There are many things to consider in the logistic process such as labels, marking and labeling. If this is not the case, the package cannot be scanned properly and it will take extra processing time.
In this post, we take a closer look at the receiving, shipping and returning goods of the logistic process, in which marking and labeling improve the process, and provide 4 ideas for optimization.
Logistics process phase 1: Storage of goods
Goods arrive in the warehouse and need to be brought to the right place. Internal identification, for example, speeds up the order picking process and gives you a clear overview of stock management.
Hanging labels are suitable for this and are made of paper, cardboard or plastic, depending on the environment. In logistics, the label is used for product identification.
There is also a LPN label (License Plate Number) that is used in an internal track & trace system. It can be used in various processes, providing insight into stocks, the location of goods and the status of orders. To find out more about LPN labeling, check our post “What is LPN labeling and how it can help speed up logistics“.
Labeling of boxes
It can be done manually, partially automated or fully automated. Why labeling in logistics? High speeds are no problem for a labeling machine. Whether you have 100 orders per day or 1000 orders per hour, optimization pays off.
A labeling machine can apply a label with an accuracy of +/- 0.3 mm. With manual labeling, labels are never applied to the same place. A labeling machine also discards labels that are crooked, labels that are not readable, labels that come loose, wrinkles and air bubbles.
Marking of boxes
With the right combination of printing technology, ink and drying time, it is possible to mark boxes. For logistics, razor-sharp marking is important so that boxes can be easily traced and processed. A thermal inkjet speeds up, optimizes and preserves the process. Inkjet printers print barcodes, serialization data, best-before dates and symbols.
Unfortunately, cardboard is absorbent, so the print quality of ink is usually slightly lower compared to labels. Nevertheless, large character piezo ink printers achieve a high print resolution, which is ideal for marking tasks in logistics.
Specific advantages of direct printing are higher maximum print speed (up to 1,000 mm/s) and lower print costs (about 60% less per 1,000 prints). The font size can also be changed during the printing process. All in all, this makes box printers a good and above all sustainable alternative for labels.
Logistics process phase 2 & 3: Shipping and returning goods
Once the labels have been applied, the boxes reach the end of the logistical process. A shipping label is used to identify the box. In addition to the usual shipping labels, there are also labels designed to protect against high and low temperature fluctuations, tipping damage and warning labels.
In logistics, you often have to deal with returns. This can be for various reasons, such as wrong goods or damaged goods. If you optimize the return process with marking or labeling, it will cost less money and be more efficient.
Examples of logistics process optimization
1. Optimization of goods receipt
Aramex (an international logistics service provider) receives and dispatches tens of thousands of parcels in the Netherlands every day. Aramex also takes care of the storage of goods and delivery to wholesalers.
Goods receipt has been significantly optimized. This is because Aramex has invested in a new logistics process in which high-speed marking and labeling systems have been added to increase capacity. Read and watch the Aramex optimization project here (Dutch only)
2. Paper packaging is the future?
In order to commit to sustainability, web shops such as Amazon or Zalando are increasingly switching to paper packaging. This has an impact on the labeling and marking of packaging.
Labeling systems from Weber Marking System work just as well on paper packaging as on cardboard packaging. This is because the labeling is contactless. The labels are “blown” onto the packaging, which keeps the process going. Read about the sustainability of Amazon and Zalando here (Dutch only)
3. Fast order processing in e-commerce
Kleerjes.com wanted to optimize their internal logistics and transport system. A year on, the order picking and shipping process is still running smoothly.
By using LPN labeling, the process has been improved, speeded up and is far less error-sensitive. Read here the blog about Kleertjes.com (Dutch only)
4. From manual to automatic labeling
DHL’s ambition is to automatically label 450,000 boxes per year on both sides with a tolerance of 1mm in the placement of the label. DHL is a global logistics provider and the labels were applied by hand, which costs time, money and is not accurate. Because DHL has started to label automatically, they can handle more packages and create more speed.
The video is in Dutch, but the project is awesome!
Conclusion: Review your logistics process
There are many marking and labeling options in logistics today. New technologies and combining processes through labeling and marking saves time and money. Weber Marking Systems helps to set up new labeling and marking processes and to optimize the logistics.
Curious about what we can do for you?
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