In regulated manufacturing, such as medical device and aerospace, accuracy and traceability are critical – not only for tracking finished products through distribution, but also for raw materials, tools, chemicals, and equipment within the manufacturing site. Misidentification or poor tracking of these internal assets can lead to production delays, compliance risks, costly scrap, and audit complications.

To address these challenges, more precision manufacturers are turning to barcode labeling solutions to digitize and standardize internal goods management. By integrating barcoded material identification, manufacturers are improving operational efficiency while maintaining full compliance with industry standards such as ISO 13485, ISO 9001, AS9100, and cGMP.

GMP Labeling, in partnership with Zebra Technologies, provides complete solutions for internal goods labeling – combining durable label materials with best-in-class printing and scanning hardware to deliver reliable identification from receiving to final use.

In regulated manufacturing environments accuracy and traceability are not limited to finished goods. Every component, MRO supply, production tool, and piece of equipment must be tracked with precision to ensure compliance, product quality, and operational efficiency. Historically, this was accomplished with handwritten labels, tags, and logs.

Misidentification or poor tracking of these internal goods can create serious consequences, including:

• Production delays when materials can’t be quickly located or verified
• Compliance risks during audits or inspections
• Costly waste from using the wrong lot or expired materials
• Reduced efficiency due to time spent manually recording and cross-checking data

To meet these challenges, manufacturers are increasingly implementing barcode-based internal goods management systems.

The production environment continues to evolve and become more complex while demands put on quality departments, operations teams, and supply chain managers adds pressure. Companies are addressing these challenges by implementing software and systems within the plant and across the supply chain.

There is no shortage of systems and applications available to manufacturing teams. While each may focus on specific use cases such as quality management systems (QMS), manufacturing execution systems (MES), warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise asset management (EAM), etc. almost all require the ability to interact with the real, physical world.

A barcode labeling process for internal goods creates a standardized, scannable identifier for every material and tool in the facility. When paired with a digital inventory or ERP system, barcode scanning enables:

• Automated data capture – eliminating manual entry eros
• Consistent identification – using the same format across departments and facilities
• Real-time tracking – maintaining an unbroken chain of custody from receiving through use
• Audit readiness – with easily accessible, verifiable records

This same approach – proven in high stakes healthcare delivery settings – delivers equally powerful results upstream in manufacturing, where precision and control are just as critical.

In regulated manufacturing, a single misidentified batch of raw material can cause compliance issues, lead to product recalls, force costly rework, or even halt production. Barcode labeling and scanning, coupled with an effective process, can:

• Standardize how materials are identified and stored
• Create a complete digital record of when and where each item was used
• Support ISO, FDA, and AS9100 documentation requirements
• Allow quick retrieval of material history during audits

By reducing dependency on manual data entry, barcode systems help ensure that materials are issued, used, and tracked according to established procedures – protecting both operational efficiency and compliance status.

A well-implemented barcode system for internal goods not only improves traceability – it speeds up day-to-day work. For example:

• Material retrieval becomes faster because scanning instantly verifies the correct item.
• Issuing and returning tools is streamlined, reducing downtime.
• Receiving processes are accelerated by printing and applying compliant labels immediately upon intake.

By minimizing errors and delays, barcode labeling reduces costly scrap and rework while increasing productivity across the shop floor and warehouse.

As a trusted provider to regulated manufacturers, GMP Labeling delivers complete internal goods labeling solutions, powered by Zebra Technologies hardware and software.

• A full portfolio of stock labels using vibrant colors for quick and easy status identification

• Zebra desktop and industrial printers for durable, compliant barcode labels
• Thermal transfer printing options with materials engineered for cleanroom, chemical, and temperature resistance
• Formats that protect sensitive data while meeting regulatory standards

• High-performance Zebra scanners that read 1D and 2D barcodes on labels in any condition
• Engineered for manufacturing environments – rugged, disinfectant ready, and long-term reliability
• Zebra mobile devices that scan barcodes and connect directly to ERP or inventory systems
• Ruggedized to handle manufacturing conditions, with long-lasting batteries for full-shift performance

• GMP Labeling’s own range of durable label stocks, adhesives, and ribbons tested for cleanroom, cryogenic, and industrial use
• Tamper-evident available for calibration, chemical, and high-value asset labeling

• Zebra’s Print DNA and DataCapture DNA software for fast, accurate printing and scanning
• Integration support to connect barcode data with existing ERP or MES platforms

Implementing an internal goods barcoding system requires more than just printers and scanners – it demands a tailored approach. GMP Labeling provides:

• Industry-specific expertise in regulated manufacturing environments
• Custom label design for standardized formats and variable data that works for your operations
• On-site or remote implementation support
• Ongoing supply replenishment to keep operations running smoothly

With our combination of durable labels, Zebra hardware, and expert implementation, manufacturers can create a fully integrated internal goods management system that delivers accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.

Barcode labeling is no longer just for finished goods. In regulated manufacturing, it’s an essential tool for managing internal goods with the same precision and control demanded by compliance standards.

By partnering with GMP Labeling and Zebra Technologies, manufacturers can implement a robust, efficient, and compliant barcoding system – without disrupting ongoing operations.