Are Intelligent Labels the Future?

PackageIt Team • February 7, 2023

At a time when smart technology is becoming increasingly commonplace in businesses, the idea of an intelligent label may sound like the stuff of science fiction.


But 'smart labels' are becoming increasingly common within e-commerce businesses, packaging design, and development processes.


And it may just be what you will need to be using to nudge your business forward… labels and beyond.

But what are they and why are they the future? Let’s take a look.


Why Labels Are Gaining Importance Today

Intelligent Labels

First, why are labels so important today?


Consumers are more and more educated, and we are no longer content to trust manufacturers blindly. So, labels provide information about ingredients, manufacturing processes, product safety certification, and more.


With growing awareness of healthy eating habits and sustainable production practices, consumers want to know what they're putting into, onto, and around their bodies; they want to know where items come from and how they were manufactured.


Information on packaging equips buyers with the knowledge to make informed decisions on the environment, certifications, trade practices and personal health.

Labels, Tags, RFID, Intelligent Labels:

What's the Difference?


The thing about labels is that there are different types. Knowing all these label types help you decide which one is best for your business.


Basic, ordinary labels are the common sightings: plastered with words and pictures to tell us about a product.

Tags work a little differently — they're often attached with strings or wires, providing an extra layer of security.


But there's even more advanced labeling technology available. For instance, RFID tags use radio waves to store data about a product. Unfortunately, these need special equipment to be read. Thus, the introduction of intelligent labels. These labels can store digital information, and thanks to their universal scanner-readability, anyone can access them.


What Are Intelligent Labels?

What are intelligent labels?

Intelligent labels are a solution that has been around since computers started entering the marketplace.


An intelligent label is a computer-readable, two-dimensional label containing relevant product information.


An intelligent shipping label gives organizations, like inventory management and shipping companies, quick and accurate access to the data they need.


A great feature of intelligent shipping labels is that they don't require specialized hardware or software: no barcode readers, no infrared readers, no RFID tags — none of it!


Intelligent labels make it easy for anyone with a standard scanner to identify and track goods more efficiently.


Furthermore, more complex uses have been developed, such as ensuring safety compliance on industrial machinery or tracking shipments.

So, Are Intelligent Labels the Future?


If our future looks anything like today, then yes — intelligent labels are likely to dominate shipping and packaging trends.


Here are some reasons why we think that's true:


Increased Product Information Access

The days of manually tracking inventory are long gone, in part, thanks to intelligent labels. Intelligent labels can store enormous amounts of data in a fraction of the space that traditional barcodes require.


This means that companies have access to real-time information on their supply chain. This allows them to make smarter decisions regarding production, inventory, shipping timelines, and more.


More Than Just Data Tracking

But intelligent labels offer so much more than just data tracking. They can also help companies better engage with their customers.


Intelligent labels can be used for promotional campaigns where customers who scan their products may receive exclusive discounts or rewards, a great way to increase customer loyalty.


Cost Savings

Finally, intelligent labels offer cost savings due to their ability to reduce waste by eliminating unnecessary printing costs associated with traditional labeling methods.


Because these labels are digital by nature, they don't require any physical storage space or maintenance — saving even more money in the long run.


And because intelligent labels are easily customizable, businesses can quickly make changes without ordering new labels every time something needs updating.


Label Your Future With PackageIt


Intelligent labels are a must-have for businesses looking to optimize operations and track data more effectively.



They provide valuable insights and data tracking capabilities and can also be used for promotional campaigns and save money in the long run.


And, with so many potential benefits, it's no wonder smart labeling is quickly becoming a standard within the industry. So why not take advantage of everything intelligent labels have to offer?


If you are interested in intelligent labels, need basic label, tags or are curious about other custom labeling options, the packaging experts at PackageIt are ready to help. Check us out at packageit.com or contact us today.


From low prices to fast turnarounds, we're confident you'll be thoroughly impressed with our comprehensive services and satisfaction guarantee.

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