PanatrackerGP automatically prints item labels from many transactions based on configuration setup.

Overview

Label printing requires a third-party label printing solution. Panatrack recommends NiceLabel. BarTender label software can also be used.

How Automated Labels Work

1. PanatrackerGP creates a label print job file containing item details, printer, and print quantity
2. A view identifies item details to print on labels
3. Job file saves to a directory monitored by label printing software (typically NiceLabel)
4. Automation Manager reads the file and prints labels
5. Label jobs store in Panatracker portal with timestamp and source transaction for reprinting

Desktop Labels

Desktop labels print on demand from a computer using the label printing software.

Label Types

Four item label definitions are available:

• Bulk (Quantity) Tracked Items — Standard inventory items
• Serial Tracked Items — Individual serial number tracking
• Lot Tracked Items — Batch/lot number tracking
• Non-Inventory Items — PO receiving support

Third-Party Software Benefits

Label printing software provides:

• Native support for nearly every printer manufacturer
• Label printing functions outside Panatracker application (bin location labels, on-demand printing)
• Multiple barcode symbology support including complex barcodes (GS1-128)

Label Design Best Practices

Panatrack's professional services team assists with label size selection and data identification.

Label Size Considerations

Base label size on your smallest item requiring a label. Use 2D barcodes to enable smaller labels when needed. For small items with a single stock area, stock area labels can hold item information.

Recommended Label Data

Include this data:

• Item Code — Barcode and human-readable text
• Item Description — Text (may use smaller font)

For Serial Tracked Items:

• Serial number as barcode with human-readable text
• Consider combining item code and serial number in single barcode for small labels
• PanatrackerGP parses data to correct fields when scanned
• PanaCode — Panatrack's standard for 2D barcodes

For Lot Tracked Items:

• Lot number as barcode (same logic as serialized inventory)
• Manufacture date (optional)
• Expire date (optional)

Data to Exclude from Labels

Do not include:

• Site or Bin Location — System tracks location; label becomes invalid when item moves
• Quantity — GP tracks quantities; include only if unit will never be altered (e.g., pallet with fixed quantity)
• Any changeable data — Exclude data that may change during processes

Label Testing and Best Practices

Test barcodes thoroughly before labeling existing inventory.

Barcode Testing

Critical considerations:

• GP Data Spaces — GP data includes padded spaces that must be trimmed in your view; untrimmed spaces make barcodes unusable
• Code 3 of 9 Symbology — Requires prefix and suffix asterisk (*) character; missing characters prevent scanning
• Scan Distance — Verify barcodes can be read from required distance before mass printing
• Location Labels — 2D barcodes are ideal for location labels read from a distance

About NiceLabel

NiceLabel and BarTender are third-party solutions that augment PanatrackerGP functionality. Panatrack is a NiceLabel reseller with support limitations.

Panatrack Support Includes

• Training on label designer during label format setup
• Adjusting or defining views to support label formats
• Desktop label printing setup
• Limited troubleshooting for automation functions

Recommended Support Plan

Purchase NiceLabel software maintenance and support plan for access to their resources. Panatrack bridges communication between you and NiceLabel support when needed. Additional costs for services, upgrades, and other NiceLabel features are separate from your Panatrack investment.