to have a poorly represented barcode that doesn’t scan or is scratched and causes a slowdown in throughput. In some cases, these kinds of failings can result in penalties across the supply chain too, which means that it’s important for labels to be printed to the appropriate quality for that industry or part of the supply chain. Today, most organisations strive to achieve standards
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