1. Start with the location hierarchy
Before designing labels, write down how the site identifies locations.
Your own hierarchy may include combinations such as:
- zone;
- aisle;
- rack;
- bay;
- shelf/level;
- bin/location;
- another internal structure.
There is no need for this page to invent a universal warehouse coding system. Use the hierarchy already approved by your operation or system.
2. Define what each physical label must display
For each location level, identify what needs to be visible.
That can include buyer-approved:
- location code;
- aisle/rack/bin reference;
- descriptive text;
- barcode or QR/coded graphic;
- colour grouping requested by your team;
- directional or supporting text;
- another approved identifier.
If a WMS or customer standard controls the code format, provide that current requirement.
3. Separate the printed marker from the warehouse system
A location label does not create the WMS location, update inventory or track stock by itself.
This page does not imply DSP provides:
- WMS/ERP configuration;
- location-master setup;
- inventory databases;
- RFID systems;
- scanner hardware/configuration;
- real-time inventory tracking;
- Auto-ID integration;
- pick-path or warehouse-process engineering.
If the label must work with an existing system, bring the system's approved code/data/layout requirement into the print brief.
For the broader physical-label-vs-system distinction:
Related guide: /shipping-labels-uae-barcode-heat-sourcing/
4. Plan size from the real viewing context
The useful label size depends on how and where people need to read it.
For each location type, note:
- mounting/application position;
- approximate viewing position or distance;
- amount of available surface area;
- how much text/code content must fit;
- whether the label is read close-up or from farther away;
- whether nearby objects/equipment can obstruct the marker.
This page does not prescribe universal character heights, colours, mounting heights or safety-sign rules. If your site or standard specifies those details, use the current approved requirement.
5. Describe the application surface
State where the physical label will be attached or mounted.
Useful context can include:
- painted/coated metal;
- plastic;
- smooth or textured surfaces;
- flat or curved surfaces;
- removable panels or changing locations;
- another known substrate.
Do not assume one adhesive or material will perform the same way on every surface. The actual construction should be verified for the application.
6. Identify handling and environmental conditions
Location labels may face different conditions depending on the site.
Describe what matters, such as:
- indoor/outdoor placement;
- dust or cleaning;
- repeated contact/abrasion;
- moisture;
- heat/cold where relevant;
- temporary vs long-term location marking;
- frequent relabeling or reconfiguration.
These are specification inputs—not permission to publish universal industrial-durability, waterproof, chemical-resistance or lifespan promises.
7. If barcodes or other codes are included
Provide the approved code artwork/data or the external specification that controls it.
Clarify:
- who generates/owns the code;
- whether every label has a different identifier;
- what data source maps each code to each physical location;
- whether your team has an approved validation/test process;
- any scanner/system requirement that affects physical layout.
Printing a barcode does not automatically include barcode generation, WMS integration, scanner setup or guaranteed scan performance.
For roll-format coded labels, see:
8. Build the location-label schedule
A practical production schedule can contain one row per label/location with fields such as:
- location/identifier;
- label type;
- size or available area;
- quantity;
- application surface;
- fixed/variable text/data;
- barcode/QR artwork if applicable;
- viewing/use context;
- relevant environmental conditions;
- artwork/data status.
This makes the physical production requirement easier to review without turning the printer into the owner of your location database.
9. Distinguish location labels from asset labels
A location label identifies a place such as an aisle, rack, shelf or bin.
An asset label identifies a physical item such as equipment, furniture, a device or another tracked/recorded asset.
If your task is item identification rather than location marking, use:
For a broader site-wide physical warehouse-label plan, use:
What to send for a warehouse location-label enquiry
Provide what you know:
- location hierarchy;
- label families/types;
- identifiers/data source;
- dimensions or available mounting area;
- quantities;
- barcode/QR requirements if any;
- application surfaces;
- viewing/use context;
- environmental/handling conditions;
- artwork/data status;
- target date;
- UAE site/delivery location.
If part of the requirement is controlled by your WMS, scanner or customer standard, provide the current approved specification rather than asking the print page to define it.
Continue to Label & Product Label Printing
For the physical production requirement, continue to the broad Labels service for specification help and a quote.
Related service: Label & Product Label Printing