Best Practices and Solutions for Pallet Labels

Manufacturers are under enormous pressure to improve efficiencies while still complying with manufacturing requirements that keep processing and delivery running smoothly. High-quality labeling is a crucial part of that process because it communicates handling instructions and improves traceability in the supply chain. 

Unfortunately, many manufacturers still rely on outdated technology that lead to illegible or poorly placed pallet labels. These issues can prevent pallets from being processed efficiently or lead to errors during shipment, creating costly mistakes, and charge-backs.

High-performance labeling solutions and crisp, clear pallet labels can be used to create license plates for pallets and totes at a low cost, helping these companies improve supply chain efficiencies.

What are pallet labels?

Pallet license plate labels are used to group products for faster, more efficient processing. They typically contain information like quantities, dates, and locations to easily manage inventory and streamline tracking. 

Pallet label best practices

Pallet labels should be made of a hardy material that can withstand the harsh environments a pallet may experience as it moves through the supply chain. Labels should also be crisp with clear printing so employees and scanners can easily read the information and process it accurately. This information should include basic details like item name and quantity, as well as location data and any relevant dates.

The placement of the label is also important for efficiency. Labels that are placed in the wrong spot or not applied smoothly can make them inaccessible or difficult to read, leading to slow downs or errors in the supply chain.

This is where print and apply labeling solutions can be useful. They quickly and accurately apply preprinted labels and can be configured for a number of label applications. The labeling machine can be customized to meet the unique needs of your manufacturing process so it makes sense for your organization.

Learn more about labeling solutions for manufacturing here. 

Pallet Label Frequently Asked Questions

How do you label a pallet?

Pallets can be labeled manually or with an automatic labeling machine. A dual action tamp, swing tamp, or corner wrap label application can quickly and smoothly apply labels to moving pallets. 

Where do you put pallet labels?

According to gs1us.org, “Each pallet should have at least one barcode. It is recommended, however, that a pallet should contain an additional barcode on the adjacent side. This is especially helpful when the pallet is turned sideways in the truck or on the rack in the warehouse.”

For additional guidance on pallet labeling and compliance, visit GS1 US: Home of the GTIN and U.P.C. Barcode.

What is a LPN tag?

A LPN tag, or license plate number, are barcodes used to track a group of items. LPN tags are typically applied to pallets or totes in the warehouse for internal track and trace requirements.

How High-Performance Automatic Labeling Machines Improve Efficiency

Labeling and processing products and packaging is a necessary but often costly and time-consuming process. Manual labeling is prone to human error, and smudged and poorly applied labels can create bottlenecks. Whether you’re a manufacturing plant labeling pallets or a beverage company applying labels to bottles, you want your labeling to be efficient, accurate, and fast. Fortunately, high performance automatic labeling machines can streamline the process and provide a stronger ROI than other labeling solutions.

What is an automatic labeling machine?

An automatic labeling machine is an integral part of most automated packaging solutions. There are different types of automatic labeling machines, which include both print and apply labelers and apply-only machines. Print and apply labelers print and then immediately apply the labels, while apply-only machines apply pre-printed labels. Both types of machinery can be configured for different labeling applications, including front and back product labeling, horizontal wrap, flat carton labeling, and more.

How does an automatic labeling machine work?

These labeling machines are typically maintained on the plant floor by workers who can specify configurations for labels and the information included on them. When something is sent down a manufacturing line, the product is automatically labeled. The speed of label application is dependent on many variables, such as desired label placement, product size/length, and the method of product handling.  

Using an automatic labeling machine is significantly faster than manual labeling, and can reduce human error significantly. The proper application of a crisp, clear label makes it easier for products or packaging to be scanned and processed, creating a more streamlined processing workflow. 

At Paragon Labeling, our print engines come from top brands like Zebra or Sato. A full line of field interchangeable application modules allows users to label in virtually any orientation. The ZE500, for example, is a reliable printer with a wide-open printhead for easy cleaning and repairs, resulting in dramatically reduced downtime. An all-metal construction and sealed front panel are built with harsh environments in mind, helping your machine resist debris and debris.

We carry a number of automatic labeling machines to help users meet standard labeling requirements and streamline their workflow. 

Paragon Labeling automatic labeling machines

PLS-100 for Preprinted Labels

The PLS-100 is the premier decorative labeling solution for applying pre-printed labels onto products, cartons, cases, totes or pallets. With more standard features than similar products in the market, the PLS-100 provides end-users with the benefits of a customized solution for the price of a standard solution.

The PLS-100 is well-suited for a variety of industries due to its compatibility with a number of applicator modules, including wipe (merge), tamp, dual panel tamp, corner wrap, smart-tamp, and more. This automatic labeling machine can be customized to meet the unique labeling requirements of the healthcare industry or food and beverage packaging, or to clearly identify and brand your products, whether you have a product on retail shelves or a pallet on the manufacturing floor. 

In addition to its selection of application methods, the PLS-100 also has additional features for ease of use, including a PLC controller and backlit operator interface.

PLS-400 Plus: Print and Apply Labels

The PLS-400 Plus both prints and applies labels onto products, cartons, cases, totes or pallets. With its plate aluminum chassis, PLC controller, and remote mount interface, this robust system delivers an unparalleled value proposition with many standard features that are only options on other systems. 

Users have the option to configure this machine for decorative labeling, print and apply, or RFID, making it suitable for a wide range of industries, from the colorful labels of consumer goods to the regulated and information-dense labels of healthcare and nutrition. Once the machine has been configured, operator selectable product delays ensure accurate label placement to help streamline the labeling process and reduce labor cost, while also providing a strong ROI.

PLS-500: Print & Apply Pre-Printed Labels and RFID Solutions

The PLS-500 is the ultimate label application solution, dedicated to maximizing organizations’ productivity with superior quality and integration. Compared to other automatic labeling machines on the market, the PLS-500 offers more standard features, higher performance, and better cost-effectiveness for an overall greater ROI. 

The PLS-500 can apply pre-printed labels, utilize print and apply labeling, or be configured as a RFID solution. These systems employ a modular and flexible design that allows you to reconfigure your labeling system as your needs evolve without needing to buy a whole new system. And with the ability to label in virtually any orientation, the PLS-500 can be used in manufacturing, retail, consumer goods, healthcare, food and beverage, and more. 

This automatic labeling machine is sturdily built with a plate aluminum chassis and easy-to-use Allen Bradley PLC controller with remote mount interface and color touchscreen.

Interested in faster and more efficient labeling? Contact us for more information about Paragon Labeling’s labeling solutions.

Print and Apply Labeler: Fast and Efficient Automatic Labeling

Print and apply labelers are a common solution for companies looking to improve efficiency in the packaging and labeling process. This machinery provides a strong ROI by working faster and more accurately than manual labeling, resulting in fewer costly errors that slow down production. Here’s what you need to know about print and apply labelers:

What is a print and apply labeler?

A print and apply labeler is an integrated labeling solution that allows you to print and immediately apply labels to products, cartons, cases, pallets, and totes. These systems are popular because the labels they produce are crisp and clear, reducing the risk of errors when scanning barcodes. The labels are applied faster and more accurately than manual labeling, making them a cost-effective solution for a variety of industries.

Many print and apply labelers are configurable to different application types, making them a useful tool in a variety of industries. For example, they are commonly seen in manufacturing, where companies process large volumes of secondary packaging such as master cartons, shipping cases, and pallets. A print and apply labeler can label these package sizes and types more efficiently than through manual labor, helping processing plants operate at a lower cost. These machines are also well-suited for consumer goods, as they can label packaging used to deliver bulk product to retail outlets.

Even industries with more stringent labeling requirements, such as healthcare and food/beverage, can benefit from a print and apply labeler. Guidelines on label size and material, as well as industry specific information — such as lot codes, expiration dates, and safe handling instructions — can easily be incorporated into crisp, customizable labels configured to the proper shape.

How does a print and apply labeler work?

Print and apply labelers print and then immediately apply labels to products, cartons, cases, pallets, and totes. These labeling machines are typically maintained by workers on the plant floor, who can specify configurations for labels and the information included on them. Label application speed is dependent on many variables such as desired label placement, product size/length and method of product handling.

At Paragon Labeling, our print engines come from top brands like Zebra or Sato. A full line of field interchangeable application modules allows users to label in virtually any orientation. The seven most common application types are:

  • Corner wrap
  • Roll-on
  • Wipe
  • Swing arm applicator
  • Dual action tamp
  • Blow applicator
  • Tamp apply 

According to Lowry Solutions, the application that works best for you will depend on “the size of your production space, the size and shape of your product, and the type of label you need.” Corner wrap, for example, is good for limited production space, while roll-on is well-suited for applying long labels.

Paragon Labeling print and apply labelers

Paragon Labeling utilizes a modular and flexible design that allows you to reconfigure your labeling system as your needs evolve without needing to buy a whole new system.  Paragon provides a feature-rich system used to print and apply labels to a variety of secondary packaging.

PLS400

Our PLS400 family of products provides users with a high-quality and cost-effective labeling solution. This family of products is the ideal solution for labeling applications which require logic control and integration within an open architecture. Their flexible design makes this unit capable of fulfilling the unique requirements of any supply chain application. With more standard features than similar products in the market, the PLS400 family of products provides end-users with the benefits of a customized solution for the price of a standard solution. 

PLS400 Plus

The PLS400 Plus has a remote mount interface and color touch screen display with operational status background. 100 built-in label location “Recipes” and on-screen troubleshooting and diagnostic tools — including error logging with timestamp — makes this machine easy to operate. It is built with a durable plate aluminum and fully enclosed chassis that protects the print engine.

PLS500

Paragon Labeling Systems PLS500 is the ultimate label application solution. Dedicated to maximizing organizations’ productivity, the PLS500 provides superior quality and integration. Compared to similar labeling solutions, the PLS500 offers more standard features, superior modularity, higher performance, cost-effectiveness, built-in reliability and a greater ROI to its users. Whether you need to apply pre-printed labels, utilize print and apply labeling, or need a RFID solution, the PLS500 series of products can meet your most demanding needs. 

The PLS500 features a remote control interface, color touch screen display with operational status background, and built-in diagnostic tools. Swing-away applicator mounts make for easy cleaning and loading, while a vacuum system back-flush eliminates dust clogging. Optional “quick-change” tamp pads for multiple label sizes and configurations for decorative labeling, print and apply, or RFID make this a versatile print and apply labeler.

This labeling machinery has a robust build and operates with a print speed from 2”-16”/second at 200 to 600dot per inch (DPI) and is accurate to +/- 1/64”. 

Learn more about Paragon Labeling’s print and apply labelers here.