Labeling – What are some best practices for labeling your products?

In the world of supply chain, data and accuracy leads to success. The easier it is to obtain accurate data, the smoother operations will flow. Being able to quickly identify products is vital in every touch point in your supply chain.

What are some best practices for labeling your products?

1. Include an item number & product description

• Be sure they are clearly printed in a large font on a side of the carton that will be easily visible when palletized. This will allow the warehouse and your customers to quickly identity and verify the item which increases the chances for that product to move through the supply chain without error. 
• The item number and product description should match the data used on Advance Shipment Notifications (ASN’s) and Purchase Orders (PO’s), which ensures that items will be accurately entered into the system and properly received into inventory.

2. Add a Lot Code and Best by Date

• The lot code and best-by-date should also be clearly printed on the outer carton, ideally next to the item number and production description. This enables efficient lot code identification in the event of a recall.

3. Provide Us With Your Customer Requirements 

• Keeping your customer requirements in mind as you setup the product label is especially important in minimizing non-compliance chargebacks.
• Many chargebacks relate back to improper carton identification and non-standard lot formatting.