GS1 Golli – Selecting the label printer
In this instruction, the most important things about printing package labels have been explained. You can inquire more detailed information about printers and labels from their suppliers.
In the GS1 Golli service, electronic despatch advice messages are sent to recipients and logistic labels with delivery information are attached to the pallets. Recipients can record the deliveries as received in their own systems by reading the barcodes that have been printed to the logistic labels. Barcodes should be of good quality and easy to read with reception scanners.
The printer is selected according to the required label sizes. Printers are manufactured in several widths and are referred to as print widths in inches: e.g. 2", 4", 6", and 8" inches.
You can test printing with the test prints found at the bottom of the GS1 Golli login page.
Package label sizes
| Logistic label for homogeneous logistic unit, A5 | Logistic label for mixed pallet, A6 | Outer package label, A7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6" inch printer (print width 168 mm) | 4" inch printer (print width 104 mm) | 4" inch printer (print width 104 mm) | |
| DISTRIBUTION CENTER DELIVERY | x | (not frequently used) | |
| DIRECT DELIVERY | x | ||
| CROSS DOCKING DELIVERY | x | x | |
| TRANSPORTATION CENTER DELIVERY | (not frequently used) | x |
You can download the template labels from the files at the bottom of this page.
Print resolution
Label printers can be compared, for example based on print resolution and speed. The resolution unit DPI (dots per inch) describes the number of pixels per unit length. In printing of the barcode labels, enough accuracy is usually 200 dpi. GS1 logistic labels contain GS1-128 barcodes that are large and easy to read. More accurate print resolution is usually not necessary.
Printing technology
Typically, thermal-transfer printing or direct thermal printing is used to print labels. GS1 Finland recommends thermal-transfer printing for labels containing barcodes.
- The advantage of thermal transfer printing is that the labels remain good at room temperature, even at cool and frozen temperatures. The labels printed with thermal transfer printing will last for several years.
- In direct thermal printing, the labels are sensitive to temperature changes, rubbing and sunlight.
Label material
When printing logistic labels, it is recommended to use plastic labels. The recipient recycles the plastic films of the pallets with their labels as a plastic waste, so the label material must also be plastic.
Label and printing suppliers
GS1 Finland does not sell, supply, or install any type of labels or printers. Help with printer selection, product information, prices, and installation instructions can be obtained from equipment vendors.