In steel fabrication and galvanizing, small mistakes can turn into big problems fast. When material is moving through a shop floor, staging yard, or galvanizing line, there isn’t time to stop and “figure it out later.” That’s why product identification has to be clear, durable, and consistent from the very beginning.
When parts aren’t properly identified, the results can be costly. Jobs get mixed together, pieces get misplaced, shipments go out incorrectly, and time gets wasted trying to re-sort material. In the worst cases, parts may even need to be reworked or reprocessed, which can quickly eat away at profits and create frustration for both the customer and the team on the floor.
That’s exactly why galvanizers and fabricators rely on tagging systems that are built to handle harsh industrial environments. At InfoSight, three of the most essential identification solutions are the InfoSight Paint Tag, Shot Tag, and Kettle Tag EZ. Each tag is designed to solve a specific problem in the production process, helping ensure every part stays correctly identified from fabrication all the way through final delivery.
Why Product Identification Matters So Much in Galvanizing and Fabrication
Product identification is about much more than simply labeling a part. In reality, it’s what keeps the entire workflow organized. Every tag carries important information such as job numbers, work orders, customer names, part counts, bundle identification, and tracking data that helps material move through the plant correctly.
For many companies, accurate identification is also tied directly to quality control and compliance requirements. If a tag goes missing or becomes unreadable, the entire process becomes vulnerable. Parts can be routed incorrectly, processed under the wrong job, or even shipped to the wrong customer. In busy plants where multiple projects are running at the same time, one missing tag can create a chain reaction of delays.
That’s why galvanizers and fabricators need tagging solutions that can stand up to heat, abrasive blasting, heavy handling, and harsh shop conditions.
InfoSight Paint Tags: Simple, Visible, and Shop-Proven
Paint tags are one of the most common tools used in steel fabrication, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re quick to apply, easy to see, and help keep jobs organized while material is moving through the shop.
The problem is that many standard paint tags don’t hold up very well once they’re exposed to real shop conditions. They can tear, fade, or become unreadable after repeated handling.
The InfoSight Paint Tag is designed specifically for the fabrication environment. These tags stay durable even in busy production settings where material is constantly being moved, stacked, and staged. Their high visibility makes it easy for employees to quickly identify jobs without slowing down workflow.
Paint tags are especially helpful during staging and shipping because they allow crews to sort and organize bundles quickly. When multiple customer jobs are running at the same time, having clear and reliable identification reduces confusion and helps prevent costly mix-ups. They also support printed information and barcode tracking, which helps reduce manual errors and improves traceability throughout the process.
InfoSight Shot Tags: Built for Blasting and Surface Preparation
If there’s one stage of the process that destroys identification systems, it’s surface preparation. Shot blasting and aggressive cleaning methods can quickly destroy standard tags, leaving workers with parts that look identical and no clear way to determine what belongs where.
This is where the InfoSight Shot Tag becomes essential.
Shot tags are engineered specifically to survive harsh blasting environments. They’re designed to withstand abrasive media and surface prep conditions that would easily damage paper tags or lightweight materials. That means job information stays with the part even through one of the most demanding steps in the production workflow.
Shot tags play a major role in keeping production moving efficiently. Without reliable identification at this stage, teams are forced to slow down, re-sort parts manually, and waste valuable time trying to match material back to the correct job. Using shot tags reduces downtime, prevents mistakes, and keeps the process organized from start to finish.
InfoSight Kettle Tag EZ: Made for the Extreme Conditions of Galvanizing
Once steel reaches the galvanizing process, the environment becomes even more demanding. Parts are exposed to extreme heat and harsh handling, and the tagging system must be able to hold up under conditions where many standard tags fail.
The InfoSight Kettle Tag EZ was designed specifically for this purpose. It is built to withstand galvanizing temperatures and remain readable throughout the galvanizing workflow. This ensures parts can be accurately tracked through staging, dipping, cooling, inspection, and final sorting.
Kettle tags are especially important because this stage of the process moves quickly. If identification is lost near the kettle area, it creates immediate delays and increases the risk of mix-ups during sorting and shipment. By keeping job information clearly attached through the entire galvanizing process, the Kettle Tag EZ helps galvanizers maintain efficiency while protecting quality and customer satisfaction.
How Paint Tags, Shot Tags, and Kettle Tags Work Together
Many galvanizers and fabricators use multiple tag types because different steps of the workflow require different levels of durability.
Paint tags are commonly used during fabrication because they provide high visibility and are excellent for staging and organizing material. Shot tags are used when parts need to survive blasting and surface preparation. Kettle Tag EZ is essential when parts move into the galvanizing process and must remain identified through extreme heat.
When used together, these three tag types create a reliable chain of identification. Instead of relying on one tag to survive every environment, companies can apply the right tag at the right stage. The result is stronger traceability, fewer errors, and smoother production flow.
The Business Impact: Less Downtime, Fewer Mistakes, Better Customer Satisfaction
Tagging might seem like a small detail, but in fabrication and galvanizing it directly affects productivity and profitability.
The right identification system helps prevent lost parts, reduces downtime caused by missing tags, and keeps material organized through every step of the process. It also reduces unnecessary rework and handling by ensuring products are routed correctly the first time.
Perhaps most importantly, durable tags reduce shipping mistakes. Sending the wrong parts to a customer doesn’t just cost money—it can damage trust and create long-term issues with customer relationships. When tags stay readable through every stage, teams can confidently sort and ship finished product with accuracy.
Why Galvanizers and Fabricators Choose InfoSight
InfoSight has built its reputation by solving product identification challenges in some of the toughest industrial environments, including steel fabrication, galvanizing, manufacturing, pipe and tube production, and logistics.
Our tags are built for real-world use, not ideal conditions. Whether your biggest challenge is harsh blasting environments, extreme heat exposure, or simply keeping jobs organized on a fast-moving shop floor, InfoSight provides proven solutions that help plants stay efficient and accurate.
Final Thoughts: Identification Keeps Everything Moving
Paint tags, shot tags, and kettle tags aren’t just accessories—they’re essential tools that keep galvanizers and fabricators running smoothly.
When steel is correctly identified at every stage, production becomes more efficient, mistakes are reduced, and customers receive the right product on time. Investing in durable tagging solutions is one of the simplest ways to improve workflow, protect your reputation, and prevent expensive errors.
InfoSight’s Paint Tag, Shot Tag, and Kettle Tag EZ are built to help galvanizers and fabricators maintain reliable identification from fabrication through galvanizing and final shipment.
