Contributed Article
Versatile mobile labelling printers allow installers to clearly label inventory regardless of environmental conditions
Telecom engineers and field crews can now print durable cable identification on site, according to labelling specialist Brady, which has updated its mobile labelling offerings to target the needs of network maintenance and installation.
Brady’s portable printers are capable of producing specialised labels for a wide range of engineering needs, from self-laminating cable labels, flags, sleeves, engraved plate replacements and Velcro-compatible BradyGrip tags. These labels are designed to remain attached and legible on cables and components for up to 20 years.
The printing devices have been built with rugged operating environments in mind, from outdoor cabinets and manholes to poles and antenna masts, and have subsequently been designed to withstand UV exposure, dust and moisture, as confirmed by in-house laboratory testing.
A second strand of the product set is a vehicle inventory and asset-tracking capability. Using passive, battery-free UHF RFID labels, the location of tools and consumables in a service vehicle can automatically be verified or flagged as missing using an RFID reader in the vehicle itself. In this way, engineers can dramatically reduce the time spent looking for misplaced equipment and save money on expensive replacements.
Long-lasting labelling has become more important as operators face denser fibre deployments and stricter traceability requirements. Unambiguous cable identification can reduce repair times and avoid accidental cuts during network works – a practical efficiency and risk-reduction benefit for operators juggling plant complexity and contracted field teams.
Brady provides a downloadable cable-identification guide aimed at helping installers meet labelling standards and streamline on-site printing workflows. The vendor positions its mobile printers as a way to avoid the delays and errors associated with pre-printed labels. For network managers evaluating field tools, durability claims and independent test data will be key to assessing whether mobile printing delivers net savings in maintenance and fault-repair operations.
Brady manufactures every element of its labelling systems, including labels, printers and software, and its offerings are already used by large telecom operators in France, Germany, Italy and the UK.
Interested in reliable identification solutions to keep telecom cables identified for up to 20 years?
