Warehouse labeling: how do you make every location unique?
A well-planned warehouse labeling system makes every storage location instantly findable and speeds up order picking. This guide explains the aisle-bay-level-bin numbering scheme, choosing the right labels and barcodes, and colour coding to shorten pick paths.
View labeling productsHow do you build a unique location numbering scheme?
Every storage location needs a unique address that describes the route to it. The proven approach is the hierarchical aisle-bay-level-bin scheme, read from coarse to fine, for example 03‑12‑04‑02 for aisle 3, bay 12, level 4, bin 2.
Digits are always formatted with a leading zero so that sorting stays numerically correct and follows the walking direction. A letter for the storage zone (A for receiving, B for small parts) can be prefixed when several areas exist.
Which labels and barcodes are the right choice?
Label size depends on the reading distance. A rule of thumb: roughly 25 mm character height per 3 metres of distance. Floor locations manage with 50 mm labels, while high rack levels scanned from a forklift need 75 to 100 mm.
- Code 128: compact 1D barcode for alphanumeric locations, widely supported.
- GS1‑128: for standardised logistics data with application identifiers.
- Data Matrix or QR: 2D codes for small labels and camera scanners.
- Magnetic or slot-in labels: for frequently rearranged locations without adhesive residue.
- Long-format labels carrying several bin numbers for continuous beam traverses.
How does colour coding shorten picking routes?
Colours help the eye recognise zones and levels from a distance before the barcode is read. A fixed colour per level or per storage zone reduces mispicks and speeds up orientation for new staff.
Keep the palette to six to eight clearly distinct colours and avoid red-green combinations because of colour vision deficiency. Always pair colour with text and barcode so the label stays readable even in monochrome.
- One colour per level makes reaching for the correct height easier.
- High-contrast print: black on white stays the most scannable.
- Lamination or a protective film shields labels from abrasion and moisture.
Frequently asked questions
In what order should a location number be read?
From coarse to fine: aisle, then bay, then level, then bin. That way the address describes the route from the start of the aisle to the exact bin, and numeric sorting follows the walking direction.
Which barcode suits location labeling?
Code 128 is the standard for alphanumeric locations because it is compact and reliably readable. For very small labels or camera scanners, 2D codes such as Data Matrix make sense.
How large do rack labels need to be?
As a rule of thumb, about 25 mm character height per 3 metres of reading distance. Floor locations manage with 50 mm, high levels scanned from a forklift need 75 to 100 mm.
Should new locations be numbered consecutively or with gaps?
Plan with headroom: two-digit fields and small gaps let you add locations later without renumbering the whole scheme.
Set up warehouse labeling properly?
We supply rack labels, barcode signs, magnetic labeling and colour systems for fast, error-free order picking.
Uniquely addressed
Clear aisle-bay-level-bin scheme for every location.
Scan tested
Barcodes with correct quiet zone and contrast.
Rugged in use
Laminated labels for abrasion and moisture.
Expert advice
Our specialists help plan your labeling system.