Complete Warehouse Labelling Guide: Barcodes, Racks & Bins

A well-labelled warehouse is a productive warehouse. Clear, consistent labelling reduces picking errors, speeds up stock rotation, improves safety compliance and makes onboarding new staff significantly easier. This guide covers the core labelling categories every Australian warehouse should have in place, from barcode standards through to rack, bin and pallet identification.

Barcode Label Types

Barcodes are the backbone of warehouse management. Selecting the right symbology and print method ensures reliable scanning across your operation, from handheld scanners and fixed-mount readers to mobile devices.

Common Barcode Symbologies

For most Australian warehouse environments, Code 128 is the standard choice for internal location and inventory labels, while GS1-128 is required for outbound logistics and supply chain compliance. Ensure your barcode print quality meets ISO 15416 (linear) or ISO 15415 (2D) standards to avoid scan failures downstream.

Rack Labels

Rack labels identify storage locations within your racking system and are critical for WMS (Warehouse Management System) accuracy. A typical location code follows a hierarchical structure such as Aisle-Bay-Level-Position (e.g. A-04-03-B).

Rack Label Best Practices

• Retro-reflective or high-contrast materials: use labels that scan reliably at distance, particularly on upper beam levels where scanners operate at 3-10 metres.
• Consistent placement: mount labels on the same position on every beam face (typically centre-right) so operators develop muscle memory for scanning.
• Human-readable text: always include the location code in large, clear text alongside the barcode. Operators need to visually confirm locations, not just scan them.
• Colour coding by zone: use coloured label backgrounds or header strips to visually delineate warehouse zones (e.g. blue for ambient, orange for hazmat, green for picking).
• Durable adhesive: rack labels must bond permanently to powder-coated steel beams. Use labels with aggressive permanent adhesive rated for metal surfaces.

LabelDepot supplies long-range retro-reflective rack labels compatible with all major WMS platforms. Browse our warehouse label range or request samples for adhesion testing on your specific racking.

Bin Labels

Bin labels identify individual storage compartments within shelving, flow racks or pick modules. They're typically smaller than rack labels and designed for short-range scanning at arm's length.

• Size: typically 100mm x 30mm or 150mm x 50mm, depending on bin dimensions and scanner type.
• Symbology: Code 128 is standard; keep barcode height at a minimum of 10mm for reliable scanning.
• Magnetic or adhesive: for environments where bin locations change frequently (e.g. seasonal inventory), magnetic-backed labels allow easy repositioning without residue.
• Check digits: include check digits in location codes to prevent mis-scans and keying errors.

For operations with high SKU turnover, consider pre-printed sequential bin label sets that can be deployed rapidly when reconfiguring pick faces.

Pallet Labels

Pallet labels serve two purposes: internal tracking within your warehouse and external identification for goods moving through the supply chain. Australian supply chains typically require GS1-compliant SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) labels on outbound pallets.

GS1 Logistics Label (SSCC)

• Must include a GS1-128 barcode encoding the SSCC (Application Identifier 00).
• Additional data fields may include GTIN, batch/lot, expiry date and net weight.
• Label size is typically A5 (148mm x 210mm) or A6 (105mm x 148mm).
• Apply to two adjacent faces of the pallet for scanning accessibility from either side.

Internal Pallet Labels

For internal warehouse use, pallet labels can be simpler: a unique pallet ID barcode, product description, quantity and received date. Print on A6 thermal labels using a 4-inch industrial printer such as a Zebra ZT411 or SATO CL4NX for high-volume environments. Our A6 thermal label rolls are stocked for immediate dispatch.

Picking Labels

Picking labels are applied to items, cartons or totes during the order fulfilment process. They link a physical item to a customer order and typically encode the order number, line item and destination.

• Pick-and-apply labels: printed on demand and applied to each carton as it's packed. Include order number, ship-to address and carrier barcode.
• Batch pick labels: used in batch picking workflows to identify which tote or carton corresponds to which order in a multi-order pick run.
• Put-to-light labels: semi-permanent labels on put walls or sort stations, often magnetic-backed for reconfiguration.

For high-throughput fulfilment centres, direct thermal labels are the most cost-effective option as they eliminate ribbon costs. Ensure your label width matches your printer and carton size. 100mm x 150mm is the Australian standard for shipping labels and is compatible with most carrier systems.

Safety and Compliance Signage

Beyond inventory identification, Australian warehouses are required to display safety signage in accordance with AS 1319:1994 (Safety signs for the occupational environment). This includes:

• Prohibition signs: red circle with diagonal bar (e.g. No Entry, No Smoking).
• Mandatory signs: blue circle (e.g. Hard Hat Area, High-Vis Required).
• Hazard/warning signs: yellow triangle (e.g. Forklift Operating Area).
• Emergency signs: green rectangle (e.g. Emergency Exit, First Aid).

Floor labels and aisle marking tape complement wall-mounted signage, particularly for delineating pedestrian walkways, forklift zones and emergency exits. LabelDepot stocks durable floor labels and vinyl signage rated for high-traffic warehouse environments.

Choosing the Right Print Method

The two primary methods for printing warehouse labels are direct thermal and thermal transfer. Your choice depends on label longevity requirements, environment and volume.

For any label that needs to remain legible for more than a few months, thermal transfer with a resin or wax-resin ribbon is the recommended approach. Rack labels and bin labels should always be printed via thermal transfer to avoid fading and scan failures. Visit our shop for compatible label and ribbon combinations.