Whether you work in a warehouse, distribution center, manufacturing site, or third-party logistics (3PL) facility, it's not uncommon for warehouse racks to require relabeling from time to time. Understanding how to label a warehouse for WMS integration and 5S success is a critical first step in this process.
A number of events can trigger the need for new warehouse rack labels:
- Reconfiguring rack set-up to accommodate seasonal inventory or expansion.
- Beams requiring a refresh after years of wear and tear.
- Existing warehouse racking labels are damaged, missing, or peeling.
- Upgrading warehouse management system (WMS) or inventory software.
- Converting bulk storage areas to picking bays.
- New tenants moving into a 3PL facility.
Label durability is probably the most important requirement our customers have. It's imperative that barcode location labels scan accurately each and every time. Errors can lead to manufacturing issues, shipping mistakes, product returns, and other costly missteps.
How to Label Warehouse Racking
The best approach to labeling warehouse racking depends on your rack condition, how often locations change, and your durability requirements.
Regardless of the reason, if you're thinking of relabeling your warehouse racks, there are several potential solutions we typically recommend you consider. Based on our experience with thousands of warehousing clients, the best option really depends on your specific needs and environment — here are four options to consider.
Option 1: Beam Cover-Up Label with Easy-Release Surface
Beam Renew™ is ID Label's solution for relabeling damaged or dirty warehouse beams. It applies directly over old or damaged labels without the time and expense of scraping, cleaning, or painting. A metalized backing and advanced adhesive eliminates show-through and ensures accurate scans every time.
Beam Renew™ also features a laminated surface, so it's always easy to relabel warehouse beams to accommodate shifts in product inventory, warehouse slotting changes, or rack reconfigurations.
If your beams are scratched, rusted, or dingy, or if you want to avoid the laborious task of removing old adhesive, a base cover-up strip with an easy-release top lamination is ideal. When planning your layout, be sure to review our tips for effective warehouse numbering schemes to ensure your new labels are logically organized.
And if linerless backing is preferred, Eco Beam Renew™ offers the same great coverage with a unique construction designed for easy and efficient application.
Our Eco Beam Renew™ product features a durable construction and advanced adhesive that makes it easy to apply directly over old warehouse beams and barcode labels. This linerless label product also features an easy-release top coating, making it a breeze to apply and remove individual barcode location labels as inventory changes.
Option 2: Magnetic Warehouse Rack Labels and Barcode Labels
Magnetic warehouse labels provide the ultimate flexibility for facilities that frequently reconfigure rack locations or 
operate in cold-storage environments.
Magnetic labels are a popular choice because they are easy to move, require no scraping, and leave behind no adhesive residue. They keep your warehouse racks looking neat and can be manufactured in various sizes for horizontal beams or vertical totem labels.
While magnetic barcode labels offer a long useful life and a high return on investment, keep in mind they can occasionally be knocked askew by lift trucks. Because they are reusable labels, they are highly cost-effective for dynamic environments.
Magnetic labels are typically more expensive to manufacture than other barcode labeling options, but they have a long useful life that offers a good return on investment.
Option 3: Removable Labels and Repositionable Warehouse Labels
Clean Release™ Removable Labels are designed for modern warehouses that require speed and inventory location flexibility without damaging rack surfaces.
If your beams are in good shape, removable labels make it easy to relabel rack locations. These repositionable labels are simple to install and offer location flexibility without any need for scraping or cleaning to remove them.
Our Clean Release™ removable labels feature an advanced adhesive that adheres tightly to virtually any surface but is easily removable without a hint of adhesive residue left behind — making it the perfect reusable label.
As with other label options, Clean Release labels can be manufactured in a variety of sizes and materials with multicolor designs.
Option 4: Laminated Pallet Rack Barcode Labels for Extreme Durability
BullsEye™ labels are custom-engineered for extreme durability in high-traffic environments where labels are exposed to heat, sunlight, or chemicals.
If your current warehouse racking labels are easily damaged by lift trucks, you likely need a more rugged solution. There are several key warehouse label performance factors to consider when choosing durable labels, including base stock and printing technology.
For the highest quality, we recommend the BullsEye™ label. These are manufactured with UV-resistant inks and a specialized laminate coating to ensure 100% scan accuracy. Learn more about the 5 key elements of a quality warehouse barcode label to see why construction matters.
4 Steps to Prep Your Racks for Relabeling
Before applying your new warehouse rack labeling system, follow these steps to ensure a long-lasting installation:
- Prep the Surface: Clean off dust, grease, or adhesive residue.
- Alignment: Ensure you have the necessary equipment to reach every label location.
- Plan Layout: Assess your rack types and map out your numbering schemes.
- Verification: Test the scan with your specific WMS hardware to ensure 100% readability.
How to Choose the Right Warehouse Rack Labeling Solution
Selecting the right warehouse rack labeling system depends on your specific environment and use case.
| Use Case / Situation | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Beams are scratched, rusted, or have old labels | Eco Beam Renew |
| Cold storage or frequent location changes | Magnetic Warehouse Labels |
| Good beam condition; need flexibility | Clean Release Removable Labels |
| High traffic, extreme heat, or chemical exposure | BullsEye Laminated Labels |
Consult with ID Label to Understand Your Options
When it comes to barcode labeling, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It is also important to consider related infrastructure, such as why warehouse floor labels fail, to ensure your entire facility is optimized.
Ready to start? Review these 5 steps for a successful label and sign installation and contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do warehouse rack labels typically last?
Standard durable labels like BullsEye™ are designed to last for many years, even in high-traffic environments, whereas budget labels may peel or fade within months.
Can I relabel warehouse racks without shutting down operations?
Yes. Options like Eco Beam Renew™ and Clean Release™ are designed for rapid installation, allowing you to relabel "on the fly" without significant downtime.
What is the best label for cold storage or freezer warehouses?
Magnetic warehouse labels are excellent for cold storage because they don't rely on adhesives that can fail in extreme temperatures. Specialized freezer-grade adhesives are also available for permanent options.
How do I remove old barcode labels from warehouse racks?
If not using a cover-up label, you typically need to scrape the old label and use a cleaner to remove adhesive residue. To avoid this, we recommend Eco Beam Renew™ cover-up labels.
What's the difference between removable and permanent rack labels?
Removable labels (like Clean Release™) use a specialized adhesive that stays secure but peels off cleanly. Permanent labels use aggressive adhesives designed to stay in place for the life of the rack.