Security labels and some of their uses

With business wanting to ensure that their equipment is protected at all times, security labels are now being used more frequently to ensure that these are not stolen or tampered with. Two of the ones most frequently used are Void labels and Tamper Evident seals.

With the void label, these are designed to leave the word VOID on the product if the label is tampered with or an attempt is made to remove it from the equipment. This clearly indicates that the equipment has been tampered with, or it has been mistreated in some way.

On the other hand a Tamper evident label is designed so that it will split or break apart if any attempts are made to remove it or interfere with the equipment by trying to open it for example.

The labels cannot be reused or repaired once they have been tampered with. These labels are used quite frequently as a packaging seal to provide evidence that a package has been tampered with or an attempt has been made to try to force it open, for example tamer evident labels are frequently seen on CD’s and DVD’s.

So with these two types of label it can be seen that they have a deterrent effect against misuse or theft, the labels can also be used to provide a suitable way to identify the equipment. This type of label will feature a numbering system or barcode system for identification.

By using custom labels you can create a unique marketing tool

With fierce competition it is hardly surprising that companies are running out of ideas to promote their organisation creatively, the usual ones are widely used and lose the power of being unique. Printed custom labels are one of the more innovative techniques that one can employ to enhance a brand image, they can also improve business appeal and create more customised products.

All that is required to create a unique customised label for your business is to let your imagination run free and jot down some of the ideas and you can leave the rest to us. You will soon see that these will help promote your business and are available in different shapes and sizes and huge range of colours. The label ideally will have the company logo embedded onto it and also can be personalised to represent any industry using particular symbols.

Printing your custom label is of the upmost importance and we have invested in the latest digital print technology, which eliminates the need for expensive print plates. When custom labels are digitally printed and used they add on to the promotional quality of your product. Custom labels printed digitally ensure high quality images at low prices. A good quality image is determined by a good print, contact us by ‘phone on 01293 551520, or email at sales@datalabel.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss all the aspects on producing a unique custom label for your business and of course provide you with a no obligation quotation.

There is more to a barcode than a series of lines

The barcode has a multitude of uses, for example they can be in the retail sector for pricing, also document tracking, the tracking of goods or equipment, inventory control, and asset management. There are a number of stages that will go into the production of barcode labels, all of which ensures the high calibre of the product.

Two of the stages are generating the actual image for the barcode; this is normally achieved through thermal transfer. We then add the adhesive and there are a number of different adhesives used in the production of barcode labels, dependent upon the surface they will be used on and the environment the product will be stored or used in.

We can supply the most popular EAN-13 (retail), codes 128, 39 and QR formats and by utilising the latest digital print technology we can incorporate company corporate colours on your labels, the barcode label can be customised, for example you may wish to incorporate elements such as a company logo with your barcode labels. delivered within a matter of days!

We offer a range of materials, again this will depend upon the environment the label will be used in and although normally these are on white paper or even polypropylene materials. For more demanding situations such as on an item which could be subject to harsh environments, they can be produced with polyester and aluminium.

Asset labels that will withstand the toughest conditions

For any company which owns modern high-tech electrical equipment and valuable machinery keeping them tagged is vital but the tags or labels have to also be able to withstand the harshest of conditions. Tagging your assets allows you to track them constantly as well ensuring they are a deterrent to thieves.

With asset label it is no longer necessary to keep huge files of all the equipment owned by the company you can simply have all the information labelled with a barcode. Whenever required, the information can be scanned via a bar-code scanner.

For heavy equipment, there are a variety of labels to choose from depending on the purpose you need, these would normally have tough metallic labels which can survive harsh conditions such as exposure to corrosive chemicals and intense heat. The information is carefully sealed within aluminium and protective anodising and is protected for years, against heat, cold and physical damage. Teflon is another material which can and is used for labelling heavy machinery subject to these conditions.

If your equipment will be used outdoors and will be exposed to moisture, steel labels are ideal for the purpose as this is anti-corrosive and can withstand harsh weather. The steel label is also extensively used within the food and catering to ensure that there can be no contamination from metal or other materials. With steel labels’ the data and barcodes are super fused onto a stainless steel surface and able to withstand temperatures of up to one thousand degrees.

Contact us and we will be pleased to discuss with you the many options available for asset labels’ that might be subject to harsh conditions.

Why it is cost effective to choose high quality barcode labels

When barcodes are used on industrial equipment for the purpose of asset tracing or when hired out, the label has to be durable and by durable this means that it must withstand corrosion, heat, cold, UV light and solvents.

A variety of materials can be used for this type of barcode; these could be listed as warehouse barcode labels, industrial use barcode labels and polyester barcode labels. The kind of material from which the barcode is produced is not the only factor, printing is of equal importance and this will depend upon the printing technology used. In order to print long lasting images, thermal printers are used; you will find that these thermally printed labels are scratch-resistant and far more durable than ordinary labels.

Under normal circumstances barcodes are manufactured using white paper or polypropylene, but for use in industrial situations, where durability is essential, we can print on premium materials such as polyester and aluminium. We find that these more durable labels are found in engine bays or attached to heavy duty machinery, where chemicals or possibly abrasion are commonplace.

Adhesive is also an important part of ensuring that the barcode is durable, we are always pleased to discuss the right adhesive when we know the particular application for the barcode and the environment in which it is likely to be used.

Contact us and we will be pleased to discuss the various options which are available if you have the need for durable barcode labels.

Asset tags can improve business efficiency and promote the company name

If you have a business, it’s important that you secure your assets and the best way to do this is by attaching an asset label. All the relevant information is stored on a database which will ensure that all your assets are recorded including their monetary value; this can help your business efficiency.

Asset labels and tags are available in a wide range of different options ranging from tags that are highly durable so suitable for industrial use, to tags which although they can be manufactured using a variety of materials, they do not focus on the wearing properties as much, but instead feature a barcode or a brand name for ease of use. Asset tags should be fitted to all of your company property such as laptop computers, and by adding a barcode it is a simple task to swipe with a barcode reader to ensure that your inventory registers are up to date.

It is possible of course to use an asset label as a way of further improving the brand name or status of the company. Branded asset labels work especially well for hire shops where the asset tag proves vital for inventory control and the brand message helps promote the store which hired the item to the customer.

If you would like more information about how asset tags could work for your company, call us on 01293 551 520, or email sales@datalabel.co.uk and we will be pleased to discuss the many options with you.

Barcodes are not just about product pricing

Yes, product pricing is a vital function of a barcode; it enables goods presented to a cashier, or at the checkout, to accurately display the price of the item, this ensures that the products are labelled with price and product information and this in turn reduces labour costs. Prices and details can be changed on the main system without the need for relabelling items, is one example of cost saving.

The barcode has other important functions which helps business to run efficiently, for example for businesses that ships out goods to individuals or perhaps to other companies, the barcode can be used to accurately track the progress of shipments. This means that it is possible to check on items which may have been reported missing, delayed and as proof of delivery.

Similarly, document tracking between departments or other companies is another use for the barcode, you can mark documents with barcode labels to ensure they are properly filed, sent and received on time.

Stock and inventory control are vital operations in any well run business and by using barcodes it will make his task simpler and easier, it also ensures accuracy. Using barcodes labels for inventory and stock taking ensures that mistakes which can occur through human error are drastically reduced, or even eliminated.

If you believe that our company could benefit from using barcodes for any of these functions, call us and we will be happy to discuss the options with you.

Making inventory management simple with the use of asset tags

The problem of keeping check on stock or equipment that is moved around from one warehouse to another can be a headache for management, similarly when items are sent out for repair or maybe loaned out. With constant moving around, it is easy for management to lose track of items and for this reason, it is essential for companies to invest in an effective security plan. Asset tags are an effective way of maintaining stock levels and tracking equipment.

Asset tags are probably the way that most companies overcome these difficulties; they are commonly used in commercial establishments and in the retail industry, where many items often need to be tracked. In the retail world we increasingly see asset tags with barcodes and magnets to keep track of stock levels; these reduce the incidence of theft and also switching of price tags, once a very common practice.

In our industry as with many others, technology is improving constantly and new techniques involving asset labels are being developed regularly. Whilst sticky labels are still very popular, barcodes and hologram labels are very widely used. Business has seen that the use of asset tajs has had an impact by making life easier for management and reducing valuable employees time and saving companies money by reducing loss and theft.

With the use of the correct asset tags, inventory management can be made very easy.

Weatherproof barcode labels

If you need barcode labels for goods, equipment or merchandise that requires storage in non-standard environments, you will have to ensure that the labels are specially designed to be durable and completely suitable for the conditions.

Durable labels are now available that can withstand extreme heat and cold, outdoor environments, wind, rain and sleet as well as exposure to mild to moderately hazardous chemicals, you may need labels that are resistant to abrasion or other risks of surface damage

These labels are designed to remain intact and perfectly functional even in these extreme conditions. This means you can read them, scan them and easily see them even if they have been outdoors or in a hot, damp environment for months. Some are over-laminated or coated with other protective substances, whilst some are made from super-durable vinyl.

Naturally much depends upon the conditions and just what they may be needed for, we can supply durable barcode labels that can withstand temperatures as low as -40˚C and as high as +150˚C. By not using specially adapted barcode labels valuable time of employees may be spent and that means unnecessary effort and money replacing them when they fade or disintegrate. There is also the risk that mistakes will be made during inventory checks or at stocktaking, which will inevitably lead to problems further on. By using the correct label for the conditions and environment, problems can be averted.

The law on product labelling

At Data Label we are always willing to advise our customers concerning the law with regard to what has to be included and information that is not necessary on a product label. To this end we publish here some of the things which fall into what must be included and how labelling must not be misleading to customers.

For example a label must not exaggerate or be misleading about the quantity or size of the item, the price, what he product is made from and how and where it’s made, suggesting that it was made in England when it was made elsewhere. You must not make exaggerated claims about what the product will do, where a product is endorsed, misleading statements from the individual or organisation cannot be included. You must always include safety information for products that could be dangerous.

In the sector that covers your particular business, you have to follow the rules if you manufacture or you sell or distribute items such as precious metals, footwear, food and drink, and products that are specifically for children. For the retail sector it is necessary to display on the product or shelf edge label the price and in this country this has to be in pounds and pence and include VAT where this applies.

If these rules and disregarded then you will be at risk of prosecution, if you are unsure one of our advisor will be happy to discuss this with you, alternatively you can always contact your local Trading Standards Office who we are sure will be of help to you.