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This article explains the purpose, types and applications of picking labels, debunks common myths about their use and lists top providers in the US. Picking labels have become a crucial part of efficient warehouse management as supply chains get more complex and customer expectations for speed and accuracy increase. These labels manage and control the flow of various products (including food products) within warehouse management systems. They are the bridge between digital inventory systems and physical products, allowing for seamless tracking, order fulfillment and logistics coordination.
Picking labels are specialized identifiers to track products, storage locations and logistical units within a warehouse. Standard paper labels play a big role in these operations especially in logistics and order picking, offering various forms and adhesive types to meet specific requirements. They usually include barcodes, QR codes or human-readable text that links to product details, batch numbers or destination information. These identifiers display the essential information in order to be able to process an order from incoming, order picking, packaging and outgoing goods parts of the warehouse workflow.
Unlike standard product labels, picking labels are designed for operational efficiency – to ensure the right item is picked, packed and shipped correctly. For example HERMA’s order picking labels are engineered to withstand harsh environments, including freezer storage and still be scanner readable.
Accuracy in Order Fulfillment: Misplaced or mislabeled items cost businesses an estimated €300 billion annually in reverse logistics and lost sales. Shipping labels guide pickers during the order fulfillment process. The pick by label method, where workers receive a sequence of labels corresponding to picking locations, is used in case picking and e-fulfillment applications. Picking labels reduce errors by providing clear scannable data at every stage from storage to shipment.
Integration with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Modern WMS like PULPO WMS use barcode scanning to automate workflows. Without physical labels these systems cannot perform tasks like inventory updates or route optimization.
Scalability: Labels allow warehouses to manage high volumes of SKUs without manual tracking. For example ID Label Inc. produce location labels that can withstand forklift collisions and extreme temperatures, ensuring durability in busy facilities.
Compliance and Traceability: Industries like pharmaceuticals and food require tracking for recalls or audits. Labels with tamper-evident features or batch-specific codes help meet regulatory standards.
Case picking is another application where picking labels are essential.
These labels identify storage areas such as racks, bins or aisles. For example ASG Services produce polyester rack labels that can withstand heavy wear so workers can find items even in large warehouses. Location labels often include barcodes tied to WMS databases, allowing for real-time inventory updates.
Applied directly to items, these labels contain SKU numbers, weights or expiration dates. Companies like 3M produce high-adhesion labels that remain legible on uneven surfaces such as glass or metal. Even pre-barcoded products may still require supplemental labels for internal tracking or lot-specific data. Produce labels can have certain food safety requirements.
Often called “license plate” labels, these identifiers are assigned to pallets, containers or totes. They simplify bulk movements – for example a label on a loaded pallet might encode its destination and contents so automated systems can route it efficiently.
Freezer Labels: HERMA’s deep-freeze labels stick at -60°C, critical for cold chain logistics.
Removable Labels: Used for reusable containers, ID Label’s Clean Release™ variants leave no residue when peeled off.
Outdoor Labels: Weather-resistant materials from ASG ensure readability in outdoor storage yards.
One common myth about picking labels is that they are outdated and unnecessary in modern automated warehouses. However, physical labels play a crucial role in ensuring accuracy and efficiency. They help in tracking inventory, reducing errors, and improving overall warehouse management. Additionally, they are essential for processes like cycle counting, which further enhances inventory accuracy.
While WMS platforms digitize inventory management, they depend on physical labels to interface with the real world. For example PULPO WMS uses barcode scanners to validate picks, reducing errors by 99% compared to manual methods. Without labels the system cannot perform tasks like automated replenishment or cycle counting.
Even pre-barcoded items require location or pallet labels to integrate into warehouse workflows. A cereal box with a UPC code for example, might still need a bin label to guide pickers to its storage location.
Inefficiencies add up regardless of facility size. A study by Lufapak found unlabeled small warehouses experienced 40% slower picking times due to disorganized storage.
Specializing in ultra-durable warehouse labels, ID Label Inc. offers BullsEye™ labels for high-traffic areas and magnetic barcode tags for metal surfaces. Their 20-step quality process ensures 100% scan accuracy, trusted by retailers like Lowe’s.
ASG provides customized labeling systems, including floor striping and rack labels. Their projects often involve large-scale deployments, such as 67.500 rack labels for a Las Vegas facility.
A New Hampshire-based company, PaladinID focuses on high-performance barcode labels for industries like healthcare and automotive. Their RFID-certified solutions support advanced tracking needs.
3M’s labeling division produces versatile adhesives and materials, including tamper-evident labels for pharmaceuticals and heat-resistant tags for manufacturing.
Cenveo excels in shrink sleeves and pressure-sensitive labels ideal for industries requiring vibrant branding alongside functional data like batch numbers.
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Picking labels are not just operational tools but the foundation of modern warehousing. They help precision in environments where milliseconds and millimeters matter, from guiding autonomous robots to ensuring lifesaving medications are traceable.
As e-commerce and omnichannel retail demand increases, businesses need to invest in robust labeling solutions to stay ahead of the curve. By partnering with specialized providers, companies can future-proof their operations and turn logistical challenges into competitive advantages.
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A warehouse management system is software that helps organizations manage inventory, orders, and logistics in their warehouse operations.
