6 Advantages of Vertical Location Warehouse Rack Labels

Barcode labels are a vital part of an organized and efficiently run modern warehouse. Each label –whether on a pallet, tote or beam – is loaded with a host of product and location information essential to the management and movement of inventory.

For warehouse rack labels specifically, there are a couple of options to consider. In this post we speak with Ken LeBlanc, an ID Label business development manager based in our East Coast office, to get his thoughts on the advantages of using vertical location labels.

Vertical location labels are often color coded by level to minimize scan/pick errors.

Man Up or Man Down?

“In a multilevel rack environment, one option is to place location labels on each individual beam horizontally beneath the pallet bay,” LeBlanc said. “In this scenario, warehouse operators use cherry pickers or reach forklift trucks to scan labels at each upper-level rack bay location.”

This is often referred to as a “man-up” process, as the worker is literally up at the physical location during the scan process.

“If you’re not performing man-up scanning at your locations, vertical location labels – which are also called totem labels – are an excellent solution for multilevel warehouse racks,” LeBlanc said. “They eliminate the need for long-range scanning, minimize potential confusion and errors, and ensure more efficient operations.”

What Information Is Contained in a Vertical Location Label?

A vertical location label is a grouping of barcodes that contains specific information for each level of racking within a bay in a particular aisle.

“They are often color coded by level,” LeBlanc said. “This improves the operator’s scanning accuracy and offers uniformity across their network of distribution centers.”

He added that using the same label format and colors throughout a network of locations simplifies cross-training. “It allows warehouse managers the flexibility to shift workers from location to location as needed.”

Vertical location labels are typically accompanied by rack location labels – companion labels, in ID Label terminology. These companion labels are used on all rack levels at the physical location for inventory or cycle counts. The companion label is also color coded per level to correspond to the colors used on the vertical label.

Other Uses, Materials

Vertical labels are also ideal for rack tunnel areas where overhead bays are used but access to beams is limited.

“For most applications in ambient temperature settings, we recommend our BullsEye™ warehouse labels,” LeBlanc said. “BullsEye™ products are extremely durable, rigid labels that apply easily and are made to withstand the knocks and bumps that come with traffic in a typical warehouse or distribution center.”

Other options can include vertical magnet labels or even PVC-printed labels secured to racking with zip ties.

The ID Label Advantage

ID Label manufactures extremely durable warehouse rack and bin location labels. Our materials have been tested and used in warehouse operations around the globe.

We also provide warehouse signage and turnkey nationwide installation services to provide a complete solution to our many clients who rely on us for all their warehousing needs.