What’s the Idea?
In modern warehouses, one label printer isn’t enough. You often deal with multiple types of shipping units, such as:
- Boxes
- Roll cages
- IBCs
- Pallets
- Packages with customer or ADR requirements
Each type requires different labels. Sometimes a different format, sometimes colored label paper, and sometimes a different location in the warehouse.
With Babeldat, you automatically determine which label, which format, and which printer to use for each shipping unit.
In Plain Terms:
“A box gets a white label from printer A. A roll cage gets a red label from printer B – automatically, without the employee needing to choose.”
You no longer need to manually select a printer or switch label rolls. Babeldat handles it all automatically, based on smart rules.
Real-World Problem: Incorrect Labels Due to Wrong Printer
“An employee had to print a yellow label for an ADR shipment, but it came from the regular printer with white paper. No one noticed until the inspector showed up.”
Or:
“In the rush, someone grabbed the wrong label for a roll cage. Result: wrong delivery, unhappy customer.”
Wrong labels = errors, delays, and risk. Especially with strict customer or legal requirements.
The Solution: Label Printing Per Shipping Unit
With Babeldat, you can define:
- What type of shipping unit it is (box, pallet, IBC, roll cage, etc.)
- Which label template applies (e.g. SSCC, customer label, ADR label)
- Which printer is assigned to it
- Which label color is used (optional)
- Which format or protocol is required (ZPL, PDF, etc.)
The system chooses the correct path automatically – no user decision required.
How Does It Work Technically?
- A shipment is created with shipping unit type ‘Pallet’
- Babeldat recognizes the type and selects the correct label template + printer
- Example: ‘Pallet = red label = Zebra printer in outbound aisle 2’
- Via PrintNode, the label is sent directly to the printer
- The printer prints the label in the correct format and on the correct paper – done!
Repeat this for boxes (white), ADR (yellow), IBC (blue), and you’ve got a fully automated system.
What Are the Benefits?
- No manual printer selection required
- Error-free per shipping unit type
- Color coding for easy identification
- Compatible with Zebra, ZPL, A4, PDF and more
- Less training needed for staff
- Faster shipping, no misprints or confusion
- Meets customer and inspection requirements
- Customizable per customer or location
Shipping labels may seem small, but label errors can have major consequences – especially in busy warehouses or with ADR-sensitive shipments.
With Babeldat, you automatically route label printing based on the shipping unit type – including the right layout and label color.
