Customers today expecs shipments to arrive fast without any errors, and printable parcel asset tags are one tool for fulfilling these demands. There are tons of printable parcel asset tag applications for improving visibility, security, and efficiency across your entire operation. Whether you’re managing a warehouse, fulfilling online orders, or tracking high-value shipments, asset tags ensure that every item is accounted for.
In this post, we’ll explain the many benefits and uses of printable parcel asset tags and why they’ve become a must-have for modern operations.
What Are Printable Parcel Asset Tags?
Printable parcel asset tags are labels that can be printed and affixed to parcels, packages, or shipping containers. They’re used internally to identify, track, and manage physical assets during transit and storage. Printable parcel asset tags usually include a combination of text, barcodes, QR codes, or even RFID technology for easy scanning and digital tracking.
Printable parcel asset tags are:
- Printable: Designed to be printed using standard office printers on durable adhesive sheets.
- Parcel-specific: Meant to be used on packages that are being shipped or moved, rather than on assets that stay fixed in one location.
- Trackable: Often include serial numbers, asset IDS, or barcodes that integrate with asset management and logistics systems.
Benefits of Printable Parcel Asset Tags
If you’re moving any sort of physical products or assets from one place to another, printable parcel asset tags can be a groundbreaking addition to your processes. The key benefits include:
- Enhanced visibility: Printable asset tags usually include barcodes that are scanned to monitor the location and status of parcels. By scanning the asset tags throughout the shipping process, you can know where your parcel is at every step.
- Loss prevention: Tagged parcels are much less likely to be lost or stolen since they’re easier to trace. If lost, the clearly labeled parcel is more likely to be returned.
- Improved inventory management: When each parcel or asset is labeled, it becomes much easier to track items in and out of storage, manage returns, and conduct audits. Scanning rather than counting manually reduces human error to help you keep an accurate inventory database.
- Supports compliance: Many industries require traceability. Printable parcel asset tags make it easier to document the chain of custody, comply with regulations, and provide proof of delivery or handling.
When to Use Them
Wondering when to use them? Here are some of the top printable parcel asset tag applications:
- Shipping: Label outgoing parcels for identification and tracking. Ensure accurate delivery addresses and return info are included. Prevent lost or misrouted packages with scannable barcodes.
- Logistics: Track the movement of goods across distribution channels. Maintain visibility throughout the supply chain. Link packages to digital systems for real-time status updates.
- Warehouse management: Tag stored assets and parcels to identify location and contents. Speed up pick-and-pack operations with barcode scanning. Simplify sorting, retrieval, and restocking.
- Inventory management: Assign unique IDs to each item or container for easier inventory counts. Automate data entry by scanning rather than writing down details. Track quantifies, expiration dates, or product conditions.
- Tracking: Monitor the status and location of high-value or sensitive items. Create an audit trail for accountability and reporting. Enable fast retrieval of asset history or movement logs.
- Other printable parcel asset tag applications:
- Equipment loans: Tag tools, laptops, or devices you lend out to employees or customers.
- Returns management: Attach tags to returned goods to quickly re-enter them into inventory or flag for inspection.
- Compliance: Ensure regulatory traceability by tagging assets with required info.
- Repairs or maintenance: Track items sent out for service and return.
BLE Printable Parcel Asset Labels
BLE printable parcel asset labels combine traditional asset tags with Bluetooth Low Energy technology that actively broadcasts their identity and status. These labels go beyond basic barcodes or QR codes by providing real-time location data that can be accessed from your smartphone.
BLE-enabled labels are small, thin devices–sometimes even as thin as stickers–that include a BLE chip and antenna. They can still be printed on with barcodes, serial numbers, or branding, but also include the electronic components for wireless functionality.
How They Improve Security
Printable parcel asset tags act like digital fingerprints for physical items, making it easier to secure, track, and verify them at every step of the journey. Packages that are properly labeled are much more likely to get to the right location without getting lost. The unique ID prevents mix-ups or accidental swaps since each item is clearly labeled. Plus, some printable parcel asset labels have tamper-evident features that clearly show if a label was removed or replaced.
When scanned at multiple checkpoints, these asset labels create a digital trail of where and when an item was handled. This not only ensures accountability from those handling the assets but also helps identify where something went wrong if an issue arises.
How Customized They Can Be
Printable parcel asset tags can be customized as little or as much as your company needs. While many asset tags simply have a barcode and serial number, you can customize them with your company logo and branding for a professional, consistent look.
Other ways you can customize these asset tags include:
- Choose from 1D or 2D barcodes for scannable tracking.
- Add info like department, user name, location, data of tagging, asset type, or shipping instructions.
- Add security features like tamper evident materials, holograms or watermarks, and UV-ink.
- Choose permanent, removable, or high-tack adhesives.
- Select materials with waterproof, chemical-resistant, or heat-resistant properties for demanding settings.
How They Can Be Used for E-Commerce
For e-commerce, there are tons of printable parcel asset tag applications. More than just labels, they’re tools for automation, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Here are some of the top ways they can be used for e-commerce:
- Tag each order with a unique barcode or QR code to make sure the correct items are picked, packed, and shipped.
- Use tags to link orders to packing slips, invoices, and customer data.
- Integrate barcodes or QR codes with courier systems for automated shipping label generation and real-time tracking.
- Asset tags on product bins or individual units help maintain an accurate inventory count. When items are scanned out for fulfillment, the inventory system updates automatically.
- Tags can include return barcodes, making it easy for customers to send items back. Returned items can then be scanned and sorted for restocking or inspection.
Printable Parcel Asset Tag Applications
When it comes to shipping and logistics, organization is crucial to keep your organization running smoothly. Printable parcel asset labels are essential for that organization, helping you track the movement of products and assets.
If you need custom printable parcel asset tags, Coast Label can help. Whether you need paper labels or labels that can endure harsh conditions, we can help you engineer the perfect asset tags for your needs.
