Top 5 Label Management Best Practices for 2020

Top 5 Label Management Best Practices for 2020

In the competitive landscape of 2020, manufacturers need to continue to innovate in order to set themselves apart from their competition. Innovation and continuous improvement isn't just for product development - internal systems and technology environments must be considered as a promising way to drive down costs.

Savvy manufacturing IT directors are taking a deeper look at labeling systems as a way to improve overall efficiency and reduce overhead costs. In 2020, these five best practices are being implemented to digitally transform the labeling process.

1. Create database-driven label templates

Labeling errors can bring production to a screeching halt, or trigger an expensive product recall. Most labeling errors are due to human error when manually entering data. In 2020, instead of relying on users to type in data, manufacturers are connecting their label templates to the business database so the variable fields can be populated automatically and correctly.

2. Set up and enforce a label approval process

Make a 2020 resolution to work with your team to create a label approval process that meets the needs of your company. The process can be as simple or complex as your environment requires - but it must be enforced! Label security and traceability software can automate the approval process, even sending emails when approval is needed and keeping record of changes.

3. Centralize label file storage

Do you have label files saved in multiple locations, even on separate local PCs? Do your users spend valuable time searching for the right file? Reclaim that wasted time by centralizing label file storage in 2020. Saving all your templates in a centralized location makes finding the right file easy! And, when a coworker makes an important change to a label template, you’ll have immediate access to the correct and updated file.

4. Print labels from your business system

Your ERP or business system is like the brain of your IT infrastructure. It houses all the information and tells it where to go. In 2020, manufacturers are leveraging that intelligence by integrating label printing with their ERP or business system. In addition to making printing easy, system integration minimizes errors while providing the fastest print speeds possible.

5. Print labels from the internet

In 2020, globalization is a fact of life for manufacturers. Chances are your company has production facilities in different locations around the world. Whether in another state or across the globe, browser-based label printing simplifies your life by eliminating the need to install software locally. In a browser-based label printing environment, users don't have to launch a standalone application or interact with label files. Instead, users simply scan or type a order number, part number, or other identifier, and the labeling system accurately generates the label. 

Get in touch with TEKLYNX, the leader in barcode label management

With over 30 years of experience implementing efficient label management systems, TEKLYNX is here to help with yours. Let us help you implement best practices in your labeling environment.

Bonus! Get a free copy of our Labeling Best Practices eBook to read all 15 labeling best practices for 2020 and beyond!