Visibility into each stage of production is critical for improving throughput and maintaining quality. Traditional paper-based WIP tracking often creates blind spots that lead to bottlenecks, misrouted materials, and lost production time. With barcode and labeling technology, every component and assembly can be tracked automatically as it moves through the manufacturing process. Industrial barcode printers, fixed scanners, and rugged mobile computers provide real-time WIP updates directly to your ERP or MES system, ensuring accurate, up-to-the-minute data across the production floor.

This automation allows manufacturers to monitor production progress, track operator performance, and identify inefficiencies early. Using barcode labels and scanning equipment, WIP tracking delivers full product traceability, reduces rework, and enhances resource planning. The result is a streamlined, data-driven production process that improves quality, boosts throughput, and lowers overall operational costs.

Managing valuable manufacturing assets — from tools and molds to forklifts and returnable containers — is a constant challenge. Without proper visibility, assets are easily misplaced, underutilized, or left unmaintained, leading to downtime and unnecessary replacement costs. Through barcode and RFID-based asset tracking systems, manufacturers can gain precise, real-time control over every asset’s location, usage, and maintenance history.

Using industrial barcode labels, mobile computers, and handheld scanners, maintenance teams can instantly identify equipment, log inspections, and schedule service activities directly in their asset management software. With this data-driven approach, manufacturers can extend equipment life, reduce asset loss, and ensure compliance with maintenance schedules. Rugged barcode hardware and durable label materials withstand demanding factory environments — delivering accuracy and reliability that keep production running efficiently.

Efficient order picking is vital for meeting delivery schedules and maintaining customer satisfaction. Manual picking or paper-based methods often result in slow fulfillment times and costly picking errors. By adopting barcode-enabled order picking and fulfillment solutions, manufacturers and distributors can dramatically improve speed and accuracy. Wearable barcode scanners, mobile computers, and hands-free picking systems like the Zebra WT6400 allow workers to quickly identify and confirm SKUs, reducing errors and optimizing movement through the warehouse.

When integrated with warehouse management software (WMS), barcode scanning automates SKU validation and real-time data capture, providing instant updates to inventory levels and order status. Voice-directed picking and visual prompts enhance operator productivity while maintaining near-perfect order accuracy. Together, these barcode technologies streamline warehouse operations, lower labor costs, and ensure consistent, accurate order fulfillment — strengthening supply chain efficiency from warehouse to customer.

Product labeling is at the heart of manufacturing traceability, ensuring every component, carton, and pallet is accurately identified throughout production and delivery. In regulated industries, compliance labeling is also critical to meeting customer, safety, and industry standards. Industrial barcode printers, high-performance thermal transfer ribbons, and durable barcode labels enable manufacturers to produce clear, reliable labels that withstand harsh environments and remain scannable throughout the product lifecycle.

By integrating label design software and barcode printing systems, manufacturers can automate the creation of serialized, lot-coded, and regulatory-compliant labels with ease. From component-level labeling to pallet tags and shipping labels, precise barcode printing ensures every product can be traced from the factory floor to the customer. This improves process control, supports quality assurance, and reinforces compliance — while delivering the consistent, professional labeling required in modern manufacturing environments.