8 people who should always be part of your label design process

Designing or updating an industrial labeling process involves more than just picking label color and printing barcodes. It’s a complex effort that touches many parts of your business — from production and quality control to data management and compliance with industry regulations. Including the right people in your label design team from the beginning can save a lot of time and stress both short and long term. 

But who are these people? Read on to learn who we recommend you include on your label design team from day one and why. 

Production or manufacturing manager

Your production or manufacturing manager has the contextual understanding to make sure your new labeling solution fits smoothly into your existing workflow. They know your assembly line’s daily challenges (like where a label can be placed on a product without slowing things down, or how labels might react to chemicals or cryogenic temperatures).  By involving them early, you reduce the risk of downtime during new label implementation.

Quality assurance (QA) specialist

When you’re making or tracking thousands of parts, it’s vital that every label holds up during handling, storage, or transport. A QA specialist can test labels to confirm they stay readable under real-world conditions. From exposure to heat and moisture to general wear and tear, QA focuses on guaranteeing that your labels will stand the test of time. Their oversight helps you avoid issues like faded barcodes or peeling stickers that might lead to errors in tracking or returns from unhappy customers.

Compliance or regulatory officer

If you operate in a regulated industry — like pharmaceuticals, BioTech, or automotive manufacturing — this person will make sure your labels meet all the required laws and guidelines. By consulting them early, you don’t have to worry about revising labels at the last minute due to a missing safety symbol or incorrect language. Their job is to protect you from fines, recalls, and the headache of dealing with legal violations.

Engineering or R&D manager

Sometimes labeling isn’t as simple as sticking a label on a box. In high-tech or high-stress environments, where products are exposed to extreme heat or corrosive substances, for example, an engineering or R&D manager can advise on the right adhesives, coating materials, or protective layers. They also help you figure out whether certain labels need advanced technologies such as RFID or specialized barcodes. Their technical expertise keeps you from adopting a solution that might fail in harsh conditions.

Pro tip >> Don’t have an engineer who specializes in labels on hand? CleanMark’s team can make sure your labels are customized for your unique use case.

IT or software specialist

If your labels require data, like batch numbers, expiration dates, or sequential serial codes, an IT specialist can help link your label printers to any databases or software you’re using. This integration saves time and reduces errors because the system can automatically fill in the correct information. It also means you can track products more efficiently. By involving IT as soon as possible, you’ll avoid compatibility headaches and keep your production data accurate and up to date.

Project manager

A Project Manager (PM) is your organizational anchor, making sure every part of the labeling project runs on schedule and within budget. They coordinate meetings, track deadlines, and clarify what’s needed from each person. With a strong PM’s oversight, you won’t risk overlooking something critical. Their work keeps everyone aligned and focused on a successful, on-time rollout.

Procurement or purchasing team

While you might not think about procurement right away, these folks are responsible for finding and buying both the labels themselves and any additional equipment, such as automatic applicators, that you’ll need to implement them into your workflow.  They manage relationships with suppliers, make sure that new orders arrive when you need them to, and check that you’re not paying more than necessary. Their guidance is especially useful if you’re aiming for bulk discounts or if you need specialty items that only certain vendors can supply.

A reliable label producer — like CleanMark!

The reality is that most companies don’t have the expertise, time, or equipment to design their own labels. That’s why one of the most important members of your team is an experienced label producer. Partnering with CleanMark’s team of label experts puts practical, first-hand expertise at your fingertips. Our team has guided countless projects across various industries, so we’re able to recommend tried-and-true materials, adhesives, and printing techniques that truly fit your needs. We also provide samples and prototypes for real-world testing, so you can verify how our custom labels perform in your environment before you commit to a large-scale order. 

Ready to assemble your label design team? 

When you build the right label design team from day one, you have the advantage of having insights from across your organization. This cross-team approach means fewer last-minute surprises, smoother daily operations, and stronger peace of mind. Whether you’re tracking batches of components, shipping materials across the country, or complying with strict industry regulations, having the right stakeholders in place makes the entire labeling project both simpler and more successful. 

And, with CleanMark at your side, you’ll be equipped with expert guidance and quality materials every step of the way, ensuring that your industrial labeling solution is built to last.

Let’s get started! Schedule your consultation with one of our label experts today.