Get Your Ink Department Dialed In: Organizing with a Shelf Location System

Get Your Ink Department Dialed In: Organizing with a Shelf Location System

If there’s one thing that slows a shop down, it’s searching for ink. Time spent hunting is time not spent printing. A clean, structured ink room keeps jobs moving.

Start with Standardization

Use the same style and size of bucket for every ink. Clear buckets let you identify colors instantly without opening lids. Label each bucket with Pantone information and mix details in the same spot every time. Anyone grabbing ink should know exactly what they’re holding.

Build a Shelf Location System

Create a labeled shelf layout.

Shelves labeled: A, B, C

Each shelf has three rows: A-1 (top), A-2 (middle), A-3 (bottom)

Each row has positions: A1-1, A1-2, A1-3, etc.

Assign every ink a permanent position. If Pantone 186C lives at B3-4, add that location to its label. It returns to that spot after press work.

Make It Searchable

Log inks in a spreadsheet or tool like Monday.com. Include:

Pantone color

Mix formula

Shelf location

Look up a Pantone number and the system reveals the exact shelf and row. No scanning the wall.

Cut Downtime, Boost Output

A simple, consistent system reduces motion, prevents mistakes, and keeps teams printing instead of searching. The workflow becomes predictable and fast.

Beyond Ink

Apply the same shelf-location logic to gloves, tape, trash bags, spray adhesive, and squeegees. When everything has a home and that home is labeled, production stays efficient and uninterrupted.