How to Label an IT and Data Center

Best Practices Guide: How to Label an IT and Data Center

Some time ago, managing a data centre was so straightforward. However, due to the unavoidable circumstances of processing more and more data, the management of data centres keeps growing in complexity. It has complicated the situation that now there are new operational factors such as power, cooling, network rack space, and CPU availability being taken…

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Best Practices Guide: How to Label an IT and Data Center

Best Practices Guide: How to Label an IT and Data Center

Some time ago, managing a data centre was so straightforward. However, due to the unavoidable circumstances of processing more and more data, the management of data centres keeps growing in complexity. It has complicated the situation that now there are new operational factors such as power, cooling, network rack space, and CPU availability being taken more seriously.

In addition, this is influenced by other factors leaning towards IT systems, and the data centre’s infrastructure components that play a key role in running the entire establishment. Efficient labelling is not only a major determinant in ensuring effective data centre performance, but it also looks at high-performing enterprise networks.

To maintain a smooth running of data centres and network facilities, it is important to establish what is being deployed where, what the purpose of each component is, and what it ultimately connects to. That is why having server labels is a great way of increasing the efficiency of data centre troubleshooting and management.

Data Centre Core Components

As we already know, the data centre is the department in an enterprise that houses and maintains back-end Information Technology (IT) systems and data stores.

The core components of a data centre include:

Facility

Facility components are very important in regards to the data centre. They include the following areas:

  • Physical location – the data centre can be a separate facility by itself, or it can be within the same building
  • Physical Space – this comprises of;
  • Data Room Space – houses the IT equipment.
  • Mechanical and Electrical Space – houses the cooling and electrical panels, the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and its batteries.
  • NOC Space – allocated outside the data centre for operators to monitor data centre activities
  • Staging Area Space – used to unpack the new IT equipment before deployment to the data centre
  • Data Room – comprises of;
  • IT racks and cabinets
  • CRAC units required to cool down IT equipment
  • Physical Access – includes;
  • Access control to the data centre
  • Surveillance i.e. CCTV

IT Infrastructure

This has to do with the following areas:

  • IT servers
  • Communication equipment:
  • Core Switch/router
  • ISP equipment linking the data centre to the outside world
  • Patch Panels to connect IT equipment together
  • Storage Equipment:
    • Storage Area Network (SAN) – a shared pool of storage devices to multiple servers.
    • Network Attached Storage (NAS) – specialised for saving files by hardware, software or configuration.
  • Environmental Sensors:
    • Smoke detection sensors
    • Water leakage detectors
    • Temperature/Humidity detectors

Electrical Equipment

This deals with all power-related devices such as:

  • Backup Generator(s) which can be:
    • Prime Power Rating type
    • Standby type
    • ATS (Automatic Transfer Switches) – used to transfer the load in case of city power failure
    • UPS
    • PDU (Power Distribution Unit)

Mechanical Equipment

The mechanical part of the data centre is meant for the following:

  • Cooling containments:
    • Cold Aisle type
    • Hot Aisle type
  • Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) units – to cool down IT racks
  • Chiller Plants (located on top of the building) – Support the cooling system
  • Raised Floor – allow cold air to reach IT equipment

How to Properly Label a Data Centre

Managing cables in the data centre can prove to be a complex and difficult task. There are usually two extremes whereby organisations either do not use any form of labelling or use it on everything to the point of confusion. The way to go is to find a happy medium between the two by implementing a smart solution that will simplify and contribute to a more efficient working environment. Barcode identification is a reliable solution in data centres when it comes to:

  • Internet Server – It is important to ensure that your server labels are identifiable from the front to the back. Typically, both ends of the cable should always be labelled. Ultimately, barcode labels for internet servers ensure that when there is a physical plant problem, the labelling will making it easier to locate and sort out the issue.
  • Server Racks – When it comes to server racks, the organisation of the server cables is crucial. Our server labels were designed to arrange your network cabinets in the most orderly way without sacrificing server rack space. Data centre barcode labels ensure both vertical and horizontal cables offer a fully adjustable solution for storing cables on a sliding shelf.
  • Routers – A proper routing labelling system should deliver flexible and easily-deployed pathways for overhead, under-floor and wall-mount applications in the data centre and the whole network infrastructure. For example, having elongated wire constructions that increase the surface area will reduce cable strain and deformation.
  • CAT 5 Cables – The type of cabling used in a structured wiring system should be well-labelled and organized. Choosing Category 5/5e cables as specified by the bandwidth requirements of the system and should be tested to ensure proper performance. Barcode labels for computer equipment will make the process of tracking CAT 5 cables efficient than before.
  • Power Cables – Labelling the cables to indicate the power source and the destination – Power Distribution Unit (PDU), will ensure easy traceability, and make equipment upgrades or replacements easier. In case of any problem, labelling power cables facilitates easier installation when on-site, and for quicker isolation when one needs to shut the power down.
  • Navigation/directional signs on floors and isles – Working with cutting-edge, industrial labelling tools that utilize the smart technology of IT barcode labels, will incorporate intuitive navigation and versatile functionality that will help make data centre component identification and labelling relatively quick and effortless to execute.

How to Properly Label IT Equipment

Using barcode labels for computer equipment is the most productive way of keeping track of all your IT assets. It incorporates a cloud-based tracking system where barcoded asset tags are attached to each individual asset and scanned to check items in or out of your asset tracking software.

Whether it’s your computers, laptops, tablets, keyboards, mice, etc., using barcode labels for computer equipment is an efficient way of improving accountability and making audits much easier. Deployment of laptops to performing an all-inclusive audit will be easier when checking for IT equipment.

You can determine which ones have gone for repair and who received the equipment in the past, thereby, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. It also improves asset tracking by saving time and eliminating data-entry errors appertaining to manual processes.

Types of Labels

  • Server Labels – Scaling needs to be done in order to handle all the data streaming from proxy servers. Label servers only deal with the actual data being filtered – usually the URL and a bit of additional information from the HTTP request headers. This allows them to concentrate solely on filtering, offering much higher performance.
  • Network Labels – Network labels are essential for a properly-installed structured cabling system. They help to ease the troubleshooting process, ensure quality assurance, reducing human error, save time and long-term costs over the network’s lifecycle.
  • Cable Labels – Cable labelling is important in the identification, assembly and repair of electrical control panels, wire harnesses, and data/telecommunications systems. It is utilized to save time, upfront cost on labour expenses when changes or repairs are being made. They include:
    • Heat-Shrink Tubing – Ideal for un-terminated wires or cables needing superior abrasion and chemical resistance.
    • Wrap-Around Labels – Ideal for the general marking of terminated/unterminated cables and wires that may be curved or become curved.
    • Self-Laminating labels – Ideal for terminated cables or wires that may need additional abrasion or chemical resistance.
    • Cable Flags – Ideal for getting larger amounts of data on small diameter wire and cables such as fibre optic cables.
    • Non-Adhesive Tags – Ideal for multi-conductor cables or bundled wires/cables.
  • Computer and Laptop Labels – Laptop and computer labels are designed to protect the asset acquisition/ investment of a company against rampant theft. These asset labelling material include:
    • Vinyl Asset Labels
    • Polyester Asset Labels
    • Aluminium Foil Labels
    • Destructible Tamper Evident Labels
    • Tamper VOID Labels
    • Self-Laminating Labels
    • Asset Tracking Labels
    • Mini Mark Asset Labels
    • Aluminium Plates
    • ID Plates
    • QR Code & Data Matrix Labels
    • Labels for Industry
    • Micro Labels
  • IT Equipment Labels – IT equipment labels help to improve accountability of valuable IT equipment. They are used to track and monitor important equipment with reliable asset tags, barcode labels, and a secure RFID tag.

Essential Technology

  • Labels – The packaging and labelling industry is constantly growing, and with the continued growth comes advancement. As technology evolves, many processes and standards being used have improved within the industry. Labels now provide complete solutions for the barcode labelling sector.

There has been outstanding innovation of brand-new programmable print modules that combine a precision print technique using high-performance electronics, including a wide variety of modern sensors to produce labels.

  • Scanners – Scanners and PDAs are critical for your product identification and traceability. They help with workflow and increase productivity. Barcode scanners include:
  • 1D, 2D, and QR codes,
  • Barcode readers compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices
  • Laser, USB, Bluetooth, cordless, portable, wireless, handheld, tablet, in-counter, grocery, and barcode computer labels for computer equipment
  • Inventory Management Systems – Technology has made it possible to pair inventory software with barcode scanners, printers, and labels for a complete inventory tracking system. Now you can:
  • Design your own inventory & shipping labels,
  • Conduct audits on a mobile computer,
  • Automate the check-out and check-in of assets to ensure no assets get misplaced,
  • Track inventory by site, location, serial number, lot, date, or pallet
  • Application of a tailor-made RFID inventory management system

Benefits of Properly Labelled Data Centre & IT Equipment

Faster Troubleshooting

The most effective way of tracking inventory or equipment is using a reliable labelling system. Labelling makes tracing and troubleshooting faster by telling you exactly what you’re looking at, and what it’s connected to.

Providing a visual listing of information will direct you to the cables and components that can be traced back to specific floors and rooms for proper support and faster maintenance. Quickly identifying information eases problem-solving, as well as accommodating fast repairs.

Reduces Downtime

Clearly labelling cables and connectivity can prevent accidental outages caused by human error which contributes to 88% of power outages caused by moving wrong components.

Save Costs

Sever labels, such as data centre barcode labels, save time and upfront cost by cutting down labour expenses when changes or repairs are being made.

Lost and Found

Barcode labels for computer equipment prevent retail inventory loss. They helps us plan and execute inventory control by improving business performance. This system lets one set stock thresholds levels that automatically generates purchase order receipts for asset renewal.

Ultimately, it optimizes inventory stock by streamlining warehouse management for easy tool retrieval, accurate depiction of consumption rates, and a higher rate of inventory turnover.

Prevent Theft

Theft is a common cause of retail inventory loss. If there is no security instrument designed to record asset ownership, it will result to high instances of loss through theft or misplacement.

Complete Asset Tracking and Inventory Control

IT asset tracking systems are important for adequately identifying network problems, securing the correct replacement parts, and coordinating all the activities involved in keeping this complex system running effectively.

Best Practices Guide

Best Practices Guide: Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)

Due to the emission of volatile hazardous air pollutants by leaking machineries or equipment, such as connectors, valves and pumps, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thought it wise to enact the Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) system in order to identify and repair leaking equipment or machines in chemical manufacturing and petroleum refining industries. The…

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Best Practices Guide: Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)

Best Practices Guide: Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)

Due to the emission of volatile hazardous air pollutants by leaking machineries or equipment, such as connectors, valves and pumps, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thought it wise to enact the Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) system in order to identify and repair leaking equipment or machines in chemical manufacturing and petroleum refining industries. The LDAR system procedures, like the Method 21 analyzer calibration and monitoring procedures are to be followed by specifically selected technicians and managers to curb the emission of these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the industrial machinery.

LDAR Definition

An LDAR is a procedure program instituted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to control the emission of volatile hazardous air pollutants (VHAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from some industrial equipment. It is a procedure program used by facilities for leak detection and repair of leaking equipment or machinery that include; connectors, valves, pumps, agitators and compressors, thereby, minimizing the emission of these VOCs and VHAPs. The EPA ensures operation and application of the LDAR program in many chemical manufacturing and petroleum refining industries, and due to the implementation of the EPA program, different sizes of facilities have been successfully reviewed.

Why Regulate Equipment Leaks?

Accordance to the findings gotten by the EPA, it was stated that the release of VOCs and VHAPs in the atmosphere is as a result of leaking industrial equipment, such as steam traps, valves, connectors, and the likes. Also, the amount of air pollutants emitted by these types of machinery is around 70,367 tons each year of VOCs and approximately 9,357 tons each year of VHAPs. The findings also state that the emission of these gases contributes largely to the formation of ozone on ground-level, which is one primary contributing factor of smog and respiratory disease, especially in children and asthmatics. Some other supposed problems caused by the emission of these air pollutants are; birth defects, cancer, and reproductive effects. Many locations in the United States, especially those areas where these pieces of machinery are used do not get up to the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. Some very frequently emitted VHAPs include benzene, naphthalene, xylene, chloride, toluene, acetaldehyde, methylene, and formaldehyde.

Sources, Causes and Control of Equipment Leaks

Several sources are responsible for the emission of hazardous air pollutants from industrial machinery. Here are some major sources/causes of equipment leaks:

  • Pumps – function as transporters of fluids
  • Valves – valves acts as a control to the flow of the fluids
  • Connectors – connectors are used to merge process and piping machinery
  • Compressors – these components are responsible for the increase in pressure of the fluids
  • Pressure Relief Devices – they are designed to prevent equipment from going above its normal working pressure
  • Open-ended Lines – these lines are hoses or pipes that are open to the surrounding environment

All the stated components can cause the release of these harmful gases in one way or another. For example, the leaks from valves often take place when there is a failure in valve O-ring or packing.

Control of Equipment Leaks

The curbing of the emission of these VHAPs due to leaking equipment can be done through the implementation of the LDAR tags or by customizing/changing leaking machines with ‘Leakless’ components. Usually, leaks caused by compressors, open-ended lines, and sampling connections can be tackled by just customizing the machine or component. Also, the use of valve tags, stream trap tags, sealless pumps, and leakless valves can minimize or completely put an end to leaks in industrial equipment or machinery.

Benefits of an LDAR Program

The EPA estimated about 63% of the emission of VHAPs from leaking equipment could be reduced by implementing the LDAR program. According to the EPA, chemical manufacturing industries could control the emission of VOCs up to 56% by employing the use of LDRA programs. Here are five benefits of implementing an LDAR program:

  • Minimization of product losses in chemical manufacturing and petroleum refining industry
  • Maximized safety of workers and operators in facilities
  • Reduction in the exposure to hazardous gases for the neighbouring community and employees
  • Potential reduction in emission fees of the facility
  • Lessens the need for setting Compliance and Enforcement National Properties for harmful air

Essential LDAR Planning Steps / Elements

Seeing that the emission and leak detection and repair program is pretty complex in nature, facilities can follow these five basic steps/elements in carrying out the implementation of an LDAR program:

Identifying Components

It is necessary for each regulating component to have a specific ID number and identified the location. A machinery log containing information on newly added equipment, equipment is taken out, and replacement parts should always undergo maintenance. Also, using ID tags on the various components can go a long way in identifying components.

Leak Definition

The unit for measuring leak definition is parts per million (ppm). It is the measurement of the concentration that has gone beyond the accepted threshold of relevant regulations. There are different levels of accepted thresholds in a different state and federal regulations, and the accepted threshold is based on the industry. Due to the confusion, multiple regulations may pose in a particular facility. The EPA suggests that defining leaks should be at a lower level compared to the standard threshold of every applied regulation.

Monitoring Components

According to the EPA, the acceptable method used to monitor components leak detection purpose is the EPA Reference Method 21. This method periodically assesses the weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually emission of air pollutants.

Repairing Components

Repairing components require regulatory guidelines in order to fix a deadline by which the component responsible for the leak is to be fixed. This deadline can range between a few days and many weeks. But it is recommended that detected leaks should be repaired within the first five days after leak detection and within fifteen days after every failed attempt. The facility can apply other regulations set accepted repair practices like packing gland nuts or tightening bonnet bolts. And if properly documented and warranted, the equipment can be placed on a DOR (Delay of Repair) list if the equipment needs to be shut down before repair can take place.

Recordkeeping

It is required in LDAR regulations that a huge amount of information on each regulated part be documented and preserved by the right information. The use of an Asset Management system will make data collection less expensive, faster, and more precise.

Implementing all five elements will reduce the man-hour requirements as well as overhead costs, which will, in turn, minimize complexity and ensure compliance. The compliance cost of a facility can be reduced by employing the asset management system to focus on automatic capturing of data with leak detection and repair tags.

Method 21 – Volatile Organic Compound Leaks

The application of the Method 21 – Volatile Organic Compound Leaks of the EPA regulations will help facilities determine the leaking of VOC from process machinery. The primary sources of leaks include, but are restricted to, flanges, valves, pumps, connections, compressors, process drains, pressure-relief devices, open-ended valves, dressing vents system of the compressor and pump seal, agitator seals, access door seal and accumulator vessel vents.

Yielding to the necessities of the Method 21 will improve the information derived from air pollutant sampling practice.

Method 21 helps in classifying and locating leaks only. It’s not a method used for the straight measurement of mass emission ratio gotten out of separate sources.

Identifying / Monitoring Components

The following can be employed in facilities to identify or monitor components and prevent leaks in equipment or machinery:

Unique Barcoded LDAR tag

Unique Barcoded LDAR tag functions as a monitoring tool for repairmen and field technicians. Using the barcoded LDAR tags, they can monitor the rate at which VHAPs and VOCs are emitted from process equipment used in various chemical manufacturing and petroleum refining processes. LDAR technicians can successfully monitor and conform with the regulations of the EPA if they follow the LDAR monitoring techniques and calibration procedures duly.

Potential Leak Sources

Several sources are responsible for the emission of hazardous air pollutants from industrial machinery. They include:

  • Flanges, valves, pumps, connections, compressors, process drains, pressure-relief devices, open-ended valves, dressing vents system of the compressor and pump seal, agitator seals, access door seal and accumulator vessel vents.

All the stated components can cause the release of these harmful gases in one way or another. For example, the leaks from valves often take place when there is a failure in valve O-ring or packing.

Repair

Repairing components require regulatory guidelines to fix a deadline by which the component responsible for the leak is to be fixed. This deadline can range between a few days and many weeks. But it is recommended that detected leaks should be repaired within the first five days after leak detection and within fifteen days after every failed attempt. The facility can apply other regulations set accepted repair practices like packing gland nuts or tightening bonnet bolts. And if properly documented and warranted, the equipment can be placed on a DOR (Delay of Repair) list if the equipment needs to be shut down before repair can take place.

Recordkeeping

It is required in LDAR regulations that a huge amount of information on each regulated part be documented and preserved by the right information. The use of an Asset Management system will make data collection less expensive, faster, and more precise.

Implementing all five elements will reduce the man-hour requirements as well as overhead costs, which will, in turn, minimize complexity and ensure compliance. The compliance cost of a facility can be reduced by employing the asset management system to focus on automatic capturing of data with leak detection and repair tags.

Essential Technology

  • Labels – Mobile Printers or Custom Printers
  • Scanners
  • Inventory Management System

Benefits of Properly Implemented LDAR Program

Here are five benefits of a properly implemented LDAR program:

  • Maximized safety of workers and operators in facilities
  • Lessens the need for setting Compliance and Enforcement National Properties for harmful air
  • Minimization of product losses in chemical manufacturing and petroleum refining industry
  • Potential reduction in emission fees of the facility
  • Reduction in the exposure to hazardous gases for the neighboring community and employees
How to Label a Warehouse

How to Label a Warehouse

From being an underrated principle in warehouse management, warehouse location has inevitably become of great importance in ensuring efficiency of warehouse operations. Without learning the fundamentals of Warehouse Management Systems, you could invest a lot of money on warehouse designs and it would all end up in shambles. Warehouse labeling systems ensure a great load…

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How to Label a Warehouse

How to Label a Warehouse

From being an underrated principle in warehouse management, warehouse location has inevitably become of great importance in ensuring efficiency of warehouse operations. Without learning the fundamentals of Warehouse Management Systems, you could invest a lot of money on warehouse designs and it would all end up in shambles. Warehouse labeling systems ensure a great load of benefits, such as, decreased manual entry errors, efficient accessibility, increased turnover, optimal safety.

Warehouse Best Practices

Warehouse location labeling greatly involves a lot of attention to details, hence, that makes it a tricky business. However, there a few industry standards one should follow to avoid errors and potential confusion from the pickers.

  1. Shelves should be numbered from the ground up. This makes it easier to add more height to your shelves as you grow, and also eliminates the possibility of relabeling your shelves.
  2. To allow the system to accurately read locations alphanumerically, it is best advisable to use a zero in all numbers less than ten (i.e., 01, 02, 03, 04).
  3. Consistency. Lack of consistency in labeling is an easy way to screw up your system and employees.

To save a lot of time, and money on the long run, it is best to keep these practices in mind.

Essential Warehouse Planning Steps

If you’re currently in the process of planning a new warehouse or distribution center or expanding your current facility, there are several key preparation steps to keep in mind to ensure that your warehouse labels and signs meet your needs.

  1. Your label manufacturer should be included on the project planning team. Poor preparation inevitably leads to errors, or rush production charges. However, to avoid this, don’t wait too long to plan for your barcode location labels and signs.
  2. Order the right barcode signs and labels for your environment and technology. The following should be considered:
  • What type of scanning technology would be used?
  • What kind of surfaces would the labels be applied on?
  • Would vertical location rack labels be used?
  • What sort of operation would be used?
  1. Bulk storage locations and signage needs should be identified. This involves a careful survey and analysis of your floor plan to know how many bulk storages would be needed, and how they could be identified.
  2.  Ensure your racking and facility are ready for labeling. The racks should be cleaned to avoid dirt and dust, which can diminish a label’s adhesive property. Facility and equipment access should also be considered, as well as power availability.
  3. Preprinted LPN Labels should be ordered in advance. Preprinted LPNs are typically less costly than labels printed in-house. LPN labels will undoubtedly be of great significance in your warehouse as it efficiently identifies pallets, cases, cartons, totes and other movable units.

Label Locations / Applications

  • Multi-level racks: Warehouse rack labels are used to streamline workflow by making items and sections easier to identify for employees. They help identify the right products for inventory management, storing, and shipping purposes. As with most rack labels, multi-level racks are a type of rack labels, that can easily be color coded for identification, and they can also be placed on aisles for easy accessibility.
  • Shelves: The common and preferred method of warehouse shelf labeling is by section. Each shelf within a unit should count up from one and continue numerically until you reach the end of a shelf aisles. Depending on the warehouse, you could decide to put your shelf value in the last position of your location code.
  • Floor Tags: Warehouse floor labels are manufactured to survive heavy floor traffic. These floor tags are durable, and are ideal for large warehouses with several rooms. They can be easily installed, and moreover, can be customized into any shape, length, size and are designed to withstand solvents, oil and other contaminants.
  • Warning and hazard signs: For safety, warehouse signs can help point out hazards to employees working in the plant. Since most warehouse workers operate heavy machinery and have to maneuver through sharp corners and aisles, the importance of warehouse signs can’t be overemphasized. Employees should be well-oriented and should be familiar with the proper procedures and potential hazards within the warehouse, and these safety signs are helpful for notifying workers of forklift safety warnings, clearance height and capacity alerts, quality-control warnings, and safety reminders.
  • Forklifts: Immensely essential in warehouse operations, forklifts can be used to stack materials (both the small and the more massive ones) in places that are not easily accessible by humans. Aside from carrying goods and materials, forklifts can also be used to transport large and hefty equipment.
  • Pallets: The use of pallets in warehouse management has proven to be an effective way to handle and store materials. It makes loading and unloading the goods an easy task, and serves mainly as the base of the goods when transporting them. Pallets are available in different sizes and shapes to match the requirement of the cargo.
  • Bins & totes: Bins and totes are containers which are mainly used for the storage and handling of parts and materials in warehouses. Totes are portable, box-type containers that may collapse to conserve space when not in use, while bins have a slightly opened end which aids in easy removal of its contents without moving the bin from its position on the shelf or rack. These bins should be properly identified with barcode labels to help employees easily locate items.

Types of Warehouse Labels

Barcode warehouse labels play a critical role in efficiently running a warehouse.

  • Magnetic Labels: For warehouses that regularly reconfigure their rack locations, the most popular choice are magnetic location labels. They can be manufactured in a wide range of color and sizes, and are easy to place and move, and moreover, durable.
  • Removable Labels: For warehouses that regularly carry out reconfigurations, removable label racks make it easy for relabeling rack locations.   They are simple to install, and as with other label options, they can be designed in different sizes.
  • Permanent adhesive: Most permanent adhesive labels are applied on materials that require a one-time label. Permanent adhesives create a strong bond between the label and the surface. However, it is worth noting that no label is completely permanent as, time, moisture, and environmental conditions such as heat, cold, solvents would diminish the effectiveness of the adhesive.
  • Retro-reflective: Retro reflective labels have a layer of microscopic glass beads allowing for the light to directly bounce back to the scanner. This ensures quick and effective barcode scans.
  • Long-range: Long-range labels can be scanned up to 45 feet away. They are specifically used to solve challenges of stock locations that are difficult to label.
  • Signs: Warehouses operate effectively when there are signs to direct traffic, warn employees of hazards, provide instructions, and assist with organization. These visual cues provide people with the necessary information they need, to perform tasks quickly and effectively.

Essential Warehouse Technology

In order to efficiently run a warehouse, several essential technologies should be put in place to ensure effectiveness and save time.

  • Labels – mobile printers or custom manufactured labels.
  • Scanners: Barcode scanners allow employees to locate inventory, pick inventory when it is needed, and conduct cycle counts.  Scanners with mobile computing facilitates more visibility of their inventory. The scanners increase efficiency by creating a mobile interface for picking orders and receiving inventory. Handheld devices are of great use because of their portability and relatively long range. A long range scanner is beneficial when accessing products stored on racks because theses scanners can reach the barcodes on any shelf. These scanners offer real time wireless data capture, which saves time.
  • Inventory management system: At its core, an inventory system functions by tracking two main components of your warehouse — receiving (incoming) and shipping (outgoing). An inventory system also includes tracking movement, relocation, raw materials (decremented) and finished goods (incremented). Physical inventory counts could also be done for accurate tracking of inventory levels as well. The goal of the Inventory System is to accurately know current inventory levels and minimize understock and overstock situations. It is worth noting that having a proper inventory system can help in the growth of your business by, avoiding stock issues, maintaining stock levels and automated reordering.

Benefits of a Properly Labeled Warehouse

The advantages of having a properly labeled warehouse includes:

  • Automated picking & fulfillment: a properly labeled warehouse leads to high efficiency, which in turn leads to fulfillment of the employees, and satisfaction of the customers when their products are delivered on time.
  • Complete inventory tracking and asset control: You get to track the movement of materials coming into the warehouse, as well as materials leaving the warehouse. This is a hallmark of efficiency as it eliminates overstock and understock situations.
  • Leverage emerging IT technologies: A properly labeled warehouse maximizes the use of IT technologies in warehouse management efficiency.

No matter the size of your warehouse, selecting the right labeling plan is critical as it plays a great role on the effectiveness of your firm. In order to carefully pick the right one that works for you, it is best to always make an assessment of the infrastructure and organizational plan of your warehouse. As you have noticed, choosing the best warehouse labels could be a tricky business.