When planning for new equipment or updating existing designs, nameplates are often one of the last components considered. While they may seem minor compared to mechanical or electrical elements, nameplate decisions made late in the process can lead to delays, rework, and unnecessary cost.
Taking a proactive approach to nameplates early in the design and planning stages helps streamline production, improve consistency, and reduce total cost over the life of the product.
Waiting until the end of the project to design the nameplate often creates avoidable issues. Late-stage decisions may require rushed artwork approvals, unexpected tooling adjustments, or unfortunate compromises on materials and finishes.
Planning ahead can mean giving engineering or design teams enough time to align nameplate size, placement, branding cohesiveness, and attachment methods with the overall product design from the start.
We've said it time and time again, not all nameplates are suited for every environment. Heat, UV exposure, chemicals, and washdowns can all impact performance.
Reduce maintenance, replacement labor, costs, and downtime by choosing a durable substrate like aluminum or stainless steel at the beginning. Early material selection ensures nameplates are built to perform in real-world conditions - not just in theory.
Click here to download our free eBook for a deep dive on our substrate offerings.
For more information about long-lasting product identification, click to read our blog, Sun, Rain, Clean, Repeat: Product Identification that Lasts
From a procurement standpoint, unclear or late specifications often lead to expedited orders, increased costs, and limited options.
With limited lead time, options are restricted and costs increase. When specifications are defined earlier, purchasing departments can plan orders more efficiently and avoid unnecessary premiums. Early planning also opens the door to standardizing nameplates across product lines, simplifying ordering, and inventory management.
Consistency in nameplate design benefits both branding and usability.
If your company produces multiple equipment or product models with different nameplate or ID plate layouts and information formats, service techs could struggle to quickly locate key details. Standardizing the design in the beginning improves usability, reduces confusion, and helps maintain a consistent, professional brand appearance.
If you'd like information on using patterns and textures to identify product lines, click here!
If you'd like to download our ebook, 'Is Your Product Effective?' click here!
Early planning may require more upfront attention, but it often leads to long-term savings.
By investing in more durable materials and attachment methods during the design phase, you can reduce the need for replacements in the future - saving on labor, downtime, and repeat orders.
Involving McLoone early in your project allows for collaboration and feedback on materials, finishes, and manufacturability; resulting in smoother manufacturing and the potential for fewer revisions once we go into production!
Nameplates may be a small component, but their impact on cost, efficiency, and compliance is significant. Planning ahead helps ensure your product identification supports the product throughout its lifecycle, rather than becoming a recurring problem.
Ready to get started? You can reach out to our Customer Care team or you can Request a Quote here!