Warehouse management systems (WMS) help businesses manage inventory, fulfilment, receiving, picking and shipping. Printing accurate labels at the right point in the workflow is an important part of many warehouse operations.
A suitable label printer can connect with warehouse software to produce product, inventory, shipping, barcode and identification labels quickly and consistently.
What is a warehouse management system?
A warehouse management system is software used to manage and optimise warehouse operations. Depending on the system, it can help businesses track inventory, manage incoming goods, organise picking and packing, and process shipments.
When printing is integrated into the workflow, labels can be generated automatically from information held within the WMS.
How do label printers integrate with WMS software?
A WMS can send print instructions to a compatible printer through the operating system, printer driver, middleware, SDK or application integration.
The exact method depends on the WMS, operating environment and printer.
A typical workflow could look like:
WMS → Print command → Printer → Label
For example, when an item is received into inventory, the WMS could trigger a label containing information such as:
- Product name or SKU
- Barcode
- Inventory information
- Location or bin
- Batch or lot information
- Shipping information
What should you look for in a warehouse label printer?
The right printer depends on the warehouse workflow and the type and volume of labels being produced.
Consider:
Print speed
High-volume environments may require a printer capable of keeping up with continuous workflows.
Label size
Choose a printer that supports the dimensions and media required for your labels.
Print resolution
Barcodes and small text need to be clear and readable.
Connectivity
USB, Ethernet and wireless connectivity can provide different options depending on where the printer is installed.
Software compatibility
Check that the printer is compatible with your WMS, operating system and required printing method.
Media type
Consider whether you need die-cut, continuous or linerless labels.
Star Micronics label printers
Star Micronics offers thermal label printers designed for applications including retail, fulfilment, shipping and other labelling workflows. Its portfolio includes the mC-Label2, mC-Label3, TSP743II and TSP847II.
The TSP847II is a wide-format thermal printer designed for applications including labels and shipping, while the mC-Label range provides multifunction printing for labels and receipts.
For a specific WMS integration, compatibility should always be confirmed with the software provider and the required Star printing technology or SDK.
Choosing the right WMS label printer
Before selecting a printer, consider:
- What labels do you need to print?
- What label sizes do you use?
- How many labels will you print each day?
- Where will the printer be located?
- Which operating system does your WMS use?
- How will the printer connect to the system?
- Does your WMS support the printer or required integration technology?
FAQs
Can a label printer connect to a warehouse management system?
Yes. A label printer can be integrated with warehouse software using methods such as printer drivers, middleware, SDKs or application-specific integrations. Compatibility depends on the WMS and printer.
Can label printers print barcodes?
Many thermal label printers can print barcodes, provided the printer and software support the required barcode format.
Are thermal printers suitable for warehouses?
Thermal printers are commonly used for labels because they can produce fast, clear prints without traditional ink cartridges.