How to Label Patch Panels with Prolab® Patch Panel Module

The intricacies of patch panel labelling extend beyond simply printing text on adhesive strips. IT professionals must navigate the myriad of panel types, each with its own specifications and labelling requirements. Traditional methods often involve ordering pre-printed labels from external suppliers, a process that introduces delays, potential errors, and inflexibility when changes occur.

These challenges multiply in fast-paced environments where changes are frequent. A single mislabelled port can lead to hours of troubleshooting, while inconsistent labelling makes future maintenance unnecessarily difficult. The solution needs to be fast, accurate, and flexible enough to handle whatever panel arrives on site.

The Prolab® Patch Panel Module is a dedicated component within Labacus Innovator® Professional software, designed specifically for creating patch panel labels. It transforms what was once a time-consuming process into something that can be completed in minutes, directly at the point of installation.

The module works with any OEM patch panel, whether copper or fibre. Engineers measure the panel once, configure the template, and save it for future use. When combined with the Fox-in-a-Box® thermal printer, complete label strips can be produced at speeds of up to 100mm per second, allowing up to 60 panels to be labelled per minute.

The Prolab® Patch Panel Module is included with Labacus Innovator® Professional, and Silver Fox® provides free-of-charge training, support, and software updates to ensure users can maximise its capabilities. For teams already using the Advanced or Professional software levels, the module is ready to use immediately.

The process of creating patch panel labels with the Prolab® Patch Panel Module follows a straightforward workflow designed with the engineer at the coal face in mind. Every step is optimised for speed without sacrificing accuracy.

1. 1

   Measure the Panel

   Use a ruler or calipers to measure port spacing, label window dimensions, and overall strip length. These measurements form the foundation of your template.

2. 2

   Configure the Template

   Enter measurements into Labacus Innovator®. The software calculates port positions automatically. Save the template for future panels of the same type.

3. 3

   Enter Label Data

   Type port identifiers directly, import from a spreadsheet, or pull data from integrated cable testing platforms like Fluke Networks® or AEM.

4. 4

   Print and Apply

   Print labels using Fox-in-a-Box® thermal transfer technology. The same printer and ribbon used for cable labels work seamlessly for patch panel strips.

The ability to save templates is particularly valuable for contractors who work with the same panel types across multiple sites. Measure once, and the configuration is ready whenever that panel type appears again. This consistency also helps maintain labelling standards across large organisations with distributed infrastructure.

One of the most significant sources of error in network documentation comes from transcription, the manual process of entering cable IDs from test reports into labelling software. A single typo can create a mismatch between physical labels and certification records that persists for the lifetime of the installation.

Silver Fox® has addressed this by integrating Labacus Innovator® with leading cable testing platforms. These integrations allow engineers to import test data directly into the labelling software, ensuring that labels, test reports, and documentation all reference exactly the same identifiers.

Fluke Networks® LinkWare™ Live Integration

The integration with Fluke Networks® LinkWare™ Live creates a seamless workflow between cable certification and labelling. Test results uploaded from Versiv™ testers to the LinkWare™ Live cloud can be downloaded directly into Labacus Innovator®, eliminating manual data entry entirely.

The workflow begins with project creation in LinkWare™ Live, where test settings and cable IDs are defined. Engineers use Versiv™ testers to certify each link, with results uploading automatically to the cloud. Labacus Innovator® then imports this data, allowing labels to be generated that perfectly match the certification documentation.

AEM Integration

Silver Fox® has also partnered with AEM Precision Cable Test to deliver integration with their TestPro CV100 and Network Service Assistant (NSA) platforms. This integration uses a CSV-based workflow that operates entirely offline, making it ideal for field teams working in secure or remote locations.

The AEM integration works in four steps: create a CSV file with label data in TestDataPro software, save to USB, import the USB data into the AEM tester, then use the AEM CSV Import button in Labacus Innovator® to bring the data into your label design. The imported information is immediately available for use across patch panel labels, cable wraps, and any other label type.

For more information on getting started with these integrations, see our guides to Fluke Networks® LinkWare™ Live and AEM integration.

The versatility of the Prolab® Patch Panel Module makes it valuable across multiple sectors where structured cabling forms the backbone of operations.

Data Centres

In data centre environments where managing vast amounts of connections is paramount, the ability to label panels accurately and efficiently reduces the risk of misconnections and potential downtime. Mercury Engineering, working on data centre projects, reduced their labelling time from three weeks with a previous supplier to just three days with Silver Fox®. For more on how cable labelling affects data centre projects, see our article on efficient cable labelling and data centre deadlines.

Telecommunications

For telecom operators, where network reliability underpins everything, clear patch panel labelling aids in swift restoration of services following outages. The integration with cable testing platforms ensures that labels and certification records remain aligned, simplifying regulatory compliance and customer handover documentation.

Corporate Networks

Within corporate IT departments, where changes and expansions happen regularly, the Prolab® Patch Panel Module enables rapid response to moves, adds, and changes. Templates can be shared across teams to maintain consistent labelling standards, while the one-printer, one-ribbon approach means no specialist equipment is required beyond what teams already use for cable labelling.

While the Prolab® Patch Panel Module simplifies the labelling process significantly, following a few best practices will help ensure optimal results across your projects.

Accurate Measurement

The quality of your labels depends on accurate panel measurements. Use calipers rather than a tape measure for precision, and verify measurements against the first printed strip before committing to a full batch. Save time by photographing panel dimensions for reference when creating templates back at the office.

Consistent Naming Conventions

Adopt a naming scheme that follows ANSI/TIA-606-C guidelines where applicable. This ensures your labels remain meaningful to anyone who works on the infrastructure in future. For a deeper understanding of labelling standards, see our guide to ANSI TIA 606-B Cable Labelling Standards.

Leverage Integration

If you are using Fluke Networks® or AEM testers, take advantage of the integration capabilities. The few minutes spent setting up the data import pays dividends in eliminated transcription errors and matched documentation.

The Prolab® Patch Panel Module, combined with Fox-in-a-Box® and integration with cable testing platforms from Fluke Networks® and AEM, represents a complete solution for patch panel labelling challenges. By bringing the entire process in-house and connecting it directly to your certification workflow, you can eliminate delays, reduce errors, and maintain consistency across every project.