The solution? Warehouse Racking Labels the Guru way.
Warehouse stickers, also referred to as Variable data labels, are custom-printed labels that include unique information tailored to specific needs. For warehouses, these labels can carry multiple lines of scannable data, making inventory management significantly more streamlined.
In this case study, we’ll share insights from a real-life case study involving Guru Labels and a large warehouse in Sydney. You’ll learn about the challenges they faced, the innovative solutions provided, and the remarkable outcomes achieved. If you’re a business owner looking to optimise your warehouse management, this story is for you.
Understanding the Client's Challenge
The Initial Problem
The client, whose business included a large warehouse, approached Guru Labels with a pressing issue. They needed a specialised labelling solution for their warehouse’s racking system. Each bay of racking had multiple shelves, and each shelf required a unique label with multiple lines of scannable data. There had been other label printers who had turned the job away because they couldn’t handle it.
Lucky for them, Guru isn’t afraid of a challenge. Our team of label magicians love tackling problems like this, figuring how to help our clients find efficient solutions they never thought possible.
Site Visit and Consultation
When the initial call came through, the Guru Labels team visited the client’s warehouse. Seeing the warehouse and understanding the client’s needs first-hand helped piece together the ideal solution. The goal was clear: create self-adhesive labels that accurately described the contents of each shelf.
Existing System Flaws
The Scope of the Project
The magnitude of the task was massive. The warehouse had hundreds of shelves, each needing a unique identification barcode. The labels had to be large enough to display multiple lines of data, sometimes up to seven lines on a single label. This requirement was unlike anything Guru Labels had tackled before.
The client had approached other label companies and none of them wanted the job – it was just too complex for them. But not for us! Problems like this are the perfect opportunity for us to exercise our genius.
Crafting the Perfect Solution
The Need for Multiple Lines on One Label
Imagine a bay of pallet racking with seven shelves, each holding different products. To avoid climbing up and down ladders, the client needed a solution where one label could provide barcodes for all shelves. This way, staff could scan the label at eye level and accurately identify the contents of each shelf.
Designing the Unique Labels
The challenge wasn’t just in designing the labels but also ensuring each one was unique. Typically, variable data labels contain one unique piece of information, but in this case, each label requires up to seven unique pieces of data. The labels needed to be up to 300-400 millimetres long to accommodate all the required information.
Developing a Specialised Script
To handle the immense data and design requirements, Guru Labels’ brilliant production team developed a specialised script. Their coding really was the backbone of this project.
This script automated the process of pulling attributes from extensive spreadsheets and generating the necessary artwork for printing. Without this automation, creating the artwork manually would have taken many weeks! Instead, we were able to get it done much more quickly – saving our clients a lot of money.
Using the custom script, Guru Labels generated proofs for the client. These proofs were critical in ensuring that the labels met the client’s specifications before moving on to mass production. Attention to detail in this phase guaranteed that the final product would function as intended.
The Outcome and Benefits
Enhanced Efficiency
Once the labels were printed, they were delivered to the client. The warehouse staff installed the labels onto the racking system, and they saw immediate improvements in their inventory management. Staff could now scan any fixture, row, or space to take stock, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.
Professional and Consistent Labels
The transition from handwritten to professionally printed labels brought a new level of consistency to the warehouse. Clear, scannable barcodes ensured that all staff members received the same information, reducing errors and miscommunications.
Cost Savings Through Automation
By developing a custom script to handle the data and design process, Guru Labels saved the client significant costs that would have been incurred if the artwork had been done manually. This innovative approach not only saved time but also provided a scalable solution for future labelling needs.
Conclusion and Next Steps
This project set a new standard for how complex data labelling can be handled in large warehouses, highlighting the potential for automation in other areas of business operations, and offering a glimpse into the future of efficient warehouse management.
The case study illustrates how Guru harnesses the transformative power of coding and out-of-the-box solutions to address the client’s unique challenges with innovative solutions. We not only improved efficiency, but also set a precedent for future projects.
If you’re a business owner struggling with inventory management, consider exploring the benefits of variable data labels. The right solution can turn a chaotic warehouse into a well-organised, efficient operation.
Ready to revolutionise your warehouse management? Contact Guru Labels today to learn how we can help you implement a customised labelling solution tailored to your needs.
What our customer had to say
“We upgraded our ERP system after 12 years, and the upgraded version offered RF scanning and Scan Pack options, and we started this project with very limited experience and we were desperate to find a printing partner.
After we discovered Guru via a Google search, the rest is history and Guru managed our label printing without any problems.
In January 2024, the decision was made to establish a barcoded labelling inventory system to help streamline our warehouse and stock holding areas of our business.
The size and complexity of the relabelling task was evident and after making a few enquiries with label suppliers in our local area we were struggling to find someone who was prepared to listen to our needs and had the experience to help navigate the solution we required. Everyone we contacted were unable or willing to invest the time needed to help our situation and we were becoming frustrated that we were struggling to find someone to help us in this area. After contacting Nick Lowe from Guru Labels, it was clear that we had found a supplier that did all the little things right. Firstly, the fact that Nick took my call and took time to listen and understand what solution we are after was refreshing. Nick not only listened but asked a range of meaningful questions that drew us into the conversation of finding the best solution.
After several calls it was obvious to all that the scope of works for this unique solution was going to need more than phone calls and emails to achieve. To help better understand what was needed Nick agreed to drive and meet us in Sydney to spend time face to face with me and my team and discuss all the possibilities to deliver the right labelling solution. After meeting with us and taking the opportunity to tour the warehouse itself, it was an invaluable opportunity and it helped fill in the missing pieces on the different types of labels and barcode solutions that would be needed to complete this task.
The labelling solution required a substantial range of labels that encompassed different sizes, shapes, and adhesives. Outside of the labels themselves there was a considerable effort in understanding and extrapolating the variable data from spreadsheets that were initially prepared that needed to be altered in a way to make the data easier to understand and interpret to the finished printed labels. Nick and his team were able to supply easy to view quotes on each range of labels we needed as well as clear and easy to understand proofs for us to check and sign off on. All labels were printed and supplied in less than 10 working days and have been applied in all the intended areas to meet our needs and expectations.
Whilst it's clear the finished labels have been perfect for our specific needs, it was the level of service, communication, experience, and overall care that has underpinned a great business relationship. Since this first order we have also trusted Nick and his team on all sorts of different labels we have required for the business.
If you have a complicated label need, call the team at Guru Labels, you will not be disappointed.”
Why Choose Guru Labels
Providing outstanding label printing Australia-wide, Guru Labels is one of Australia’s leading label manufacturers.
We have a team of experts on hand to make sure your project meets deadlines and requirements. In order to meet the needs of any business, whether they are small artisan startups or global brands, we offer a wide range of cost-effective, highly impressive labels.
In order to deliver truly impressive labels, we set the bar high. We’re called Guru for a reason!
Our team works closely together to ensure all details are taken care of before moving forward – from changing fonts and colours according to branding guidelines to adding QR codes for maximum exposure; we pride ourselves on making the process as seamless as possible.
With the most advanced printing equipment in the world, we can produce the highest quality prints. If you have small fonts, delicate images, or finely detailed graphics, our printing equipment can handle it.
