When the bar-code labels need a-changin' …

With the advent of e-commerce sales and omnichannel fulfillment, stock-keeping units (SKUs) and inventory are always a-changin'. As a result, the bar-code labels used to identify their location in a rack constantly need changing too.

The process of peeling off old bar-code labels, scraping off any remaining adhesive, and applying new ones can be time-consuming and frustrating, however. ID Label Inc., a manufacturer of custom bar-code labels and asset tags for warehouses, has come up with an easier way.

The Clean Release removable label uses an advanced adhesive that allows it to cling to any surface yet is easy to remove without leaving any residue behind. Think of it as similar to a "window cling" for your rack. The label is a finalist for the 2018 MHI Innovation Award in the "Best Innovation of an Existing Product" category.

"It's really aimed at minimizing our customers' downtime and allowing them to re-label and re-slot much more efficiently," said Neal Lulofs, ID Label's chief marketing officer.

The Clean Release label works so well and has been so well received that the company has developed two other similar products: the Tote Renew label holder for totes and the Beam Renew. The Beam Renew is a metallic opaque strip with adhesive on the back that can be placed over old labels. New bar-code labels are then applied on top of the strip. The strip has a laminated top that makes it easy to peel off the old labels.

For more information, visit ID Label's website.