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BARCODING, LABELLING & PACKAGING
their prowess. Essentially label printers across the supply chain print labels with key information on them – including 1D or 2D codes – according to requirements set out by various manufacturers, retailers, and shipping companies. They get stuck onto pallets, boxes and stock as they are unpacked, delivered and pass through the supply chain. 1D and 2D codes carry the key information that aligns with many OMS, WMS and TMS systems. They provide a single source of truth that scanners can work from, allowing the supply chain to communicate and organise itself. Today label printers can be found at many
locations within a 3PL. Stationary desktop label printers are often located at areas where pallets are received from clients before they are unpacked, labeled and redistributed through the fulfilment centre (FC). They can generally be located at packing stations too – where goods are packaged and labeled according to an array of shipping companies’ preferred label configurations. Mobile printers are also widely used to support the relabeling of racks or awkwardly shaped goods that are too bulky to fit at packing stations. Additionally, many label printers support the
growing trend to use RFID to help ensure inventory management and traceability within DCs or FCs is more accurate in real time. The RFID labels can be coded with vital SKU data and be printed on with standard 1D or 2D codes where required; to provide a failsafe for when the RFID system is down. This RFID approach helps further automate inventory management in real time, and provides an accurate view on throughput.
PROVIDING WAREHOUSE STAFF THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED While many senior management teams across 3PLs and their customers refer to cloud-based dashboards from their supply chain software providers, to gain a deeper understanding of the performance of their DCs and throughput, it is generally the people on the warehouse shop floor who interact with barcode scanners and label printers on a daily basis. It is important to remember that for these
vital frontline staff members, a barcode scanner or printer is just another tool for 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.
QUALITY LABELS DRIVE PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY But, it is 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 is important that each party appreciates this and prints to a high standard accordingly. It is 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 is nothing more frustrating than for a label to have a poorly represented barcode that does not 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. So 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 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 3PLs 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 provides. Supply chain throughput depends on it.
BIXOLON Europe
bixoloneu.com
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