Supply chain labeling solution | The challenges & considerations

Labeling provides a professional solution to identify, track, and deliver products over cargo, air, or sea. The initial part of the strategy helps companies speed up the business process by using a proactive workforce and other resources. The business process includes – data management, determining shipment methods, preparing bills & invoices, and scheduling based on geographical locations.

After the initial phase, it is time to manage packages properly. This phase is critical as it includes packaging, loading, shipping, inspecting, and managing product records.

The key part of this phase is to deliver packages to their buyers with traceability, achieved by planning and leveraging a labeling strategy. International shipment needs labels to comply with various laws.

Labeling strategy – types of labels to use

Customers like to track their shipments from time to time. The companies need to ensure customers receive the tracking information accurately.

• Add barcode labels to enable a simple scan to identify the products for tracking.
• Include detailed product labels to handle the law and regulations.
• Use cautionary labels to minimize mishandling the packages.

For instance, highly flammable product packing must be separated from other packages. Labels made of proper materials are a perfect solution – identifying packages without fail!

The labeling challenges in the supply chain

Complete unit to label:

It is not easy to track every box in the cargo without labeling, even though it is challenging but leave no stone unturned! Missing a shipment package will leave a customer unsatisfied, which will affect the reputation and trust. To be precise – a label for every box, pallet, and shipping container.

Shipment mismatches:

It is advised to match the shipment items with the package. If not, labeling error is probable. What if a customer receives the wrong product, a pack of toothpicks instead of an iPhone?

Mismatches can be easily identified with proper labeling, as said by matching the data. Labeled items help the packages to reach their destination quicker and easier. Also, the responsible department must make sure the data is accurate or not before labeling the packages.

Error-free labels:

All shipments are destined to reach their customers. Companies can add detailed information to cargo to help people work between and avoid user errors. Add multiple labels on the package and provide redundancy.

Incorrect printing or typos must be reduced, a professional labeling solution partner will always guarantee it by using perfect labeling materials and types. Not every label material last long especially in outdoor conditions. There are certain things to consider for outdoor labeling solutions. Information reliability confirms error-free mode.

Regulations compliances:

For international shipment, make use of multi-language labeling. The people working in connecting hubs may know only their regional languages. In this case, adding labeling data in English alone won’t help.

A company must know the regulations to label properly. For instance, the Global Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification & Labeling of Chemicals must be included in packages containing chemicals. Not every country requires this label information. But in the case of international shipping, these labels are a must as the shipment may pass through the countries that require this information.

So, based on the shipment path, companies must include the details of the regulations in product labels. The GHS information contains product details like its name, manufacturing, and importer names, red pictogram, and hazard statements indicating the type and danger faced while transporting.

Companies need to provide reams of information to help workers and reassure customs officials about law compliances. Also, consider the labeling standards like UL969 as it is pre-qualified and tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for its durability.

Accuracy:

What if a label uses a fancy font for hazard labels? The label intends to alarm the people, but unsuitable fonts may trash it. Do you know the font used for IDs on hazardous labels must be at least 12mm or 0.47 inches? Failing this will cause compliance violations! Reading accuracy is critical, and so is label design.

Try to include more data in labels – the more data, the better the supply chain journey. Take the case of logistic labels; they will have information like,

• About the product
• Product Origin
• Recyclability information
• Logistics data
• Date and time of arrival

Together this information will give added value to the warehouse and shipment.

Meeting these challenges allows companies to open new opportunities by exploring foreign markets. Complying with country-specific laws enhances the sales opportunity. Yet another perspective is the business expansion in terms of industries. Learning the regulations of every industry makes labeling manufacturers experts in multiple domains – global leaders!

Better labeling = catalyst for accelerated growth

Consider the above critical factors and challenges alongside workforce efficiency to meet supply demands. Labeling can thus become the catalyst for accelerated business growth.

Label manufacturers incorporate best-in-class printing and finishing techniques to provide dynamic labels. The objective is to provide durable products, cut product recalls by avoiding labeling issues, industry-standard quality assurance, and use sustainable materials. Companies collaborating with the best labeling solution partners can achieve this spur.