In every business, from manufacturing to retail, inventory is the backbone of operations.
But not all inventory is the same. Understanding the four main types of inventory helps you organize, label, and track your items effectively.
Let’s break them down and see how labeling fits in.
🧱 1. Raw Materials Inventory
These are the basic inputs used to make your products — metals, fabrics, resins, or components.
Labeling Tip:
Use ID inventory labels to mark containers or pallets of materials.
Include supplier info, lot number, and date received.
If stored in humid or industrial settings, use metalized silver polyester labels for water and chemical resistance.
🔗 Shop Durable Inventory Stickers
🏭 2. Work-in-Progress (WIP) Inventory
This includes goods that are partially finished — products moving through assembly or testing.
Labeling Tip:
Use barcode labels for tracking progress between departments.
GoDEX printers can print serialized labels for each stage (e.g., “Assembly,” “Quality Check,” “Packaging”).
🔗 Compare GoDEX Barcode Printers
📦 3. Finished Goods Inventory
These are ready-to-ship or ready-to-sell items.
Labeling Tip:
Use QR code labels to embed product data, model, SKU, batch, and storage location.
QRs simplify recall tracking and warehouse scanning.
For long-lasting readability, choose thermal transfer labels over direct thermal.
🔗 Thermal Transfer Labels – Learn More
🚚 4. Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Inventory
This includes spare parts, tools, and supplies used to maintain operations — not products for sale.
Labeling Tip:
Use color-coded inventory tags (blue for tools, red for safety gear, green for consumables).
Print them with a 300 DPI GoDEX printer for sharp, small-text clarity.
🧩 Why Labeling Matters for Every Inventory Type
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Reduces misplacement and shrinkage
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Improves inventory counts and audits
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Enables barcode or QR scanning for automation
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Helps standardize warehouse processes
Consistent labeling = less downtime, faster logistics, and easier compliance.
🧠 Pro Insight: Use the Same Label Format Across Teams
Keep your label layout consistent, logo, ID, and barcode placement, so employees can identify and scan quickly.
That’s why McAuley Labels uses pre-sized templates compatible with all GoDEX printers.