Label Presence and Absence Verification


In fast-moving logistics environments, label placement can be inconsistent. Even in manufacturing, where label placement is more consistent, errors can lead to defective, misplaced, or absent labels. Manual visual checks can miss print defects or yield false rejects of good products. Vision tools that combine pattern matching and edge detection can reliably find labels, even accommodating for vibration, skew, or timing variation. Automated real‑time feedback on placement and angle allows for immediate process correction to keep both throughput and quality high. This boosts first‑pass yield, reduces misroutes, and maintains quality standards at line speed.

Zebra FS80 Hands-Free Overhead Scanning in a Warehouse setting

Detect label presence, placement, and angle at line speed so packing, sorting, and shipping stay on track

Zebra FS80 verifies PCB label containing code and OCR

Locate labels reliably

For simple barcode labels, Zebra Fixed Industrial Scanners provide a compact all-in-one solution for verifying label presence and contents in manufacturing and logistics environments. Integrated optics and lighting simplify integration, whilst the built-in Aurora Focus code-reading software streamlines the setup and configuration of code-reading applications into a simple 3-step process. Fixed scanners can be configured to trigger on presence for simple overhead scanning applications or paired with external triggers for automated workflows. A simple license upgrade provides access to additional machine vision tools, such as Deep Learning-based OCR for additional label verification checks.

Zebra VS40 scanning cardboard boxes on conveyor belt

Deploy smart cameras

For more sophisticated label inspection requiring presence/absence verification of the label and individual elements within, Zebra smart cameras, such as NS42 Smart Vision Sensor or the Iris GTX, provide a compact yet powerful solution. Move beyond presence checks by setting tolerance windows for X‑Y position and rotation. This flags skewed or misplaced labels before they cause rework. If a product doesn’t pass inspection, the smart camera can send data to automatically divert it via a reject mechanism, while good items advance. Position, result data, and optional images can be saved with warehouse or production systems for full traceability and root cause analysis.

Screenshot of Aurora Design Assistant Label Presence Absence

Tune tolerances and prove quality

Aurora Design Assistant machine vision software provides a wealth of field-proven templates and tools for label verification applications, including Locate Object, Locate Edge, and Locate Circle tools that confirm label presence and position even when packages shift or lighting changes. Edge detection locks borders; circle finding anchors to fiducials, such as holes, marks, or graphics. Each inspection returns X‑Y coordinates, rotation, confidence score, and pass/fail against set tolerances. This removes manual checks, relieves bottlenecks at print‑and‑apply, and improves label accuracy on high‑throughput lines.

Talk to a Partner

Need more information on what solution is right for your needs? A partner can help.

Talk to Sales

Connect with our pre-sales team to get more information about our products, solutions and how to purchase.

Select Your Location: