Etiketten
Also: Etikett, Labels, Label, Klebe-Etiketten, Lageretikett, Lageretiketten, Versandetikett, Versandetiketten, Artikeletikett, Artikeletiketten, Barcode-Etikett, Barcode-Etiketten
AI-generated
Labels are identification carriers made of paper, film, or similar materials that are applied to items, containers, storage locations, or shipments.
Key facts
- Labels form the physical foundation for scannability and traceability in every automated warehouse process.
- Material, adhesive, and printing technique must be matched to the specific storage environment — the wrong selection leads to read errors and process disruptions.
- Standardized code systems such as GS1/SSCC significantly facilitate data exchange between suppliers, warehouses, and recipients.
- RFID labels offer advantages at high throughput rates or where no line of sight is available, but their suitability depends on the vendor and the specific process.
- Regular barcode verification ensures print quality and prevents silent errors in the identification chain.
What are labels in intralogistics?
Labels are physical information carriers that uniquely identify goods, load carriers, storage locations, or shipping units. Their primary purpose is to provide machine-readable or visually scannable information — ranging from simple item numbers and batch or serial numbers to standardized identifiers such as the SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) in accordance with GS1. Without reliable labeling, scanners, warehouse management systems, and automated conveyor technology cannot make unambiguous assignments, resulting in errors, time-consuming searches, and downtime.
Construction and technologies
Depending on the application, different printing techniques, substrate materials, and code systems are used. Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing are widely used in intralogistics because they deliver high print quality at acceptable operating costs. Environments involving cold temperatures, moisture, oil, or aggressive cleaning agents require specialized film substrates and synthetic adhesive materials. In addition to linear barcodes (e.g., Code 128, EAN), two-dimensional codes such as Data Matrix and QR codes are increasingly being used, as they store more data in a smaller area. RFID labels (smart labels) supplement or replace optical codes in scenarios where a line of sight to the scanner is not possible or where very high throughput rates are required.
Requirements and selection criteria
Several factors come into play when selecting suitable labels:
- Environmental conditions: Temperature (from deep-freeze to high-temperature processes), humidity, UV exposure, and chemical stress determine the required substrate material and adhesive type.
- Service life: Labels on long-term stored goods or fixed storage locations must be considerably more durable than shipping labels, which only need to withstand a single transport journey.
- Standards and compliance: Industry-specific requirements — such as GS1 guidelines, dangerous goods regulations, or food safety requirements — specify the minimum information that must be included and how it must be printed.
- Scannability and print quality: Poor print quality increases the re-read rate and slows down processes. Regular barcode verification against defined quality grades helps identify issues at an early stage.
- Integration into printing processes: Whether labels are printed centrally in advance, produced decentrally at the workstation, or automatically applied by print-and-apply systems influences hardware selection, printer drivers, and WMS integration.
Storage location labels and item labels differ fundamentally from shipping labels: the former are designed for longevity and internal processes, while the latter often follow carrier-specific or standardized formats and are intended for single use. This distinction should be taken into account during procurement and system integration.
Related terms
- Artikel
An item is the smallest uniquely identifiable unit in warehousing, procurement, and ERP – described by master data such as name, dimensions, weight, and identification numbers. It forms the basis for planning, order picking, and inventory management.
- Artikelnummer
The item number is an internally assigned, unique identifier that unambiguously identifies an article within the inventory management and warehouse system. It forms the basis for postings, purchase orders, and communication between purchasing, warehousing, and production.
- Artikelstammdaten
Item master data refers to the permanently valid base data of an item – such as dimensions, weight, packaging units, hazardous goods classification, and best-before date relevance. It forms the foundation for all logistical, procurement-related, and system-driven processes along the supply chain.
- Barcode
A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.
- Barcodescanner
A barcode scanner is an optical reading device that captures printed barcodes and converts them into machine-readable data. It is used in intralogistics for the seamless identification of goods, load carriers, and storage locations.
- Charge
A batch is a uniquely identifiable quantity of products manufactured or processed under identical conditions. It forms the basis for traceability, quality control, and legally required recall processes throughout the entire supply chain.
- Chargenrückverfolgung
Batch traceability refers to the complete and uninterrupted trackability of products and materials along the supply chain based on their batch assignment. It enables companies to quickly identify and selectively block all affected quantities in the event of a quality issue or recall.
- Colli
Colli refers to a single package within a shipment – such as a carton, a crate, or a bundle. The number of colli represents the package count in shipping documents and serves as the basis for labeling, loading, and freight billing.
- DESADV
DESADV (Dispatch Advice) is a standardized EDI message in EDIFACT format that electronically announces an upcoming delivery. It transmits structured information on packaging units, items, quantities, and identifiers such as the SSCC to the goods recipient.
- Data Matrix
Data Matrix is a two-dimensional barcode that stores significantly more information in a very small area than conventional 1D barcodes. Thanks to integrated error correction, it remains reliably readable even when partially damaged or soiled.