Warehouse Barcode Labels

Warehouse Label Types

A well-labelled warehouse uses labels at three levels: the building (zone or aisle identifiers), the storage unit (rack, shelf, bin), and the item (product or pallet). Each level needs a different label size and mounting approach.

Naming Location Barcodes Consistently

A consistent location code scheme prevents scanning errors and makes the WMS easier to maintain. A widely used convention is: AISLE-BAY-LEVEL-POSITION. For example, A01-B03-L2-P1 means Aisle A, Bay 3, Level 2, Position 1. All components are zero-padded to a fixed width so that codes sort correctly and display consistently on scanner screens.

Use Code 128 for location codes — it handles alphanumeric strings with dashes and produces compact barcodes. Avoid spaces in the code: not all scanners transmit spaces reliably, and spaces make manual lookup ambiguous.

Label Durability in Warehouse Environments

Standard paper labels deteriorate quickly in a warehouse — moisture, forklift exhaust, oil mist, and abrasion from passing stock can destroy a label in weeks. For locations with moderate temperature and humidity, laminated polyester labels last 2–5 years. For freezer warehouses or chemical storage, use polypropylene labels with an appropriate adhesive and verify that the adhesive remains functional at the lowest expected temperature.

High-traffic areas — particularly rack uprights at forklift level — benefit from labels behind a clear protective window or recessed label holders rather than exposed adhesive labels. Metallic reflective labels improve read rates for long-range laser scanners used on overhead locations.

Frequently Asked Questions