Problems will always arise with supply chain businesses. With so many moving parts to the logistics puzzle, it’s almost impossible to avoid friction points.
Since the global supply chain rides on it, let’s discuss best practices for streamlining the identification and traceability of pallets.
Nestled inside containers voyaging across the Pacific Ocean or stacked high across the highways and railways of America, these sturdy constructions of strips of wood or plastic are essential to the task of getting products in front of consumers. Billions of pallets are in use across the globe, and over 500 million pallets are manufactured annually in the United States alone. Keeping track of these logistical platforms is a challenge! But with innovations in coding, marking, and labeling pallets, that challenge can be surmounted. Leverage fast, legible, and flexible identification and traceability with pallet printing.
Fast, flexible, customizable, cost-efficient pallet printing
Inkjet printing on pallets allows you to move past the dated systems previously employed. Pallet printing is a fast method of addressing logistical issues, and it can often be done at a low cost as well. In addition to inventory codes and other data, these printing options allow you to include your distinctive logo for increased brand awareness. The design options available to the consumer are impressive and go well beyond the traditional country of origin stamp.
Fast and effective application of printed labels is an important consideration as well, but have their fair share of problems, as well. Applying thousands of labels to pallets and products can be a daunting enterprise. Labels can also get lost, torn, or destroyed in transit, leading to untraceable pallets. Once the proper method is established, it’s relatively easy to incorporate standing operating procedures and workflow. We want our solution to coexist with your proven systems, not to further complicate your processes.
Like so many other advancements, technology has come to the rescue of the supply chain, or at least set it on the right course. With modern, flexible inkjet printing technology, this process no longer has to be an obstacle. Clarity and reduced timelines result from these important innovations. But the technology moves beyond scalable printing options. Modern pallets can be augmented with durable, high-tech sensors that not only provide geo-locating data but also information on environmental factors like humidity and temperature. The pallet has transitioned into a data delivery system, and perhaps an answer to many of your logistic conundrums.
Best practices to avoid downtime, inventory mix-ups, human error, etc.
Currently, there are no worldwide guidelines for pallet labeling that apply to all industries. Specifics on tracking are unregulated, with industry stalwarts establishing best practices on their own. The result is a myriad of pallet labeling practices—some functional and intuitive, others not so much. The closest the industry comes to a universal standard is the Global Standard One (GS1) barcode, or the Serial Shipping Container Codes (SSCC). But as an industry leader, you should be aware of the benefits of proper pallet marking and reach for more than the bare minimum. Your customers deserve it, and efficiencies result from the implementation.
Choosing the right tool for coding and marking
An innovative printing system should be reliable and easy to use. The system should seamlessly tie into the existing production line and your company’s existing training programs. Avoid steep learning curves. The printing system should also be adaptable to the environment in which it will be used. These practices result in consistent product coding and a more optimized logistical system overall. As you achieve more efficiencies through the rollout of the coding and marking system, you want the ability to scale up and capture new business growth.
There are several important questions to consider when selecting the right pallet marking system. Is your warehouse predominantly used for cold-storage space? How much forklift traffic is there? Which elements of your current tracking system do you want to keep and integrate into the new solution?
Take a moment to read the following case study, where REA JET evaluated Baillie Lumber’s wood product marking challenges. REA JET devised and implemented a solution centered on a new coding and marking system that saves time by streamlining the process and also consistently performs in unforgiving environments. They also provided remote and on-site support to the modular system without an expensive service contract. The Baillie team was so impressed that they added four additional REA JET integrations. How does the solution adopted by Baillie Lumber fit with your current manufacturing concerns?
With constant headlines decrying the state of the global supply chain, industry leaders can separate themselves from the pack through the implementation of intuitive, flexible, and cost-efficient solutions. Utilization of a leading-edge pallet marking system will help to distinguish you from your competitors while streamlining product movement through your warehouse and transportation networks. Efficiency and clarity are the results of this implementation.
Effective pallet marking produces positive results in your company’s processes, saving time, labor, and money. When your customers receive the right products at the right time and place, your organization’s reputation is enhanced, not to mention the bottom line. Powering up the pallet with modern coding and marking capabilities could be the key to defeating your supply chain woes.
