When it comes to completing a stock take, inventory check or any other type of asset management, the risk of human error occurring is ever-present.

Mistakes can be made either because records or lost, handwriting is illegible or the person in charge of the inventory check miscounts an item or two. This in turn can affect records and the operational productivity of the business, but most damaging is the effect this can have on customers. If goods can’t be effectively counted, recorded and tracked, your company will have no way to answer customer queries or complaints as to where their order has got to.

If you attach barcode labels to all of your merchandise and stock, however, you can drastically minimise the risk of human error occurring. Each and every item can be accounted for with the swipe of a barcode scanner, and this information is automatically stored in your company’s computer system. This not only makes stock takes and inventory checks much more accurate; it also makes them much quicker and easier to complete, leaving your staff to get on with more important tasks.

You can use asset tags in a similar way, to label and keep track of all of your company’s possessions, tools and equipment.

Posted in Barcode Labels by Bridget

There are many different types of barcode labels and asset tags available, in a range of different materials, sizes and styles. Some are more hardwearing and durable, whilst others have tamper-proof qualities.

All of these options mean that business owners can usually find something to suit their needs. However, if you have more specific needs in terms of barcode labels and asset tags, you may want to go for a more customised solution.

Certain data label companies offer you the chance to order custom labels that can be made to your exact specifications. Whether you want non-standard labels for practical reasons (such as to withstand hot or cold environments, direct sunlight or exposure to chemicals) or for aesthetic or brand image reasons, there is always a way to get exactly what you want.

So, what options can you choose with custom labels?

Commonly, business owners ordering custom labels choose their own specifications for the following:

• Size and shape (i.e. square, rectangular, circular etc.)
• Material (i.e. vinyl, paper, anodised aluminium, polyester etc.)
• Adhesive (i.e. peelable, permanent, extra-permanent)
• Design – add your own logo and business details

Posted in Custom labels by Grahame

Most business owners use barcode labels to keep track of goods and merchandise, but they can also be used to improve administration processes.

Barcode labels can be easily attached to documents, forms and other types of paperwork so that these items can be quickly scanned and recorded.

This can be useful in a variety of situations, such as:

• In folders and filing systems, helping to save time when recording and filing documents and speed up searches. You can simply scan the barcode to view the contents of the folder; there is no need to search through it by hand. This is particularly useful for large filing systems and archives which have many sub-categories.

• When making deliveries, as receipts and delivery notes can be scanned by the driver in an instant before heading to the next destination. Using this method, exact delivery times can be tracked and recorded.

• On important forms and documents, such as those to be sent to government departments or papers which must be sent by a specific date. Barcode labels can help you to prioritise forms and documents, so you can ensure they are sent and received at the right time.

Posted in Barcode Labels by Geoff

Whilst a lot of business owners find barcode labels useful for keeping track of retail goods, warehouse items and even documents, other companies use them to meet more specific needs.

If you need barcode labels that can withstand high temperatures, exposure to minor chemicals or outdoor environments, you need to opt for durable labels. Where other labels will disintegrate, fade or peel off, these durable labels are specially designed to last.

There are two main types of durable labels available – durable vinyl labels and over-laminated premium polyester labels. The first variety is ideal for a wide range of heavy-duty applications, and can withstand temperatures of between -30˚C and +80˚C. The adhesive used to apply the labels is permanent, and they can be adhered to a wide range of different surfaces.

The second type, over-laminated premium polyester labels, offer heavy-duty protection and have a much wider temperature range. They can withstand exceptional temperatures, from -40˚C to +150˚C, and they generally last at least 5 years.

So, if your business has specialist needs when it comes to barcode labels, make sure you always go for ones that are specially designed to be durable.

Posted in Barcode Labels by Bridget

If you are responsible for conducting the stock take or inventory process in your business, you are likely aware of how exhausting, time-consuming, and challenging it can be. However, with a few strategic tips, you can streamline the process significantly. Here are some expert recommendations to help you speed up your stock take:

Preparation is Key

• Plan Ahead: Determine which areas and materials should be included in the stock take. Prioritize areas and items to ensure a systematic approach.
• Identify Challenges: Recognize items that are more difficult to count, such as tiny components or hazardous materials. Develop strategies to handle these challenges effectively.
• Establish Contacts: Identify key personnel to contact if any issues arise during the stock take. This ensures quick resolution of any problems and keeps the process running smoothly.
• Update Records: Ensure all records are current and well-organized before starting the stock take. This minimizes discrepancies and facilitates a smoother process.

Using Barcode Labels to Enhance Efficiency

One of the most effective methods to improve and expedite the inventory process is the implementation of barcode labels. Here’s how barcode labels can revolutionize your stock take:

• Quick Identification: Barcode labels allow for the quick and accurate identification of all goods. By labeling each item with a barcode, you can significantly reduce the time spent manually recording inventory.
• Use Barcode Scanners: With barcode labels in place, a barcode scanner can swiftly read the information, making the inventory process faster and more efficient. This reduces human error and enhances accuracy.
• Durable Solutions: For hazardous materials or storage areas where temperature control is crucial, durable barcode labels are available. These labels withstand harsh conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Implementing Barcode Labels: Best Practices

• Comprehensive Labeling: Ensure all items, including small and hazardous ones, are properly labeled with durable barcode labels.
• Regular Updates: Keep your inventory records updated and regularly verify the accuracy of your barcode labels.
• Training Staff: Train your staff on the proper use of barcode scanners and the importance of accurate labeling.

Conclusion

By preparing adequately, addressing potential challenges, and leveraging the power of barcode labels, you can transform the stock take process from a daunting task into a streamlined operation. The use of barcode labels not only saves time but also improves accuracy and efficiency, making inventory management significantly easier. For expert advice on implementing barcode solutions tailored to your business needs, feel free to contact us.

Updated 03/06/2024

Posted in Barcode Labels by Geoff

If you’re like every other business manager in the UK, you are likely to want to keep on top of every single aspect of your business. It used to be impossible to do this, but now new technology is around to give you a helping hand.

Barcode labels and asset tags are proving to be very valuable to business managers, especially in firms which have warehouses full of stock, merchandise, tools or equipment.

Barcode labels allow you to accurately keep track of your goods from your warehouse to the delivery destination. This makes spotting missing items and stolen goods much quicker and easier, and it also cuts out a huge amount of time in the inventory process.

One final benefit is that you can respond to complaints and problems with customers, clients and suppliers much more quickly, as you will have all the relevant information to hand.

Asset tags (also known as asset labels) are also very useful for business managers, as they allow you to keep tabs on all company property. This can come in very handy when loaning tools and equipment out, as well as when moving offices and other work premises.

Posted in Asset Tags, Barcode Labels by Grahame

Barcode labels can make life considerably easier for business owners, especially those with a large amount of stored stock or merchandise. They make the pricing, selling and recording of goods much simpler and more straightforward.

There are a few different types of barcode labels currently available, however, which can make it a little difficult for business owners to choose the right ones for their needs.

Let’s take a quick look at the different types of barcode labels and the applications they are best put to:

• Aluminium barcode labels. As they are extremely durable and hard-wearing, these barcode labels are best used in places which may see heavy use, wear and tear.

• Ceramic barcode labels. Consisting of a stainless steel base and a ceramic coat, these labels offer high heat resistance. This means they can withstand high temperatures as well as acidic and chemical substances.

• Polyester barcode labels. Made of polyester, these labels are bonded to items using superior quality industrial adhesive. This makes them much more reliable and durable.

In order to get the best out of your barcode labels, it is important to do some research and choose exactly the right ones for your needs and for the application you intend to use them for.

Posted in Barcode Labels by Bridget

For businesses with a large amount of stock, equipment or tools, security is a serious concern. Items can go missing or be stolen, and this is even more likely if there are no effective asset management or security systems in place.

There are many things you can do to keep track of stock and assets. Many business owners use barcode labels and asset tags along with asset management software to effectively keep track of everything belonging to the business. What some business owners don’t know, however, is that these barcode labels can also be used as a deterrent to theft.

You can now get security labels from barcode label suppliers which are specially designed to be tamper-proof. There are two main types:

• Tamper evident destructible labels. These labels cannot be removed as a whole. If someone does try to remove or tamper with them, they split into noticeable fragments.

• VOID polyester security labels. Rather than breaking apart when tampered with, these labels show up the word ‘VOID’ if the covering label is removed. The label cannot be re-used, effectively labelling the product as having been tampered with.

Posted in Security Labels by Grahame

Most businesses and organisations use barcode labels for keeping track of individual items. This is a great help when it comes to stock taking and inventory management, making the whole process faster and more efficient.

However, there is a way you can speed things up even more. Using container and pallet barcode labels, you can quickly and easily keep track of whole storage units, adding them to your inventory with one wave of your barcode scanner.

Pallet barcode labels are especially useful if you move whole pallets of goods. Whether you need to ship pallets to a new destination or simply move them between warehouses, barcode labels help you to track each pallet and monitor its progress. This way, you can identify when pallets are late, missing or lost, and take immediate steps to rectify the problem.

Pallet labels are specially designed to be incredibly durable in order to last as long as the pallet itself, and a big part of this is the 3M polyester laminated material they are made of. They are also affixed to the pallet using permanent adhesive, so you never have to worry about the label falling off or being accidentally removed in transit.

Posted in Barcode Labels by Bridget

Asset labels, also known as asset tags, can be hugely helpful for businesses and organisations. They allow you to keep track of all of your property, including valuable items such as computer equipment, furniture and machinery.

When all of your company property is asset tagged, it is indelibly marked as belonging to you. This can act as a deterrent to theft, but it also means that you can track items if they are lost, misplaced or stolen. It can also be useful if you regularly loan items to other businesses, as you can keep track of what’s out on loan and when it needs to be back.

However, unless your asset labels are incredibly durable, they will not give you any of the aforementioned benefits. If they can be easily removed, it means that your property can be easily stolen. The best thing to do is to mark your property with tamper-evident asset labels that are specially designed to break into noticeable pieces when someone tries to remove them.

Another benefit of durable labels is that you can use them on property stored in all kinds of environments, such as in freezers where temperatures are very low, or in high temperatures where other labels tend to crack and chip.

Posted in Asset Tags by Geoff