Last Updated on November 14, 2022 by Ossian Muscad
There’s something about a label that just feels right, especially when it comes to manufacturing. Maybe it’s the sense of order and organization that they bring to a chaotic process. Or maybe it’s the knowledge that each label is another step towards getting the product out the door and into the hands of consumers.
Whatever the reason, labels are an important part of any manufacturing operation. And if you want your business to run as smoothly as possible, it pays to know all about manufacturing labels—from their purpose and function to the best ways to use them.
What is Manufacturing Labeling?
Manufacturing labeling is the process of attaching labels to products and materials during the manufacturing process. This can be done by hand or with automated machinery and is typically done at various stages throughout the manufacturing process.
The purpose of manufacturing labels is two-fold: first, to identify and track materials as they move through the factory, and second, to provide information about the products that will ultimately be distributed to customers.
Types of Manufacturing Labels
There are two main types of manufacturing labels: product labels and material labels.
Product labels are attached to the finished product and typically include information like the product name, SKU or UPC code, price, and any necessary warnings or disclaimers.
On the other hand, material labels are attached to raw materials and components as they move through the factory. These labels help track materials used in manufacturing and include information like batch numbers, lot codes, and expiration dates.
Importance of Manufacturing Labeling
In most cases, labels aren’t something manufacturers give much thought to—they’re just part of the packaging materials that arrive at the factory, and they help identify the products that are distributed to customers.
But labels can be a powerful tool for businesses if used correctly. Here are a few ways manufacturing labels can benefit your business:
Improve Productivity
Automating the process of attaching labels to products and materials can free up time for your employees to focus on other tasks. And by using labels to track materials throughout the manufacturing process, you can quickly and easily identify any bottlenecks or delays.
Enhanced Relationships with Trading Partners
By providing clear and accurate label information, you can help your trading partners keep track of inventory and avoid delays or disruptions in the supply chain.
Solve Compliance Challenges
In some industries, compliance with regulations is a top priority. And labels can help businesses meet these standards—for example, by including information like lot codes and expiration dates on material labels, you can ensure that only products that meet the necessary standards are distributed to customers.
Create a Professional Appearance
First impressions are important, and the labels on your products can play a role in creating a professional appearance. If your labels are well-designed and printed on high-quality materials, they can help your products stand out from the competition.
Establish Your Brand
Labels can be a great way to promote your brand and build name recognition. By including your logo or other branding elements on labels, you can ensure your products are always easily identifiable.
Ensure Customer Satisfaction
Ultimately, your goal is to produce products that meet or exceed your customers’ expectations. And labels can help you do that—for example, by including clear and concise instructions on product labels, you can help customers use your products correctly and avoid any potential problems.
Manufacturing Labeling Challenges
While manufacturing labels can be a powerful tool for businesses, there are a few challenges that can come up. Here are a few common challenges and some tips on how to overcome them:
Cost
One of the biggest challenges with manufacturing labels is cost. But there are a few ways to save money—for example, ordering labels in bulk or using generic labels for internal purposes and reserving more expensive, custom-printed labels for customer-facing products.
Complexity
Another challenge is complexity. There will be instances where you’ll need to include a lot of information on your labels or if you need to meet special requirements for certain markets or industries. In these cases, working with a label printer with experience with complex projects is important and can offer advice on the best way to Proceed.
Lead Time
Another common challenge is lead time—the amount of time it takes to get labels printed and delivered. But this is usually not a problem if you work with a reputable label printer and plan ahead. Most label printers can turn around orders fairly quickly, typically within a few days.
Artwork
Another potential challenge is the artwork—for example, you don’t have a professional designer on staff or are unsure how to format your artwork for printing. But many label printers offer design services and can help you create artwork that’s both print-ready and compliant with any regulations that might apply.
Storage
Finally, another challenge that can come up is storage. If you have a lot of labels printed at once or need to store labels for long periods before using them, storage can be a problem. But this is usually not a issue if you work with a label printer that offers warehousing and fulfillment services.
Best Practices for Manufacturing Labeling
Now that you know a bit more about manufacturing labels, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
Use High-quality Labels
When it comes to manufacturing labels, quality is key. After all, these labels will be exposed to harsh conditions and must withstand a lot of wear and tear. So be sure to use labels that are made from high-quality materials and that are designed for the specific application.
Invest in Label Printing
Label printing is an important part of the manufacturing process, and it’s worth investing in a high-quality label printer. Look for a printer that offers variable data printing and die-cutting features, which can save you time and money.
Invest in a Centralized, Automated Labeling System
A centralized, automated labeling system can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. This system allows you to print labels on-demand, eliminating the need for pre-printed labels. And it can also help you manage your labeling data to make changes quickly and easily.
Partner with a Reputable Label Printer
If you’re not sure where to start, working with a reputable label printer is always a good idea. These companies have the experience and expertise to help you overcome any challenges that might come up, and they can also offer advice on the best way to Proceed.
Keep in mind that reputation is important when it comes to choosing a label printer. After all, you’ll entrust them with an important part of your business—your labels. So be sure to do your research, and choose a label printer with a good reputation and a track record of success.
Plan Ahead
Another best practice is to plan ahead. This is especially important if you need a large number of labels or if you have a complex project. By planning, you can be sure that you’ll have the labels you need when you need them.
Get a Quote
Get a quote from your label printer before placing an order. This will help you budget for your project and ensure you don’t end up paying more than you need. At the same time, don’t be afraid to negotiate—most label printers are willing to work with you to get you the best possible price.
Ask for Samples
Finally, be sure to ask for samples before placing an order. This will help you ensure that the label printer meets your specific needs. You will also be able to see the quality of their work firsthand and get a feel for their customer service.
By following these best practices, you can be sure that your manufacturing labels will be a success.
Invest in DATAMYTE
A bonus tip that you should consider is investing in DATAMYTE. This software will enable you to control your manufacturing process and ensure product quality. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a workflow automation software that lets you create workflows that help you handle the entire manufacturing labeling process from start to finish. This software can create an integrated, centralized label management system for your entire factory.
With its easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, creating useful workflows and tools for your factory is a breeze. Moreover, the software is web-based so you can access it from anywhere in the world. You can also add, remove, or change workflows as needed, so you’re always in control.
With the DataMyte Digital Clipboard, you have the perfect solution for managing your manufacturing labels. So what are you waiting for? Book a demo with us today and see how it can help you streamline your label management process.
Conclusion
It’s about time you get serious about your manufacturing labels. By following the tips and best practices in this article, you can be sure that your labels will succeed. And don’t forget to invest in DATAMYTE—it will help you streamline your label management process and take your business to the next level. Get started now!
