The Various Kinds Of Product Identification Labels

By Helga Stokes


Product identification is a broad class of labeling that encompasses functions like traceability, the inclusion of variable information and brand protection. In the face of an ever-evolving business environment, product identification labels are vital. They are also necessary to negate threats posed by pilferage and counterfeit merchandise.

Traceability makes it possible to track goods from the manufacturing process to the end of the supply chain. Ideally, products at any stage of this chain should be traceable in the reverse direction through various procedures. This makes it possible to trace raw ingredients to their sources. This facilitates quality improvement by pointing out the sources of any defects, especially during recalls. Traceability is made possible through the incorporation of batch numbers and bar codes.

Currently, there are various bar code types in use. These are aluminum, ceramic and polyester markers. These come with various adhesive markings as well as customizable sizes and shapes. Barcodes offer several advantages. They help people in the identification of various goods. Item prices as well as other sale details can be integrated into these codes to save time and simplify the sale procedure. Additional benefits include accuracy, economy, speed and consistency.

Polyester and vinyl tags are normally made using special printers and are perfect for tracking products if security isn't a big issue. In some cases, distinct markers are used in certain industries in order to meet specific needs. For example, detectable markers are normally used in the food processing industry where contamination sources have to be identified quickly. Should small parts of the sticker get into the item or if the label gets damaged/misapplied, it can be discovered easily.

In some manufacturing processes, temporary tags are used. There are special magnetic and repositionable markers which meet such needs. These can be used as required and then removed with ease.

However, such labels can be tampered with easily. Special tags are therefore used in sectors where brand reputation is vital. Such markers could also be used for valuable goods which stand a higher threat of theft and counterfeiting. Some custom markers have a watermark that's exclusively visible under UV light to make it harder to duplicate.

Other kinds of tags make it hard to recycle or remove them. If handwritten information needs to be included securely on a tag, you can find special tapes for this purpose. The data is normally embossed in a way that makes erasing or altering difficult.

Where variable information needs to be displayed, there are special tags for that. These can be used to show manufacture and expiry dates, batch ID codes, location of manufacture and lot numbers. This is usually written as numerals and text, bar codes or by combining the two. These tags also enable traceability as well.

There are special tags used for durable items if there's a need to endure harsh environments. If you want a brushed metallic appearance, you can use metallized poly tapes which come in gold, aluminum and silver. You can also find others which can withstand chemicals. Such are used in items which are cleaned with powerful detergents. There are special adhesives that stick to wood, fabric and various other surfaces which are used to secure these product identification labels.




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