Labeling Protocols For Parts Manufacturing

Modern manufacturing is spread across the globe. The average smartphone can contain computer chips from South Korea or Japan, components from Germany or the UK, and be assembled in the United States. Considering these meandering supply lines, the accurate and reliable marking and labeling of manufacturing parts is essential. 

When a parts manufacturer sends a part from the factory, its batch number, certification marks, head, code, part number, and more should be printed on it. Such labels help distributors and other manufacturers identify specific parts and assemble them correctly.

Moreover, in the event of a product recall, accurate labels for manufacturing parts enable regulators and companies to trace errors back through the supply chain. 

Below we will detail the labeling best practices for parts manufacturers. We’ll explain what labels are needed, what type of label to use, and how to avoid common labeling pitfalls when labeling for manufacturers.

Labeling best practices for parts manufacturers

Product labels are relevant solely to distributors and consumers; parts labels, on the other hand, are also critical to manufacturers further along the supply chain. With numerous similar components, ensuring accurate labels for manufacturing ensures the whole process runs smoothly. 

Here are some top recommendations for parts manufacturers to follow when doing labels for manufacturing:

• Apply labels immediately following completion. If possible, parts labels should be added as the work is being finished. Waiting to add labels can lead to errors that ripple down the supply chain, causing untold confusion. 
• Integrate computer and labeling systems. Labeling systems should pull data from existing computing databases to prevent manual errors when entering labels into a system. Moreover, you can also integrate sales orders, scheduling, and production tracking into your labeling system, so production or warehouse staff do not need to remember to request labels.
• Use a master file. In the master file, you should store the customer label requirements for routine reference. 
• Adopt adjustable label designs. Label designs must be adjustable in response to customer, industry, or regulatory requirements. 
• Select a reliable labeling machine. The printer chosen for labels should produce accurate, permanent, and legible labels for easy identification of parts. 

Examples of parts labels and coding

The labels used on parts can vary in terms of information and material. For some products, a parts label is a paper, fabric, or metal tag affixed to a part or package of parts. Most parts labels, however, are printed onto the part directly. 

Parts labels can include the following information:

• 1D & 2D Barcodes
• Alphanumeric Text
• Batch Codes
• Certification Marks
• Contact Information
• Customer Information
• Department #
• SKU #
• Graphics
• Heat Codes
• Inspector ID Information
• Internal & External Traceability
• Item Number
• Lot Codes
• Manufacturer Information
• Model Number
• Origin & Destination Information
• PO Numbers
• Part Numbers
• Product Dimensions
• Product Identification
• Product Name
• Quantity
• REV Numbers
• Serial Numbers
• Shift Codes
• Sizes
• Times
• Track and Trace Information
• Warning Symbols
• Weight
  

Choosing the right printer for your parts marking and labeling

While the label’s contents can change according to regulatory requirements or the needs of distributors and manufacturers further down the supply chain, the core aspects of a label remain the same. It must be legible, accurate, easy to print, traceable, permanent, and cost-effective.

Using stencils, markers, and handwritten codes may be an option for small-scale products. However, in most industrial environments, a handheld or inline thermal inkjet system will optimize labeling and maximize your up-time. 

Thermal inkjet (TIJ) systems can print on almost any surface or shape, including paper, plastic, metal, wood, glass, concrete, rubber, ceramic, tile, and more. 

In addition, TIJ printers are designed to produce high-resolution images, whether it be graphics, text, or alphanumeric identifiers. Handheld TIJ systems are also mobile, capable of labeling larger, bulkier items unsuitable for some inline printers. 

Creating an optimized process

For parts manufacturers, creating an optimized labeling process should be based on the following principles:

1. Accurate, fast labeling must be integrated into the parts’ construction/production process. Reference lots or serial numbers should be standardized and follow industry-agreed guidelines. 
2. Parts labels should capture key product, quantity, lot, and container data on all aspects relating to the part, including pallet labels.
3. Integrate labeling and existing databases to ensure labels reflect information displayed elsewhere.

Potential pitfalls

Incorrect labels at any stage can cause EDI Automatic Shipping Notices (ASNs) to become out of sync with production. For assembly operations, this can cause significant disruption. Nor is it solely individual piece labeling (IPL) that’s important – even an incorrectly labeled pallet can lead to confusion and disruption.

Sometimes product parts are constructed and assembled in the same factory. Internal mislabeling of parts can lead to a headache when trying to locate items. And if labels are incomplete, it can lead to errors in inventories or incorrect assembly of parts. 

Follow best practices and create an optimized labeling process using a TIJ printing system to avoid such common pitfalls.

Thermal inkjet printers for parts manufacturing

Learn more about our printing options for the parts manufacturing industry by contacting our expert team. Our handheld and inline inkjet solutions can fulfill all requirements across the parts manufacturing industries, ensuring fast, easy, reliable, and cost-effective labeling.

With over forty years of experience in the industry, we understand the demands of the production environment. We’ll find a printing or labeling solution optimized for your packaging or parts materials, maximizing your productivity. Our team will make sure you get the right solution for your application and process.

Call us for a free consultation at 800-345-667 or use our online contact form. We’re ready to help!