Barcode Label
A barcode label is a printed label containing a machine-readable barcode and usually a human-readable item identifier, used to identify and track inventory, assets, equipment, bins, cartons, or locations. In manufacturing and warehousing, it serves as the lookup key for an inventory record, with scans pulling SKU, lot, serial, bin, or location data from the system of record.
On the shop floor, barcode labels are applied to raw-material totes, work-in-process containers, finished-goods cartons, racks, and bin locations. Operators follow a location-first, item-second scan discipline during put-away, picking, replenishment, cycle counts, and issue-to-production transactions. A typical workflow defines a consistent naming scheme like BIN-A01, generates and prints the label at final size, places it on rack fronts, bin edges, or carton faces, then verifies the scan with the same scanner used in operations. Because the barcode encodes a compact identifier rather than a full description, the scan pulls the SKU, lot, serial, bin, or location record from the ERP or WMS, updating inventory in real time and eliminating manual keyboard entry. Common symbologies include Code 128 for alphanumeric SKUs and bin IDs, Code 39 for legacy workflows, and QR or Data Matrix for dense or small-part labels. Labels should be scannable first and human-readable second.
Should the barcode contain the full item description?
No. Inventory barcodes usually encode a compact identifier such as SKU, GTIN, lot, serial, or location code; the ERP or WMS stores the description and attributes.
Why scan location before SKU in warehouse put-away and picking?
Scanning the location first binds the transaction to the correct storage coordinate, reducing mis-slots and ensuring the quantity is booked against the right bin or rack position.
What symbology is the default for internal inventory labels?
Code 128 is commonly used because it supports any text, including letters and numbers, and is widely recommended for internal SKU, bin, carton, and asset labels.