Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are responsible for labeling equipment to support safe product operation. In many ways, a labeling program extends other corporate practices, such as safety management, quality assurance, and product development.
When done properly, product labeling is a beneficial practice that adds value beyond traditional instruction manuals and other forms of equipment documentation. Equipment labels provide valuable details to operators at the point of use and, in some cases, might be the most accessible source of information at a given time.
Equipment labels serve cosmetic and branding purposes, as well as regulatory and quality functions. This guide explores important factors for manufacturers to consider when labeling equipment for commercial applications.
Many requirements should be reviewed, including regulatory needs, hazard communication, and environmental compatibility. Ultimately, each manufacturer must design a marking and labeling system that works best for the company’s needs while meeting regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.
Labels can be used for many purposes. The design should be carefully planned for each product prior to launch. As you’ll find in this guide, paying attention to details and establishing a routine review process will make labeling practices easier to implement and control.
Increasing globalization, consumer demand for products, and safety oversight requirements have led to a surge in the equipment labeling market. In fact, the market was worth $7.8 billion globally in 2023 and will be worth $11.8 billion by 2030.
While equipment labeling is a requirement in most cases, there are additional benefits to labeling items properly the first time, including:
Cost savings: Proper labeling reduces the risk of misuse and damage, requiring fewer repairs and replacements. In many cases, labels can also reduce downtime by consolidating helpful information in a single view for employees, saving manufacturers thousands in lost productivity.
Equipment manufacturers must manage regulatory requirements from several sources. Each industry has unique requirements to maintain a safe work environment for employees and an acceptable level of product performance for consumers.
Many regulations also cover labeling requirements, and it can be helpful to review some of the basic requirements that apply to major industries.
The main governing body that oversees food and beverage equipment manufacturing is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Equipment labeling must be carried out in a structured way that adheres to accepted Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
Labels can be applied to equipment for product identification, Quality Assurance (QA), and packaging. The United States has some of the best food safety practices in the world and has taken significant strides since the introduction of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
A large portion of the FSMA is dedicated to sanitation practices and strong quality practices. When defining your labeling practices as a food equipment manufacturer, it is essential to review these guidelines and additional regulatory resources, such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls (HARPC).
HARCP provisions are included in the FSMA and combine hazard analysis and risk-based preventive control practices. The identification of hazards present with a product could require special device labels and other warnings to users.
HACCP is a global management standard for analyzing physical, biological, and chemical hazards that may be present at any point in the food and beverage supply chain. While the scope of this standard goes far beyond equipment manufacturing, it is important to properly align hazard analysis and labeling practices from food equipment design through production.
The defense industry is highly regulated. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) uses the Unique Identification (UID) program to monitor sensitive equipment. Manufacturers must comply with these standards and properly label military equipment that falls within the scope defined by the program.
The military document MIL-STD-130, Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property, is the most relevant standard for reviewing UID labeling requirements. Important guidelines include the definition of a UID-controlled asset, how to design a UID label, and important label specifications and compatibility requirements.
The healthcare industry is also highly regulated, with particular attention placed on medical devices. A medical device treats or diagnoses an illness, and manufacturers must ensure that this equipment operates as intended and does not pose any unnecessary risks to patient safety.
The FDA defines medical device labeling requirements in guidance document FDA 89-4203. This publication provides basic definitions for label creation, placement, and readability.
Since 2016, the FDA has also required certain medical device labels to use Unique Identification (UDI) standards, including an entry in a Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID). This system operates similarly to the previous program launched and operated by the U.S. DoD for defense equipment tracking.
In addition to industry-specific resources, consult additional regulatory bodies to learn more about equipment labeling best practices. This includes:
This is just a short list of the many governing bodies that share regulations and guidance materials for equipment manufacturers and other supply chain partners. For example, this list of labeling FAQs from NIST shares some excellent resources, including The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), which defines general packaging and labeling requirements in the United States.
When choosing equipment labels, it is important to define the specific applications for each product. Each application’s performance and durability requirements may differ and affect the selection of label substrate, design, and attachment method selection. Some common equipment label applications are shown in the table below.
| Application | Description | Possible Features |
| Instructional | These labels are an extension of existing procedures and provide operational guidance and warnings to operators and related employees. | Operational guidanceWarningsProcedural instructions |
| Security | Security labels protect product integrity and may include tamper-proofing technologies to deter theft and unauthorized access. | Tamper-proofingAnti-theft Secure access |
| Compliance | A compliance tag shares regulatory information in accordance with local, state, or federal guidelines. | Regulatory complianceLegal requirementsGuidelines |
| Asset Management | Many manufacturers use equipment labels to track assets by assigning unique product numbers, serial numbers, and barcodes. | Product IDsSerial numbersBarcodesTracking features |
| Maintenance | The OEM or a third party may provide maintenance labels and tags to share information such as specifications, operating conditions, and care instructions. | Specification detailsOperating conditionsMaintenance guidelines |
In some cases, a single label can address multiple applications, while in other situations, multiple tags will be required.
As an equipment manufacturer, label selections are a critical activity that can either improve or detract from your customers’ product safety and asset management needs. Therefore, it is always recommended to take a comprehensive approach to defining your product applications and labeling requirements.
Every equipment manufacturer must create a marking and labeling system for their operation. A marking and labeling system defines labeling requirements and explains how the company will select and tag products in an organized and reliable way.
Product labels are extremely important resources that convey information about product operation, safety, and upkeep. By creating routine labeling practices, equipment manufacturers can reduce tagging errors and improve the overall quality of their offerings. In addition to defining application and regulatory requirements, as discussed above, these are a few additional components of an effective marking and labeling system.
An equipment label should last for the lifespan of the asset. It’s important to define compatibility and durability requirements so you can select the appropriate labels for your unique application.
Regulatory standards are an excellent resource to consult for this information. Important factors that could affect marking permanence include indoor and outdoor environments, humidity, adhesive compatibility, and equipment materials.
A testing program ensures that labeling practices strike the right balance of cost and durability. To evaluate label performance, simulate environmental conditions to measure their impact on a chosen label.
Comparing substrate materials (such as aluminum and stainless steel), inks, adhesives, and label stock can provide valuable insight for equipment label selection.
After choosing an appropriate label design, a manufacturer must decide whether to fabricate the tags in-house. Creating labels in-house gives you complete control over label customization from lot to lot and may be very useful for applications that require numerous revisions, such as tracking work in progress (WIP).
On the other hand, a third-party label manufacturer like Metalphoto of Cincinnati can provide unique machining and design capabilities that may be costly to implement with your own equipment. Based on order quantities and design requirements, perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine the best path forward. In either case, labels must be designed and manufactured without errors or defects that affect their durability.
Choose labels constructed of durable substrates and materials that can withstand the operating conditions of your applications, such as harsh environmental conditions, while remaining readable throughout the lifespan of your assets. Metalphoto® anodized aluminum is the material of choice for many applications due to its applicability for outdoor exposure and extreme environmental conditions.
The National Association of Graphic and Product Identification Manufacturers (GPI) Industry Standards and Practices Manual recognized Metalphoto® as the most durable printed aluminum substrate available. Tests conducted by the U.S. Navy found the material has outstanding durability and versatility for permanent asset identification and tracking.
Traceability is a critical component of any OEM equipment labeling program. To maintain regulatory compliance, a company must have a suitable quality program that establishes a reliable standard for record-keeping.
Equipment labels convey safety and product use information that could lead to user harm or even death if not followed properly. Due to potential lawsuits and liability risks, an equipment manufacturer must be ready to prove that their labeling program is effective and addresses all major requirements.
A company must also maintain all required certifications. For example, vehicle and engine manufacturers must understand the Transition Program for Equipment Manufacturers (TPEM) requirements managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
There may also be additional labeling requirements when shipping products internationally. While many countries reference other standards when defining their own programs, unique considerations may affect equipment labeling.
For example, products sold in the European Union (EU) must comply with local safety guidelines and consumer protections. In fact, Europe is the largest market for equipment labeling because of its stringent regulations.
One excellent function of equipment labels is communicating safety information and potential hazards. Some products may be exposed to harsh chemicals or environmental conditions that require highly durable labels with adequate resistance.
It’s important to conduct a thorough assessment of possible hazards that apply to each piece of equipment. A product label can supplement existing workplace industrial safety signs and procedures and truly enhance hazard communication standards. Some of the safety information communicated through product labels are:
Machine safety labeling can help reduce accidents and injuries that may otherwise be more prevalent due to the underlying risks. One important tool that many companies use is a risk assessment, where potential hazards are identified and mitigated through action plans. A risk assessment can also help a company understand the potential financial impact of a particular risk and its priority level.
Implementing an equipment labeling process is essential to improving employee safety, business productivity, and compliance. However, businesses must do more than the bare minimum required for compliance. Investing in the right labeling strategies supports longevity, traceability, and a competitive advantage in an evolving marketplace.
All equipment labels must be in easily readable locations. Instruct employees to avoid obstructed areas or areas prone to excessive wear and dirt. OSHA, ANSI, and ISO guidelines all specify where to place these labels, although all require them to be legible from a standard viewing distance.
In addition, consider equipment ergonomics. Place instructional labels near operating controls so users can quickly reference safety information. For large equipment, duplicate labels on different sides to ensure visibility from all angles.
While the quality of a label’s substrate and fastening method matter, it’s still crucial to follow application best practices to ensure its longevity. Employees should thoroughly clean the equipment surface to remove any dirt or moisture, which could prevent the label from adhering.
Always use the appropriate fastening method for the use case, equipment, and label substrate. For example, select labels designed for high temperatures, chemical exposure, or outdoor environments to ensure the label lasts the lifetime of the asset.
More equipment manufacturers are investing in automated labeling to improve efficiency and accuracy, in addition to enhancing employee capacity. With this best practice, manufacturers use label printer applicators to minimize misalignments.
These systems can also accommodate many label sizes and applications, minimizing waste and labor costs. It’s no wonder why automatic labeling equipment accounted for 54.6% of the labeling equipment market in 2022.
Barcodes are the standard, and they’re still a reliable labeling method. Smart labels, including QR codes, RFID, and NFC, support real-time tracking and transparency.
For example, employees can scan QR codes to not only access equipment safety information, but also its user manual, maintenance history, and much more. This approach reduces the need for multiple labels and signs, streamlining communication and improving safety while reducing costs.
Equipment manufacturers play a vital role in the supply chains of the industries they supply. Properly labeled equipment helps facilitate world-class asset management and adds value to a customer’s safety and performance management.
Labels should be designed and chosen based on application, regulations, and product development requirements and affixed to equipment to maximize readability. Proper planning makes it possible to select high-quality labels that can last for the lifetime of equipment use.
Quality is paramount in manufacturing. When safety and compliance are on the line, go with Metalphoto of Cincinnati for all of your labeling needs.
Our durable substrates, fastening options, and industry expertise help manufacturers maximize their investment in labeling solutions. See the MPC different firsthand: Order your free identification evaluation kit now.
Requirements vary vastly between industries, environments, and equipment types. However, manufacturers must ensure that labels:
It varies depending on machinery type, environment, and other factors. Many manufacturers follow this process to ensure high-quality equipment labeling:
Most manufacturers must provide:
Our sales engineers are experts in automatic asset tracking, tagging and identification,a nd can answer all your questions. Get in touch now.
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