Don't come unstuck

Marking installations with whatever materials you have at hand can be a very easy trap for installers to fall into. Writing on cables or ports with markers, for example, will get your installation swiftly labelled with the minimum of effort. The same goes for labelling with pen and tape or Post-It Notes.

However, when it comes to looking at the entire lifetime of an installation, this choice may turn out to be rather more costly than originally planned.

Makeshift labels can easily smudge and become unreadable, which makes troubleshooting, repairs and upgrades increasingly problematic and prone to error. The result of this is wasted time and money for the installer, and when these labelling issues lead to increased downtime, it can also be costly for your hard-to-please customers.

As well as suffering from illegibility, makeshift labels can often be subject to limited durability. Post-Its and tape aren't likely to remain on the range of cables and panels you need to identify, as each surface places different physical demands on labelling materials and adhesives.

Harsh environments

Similarly, labelling that will be exposed to harsh environments can't be expected to last unless the material used was specifically designed for the task. Outdoor labels, for example, have to put up with UV, moisture, and temperature fluctuation, whereas industrial labels are typically exposed to solvents and corrosive chemicals. Expecting makeshift labels to last in these conditions is playing a very risky game, especially with a range of affordable and easy to use alternatives on the market.

In recent years, handheld labelling has advanced to the point that professional installers can rely on a single portable device to provide for their labelling needs. The right labeller should give you the flexibility to mark-up a range of surfaces, including cables, ports and panels, which improves labelling consistency across your installation.

More professional job

Using a professional label device also portrays a more professional level of workmanship, while at the same time reducing the likelihood of errors by keeping a closer track of ports and cables. That's why, when opting for an automated labelling device, it is key that the functionality provided matches the requirements of your business. Security installers, for example, will require a mixture of durable materials, varying label formats and time-saving functions for on-site labelling.

To solve this problem there are a number of labelling devices available, including the Rhino 3000 (see panel). A secure system relies on secure labelling, and nowhere could that be more pertinent than in the security industry. To avoid errors, the key is to find the most appropriate kind of labelling system for you.