Dimensioning systems are widely recognized for their role in shipping operations, but their benefits extend far beyond calculating cube for shipping. From optimizing warehouse storage to enhancing order fulfillment, implementing a reliable dimensioning system can significantly improve a distribution center’s (D.C.) efficiency and accuracy.
For anyone who has manually gathered weight and dimensional data on packages, the process can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Dimensioning systems eliminate this hassle by automating measurements with precision. Instead of using rulers or tape measures, users simply place an item on a cubing device, and the system does the rest.
“You can never come close to that with a tape measure,” says Randy Neilson, President of Cubiscan, a leader in dimensioning and cubing technology. “Cubing systems can improve your overall accuracy and consistency.”
1. Facility Design
When planning a new facility, designers require detailed product data, including dimensions and weight, to make informed decisions. This information helps determine storage types, picking and packing areas, and facility layout, ensuring a well-optimized operation.
2. Maximizing Storage Space
Accurate dimensional data enables warehouses to optimize storage capacity. Once SKUs have been measured and weighed, the data is uploaded into a warehouse management system (WMS) to determine the best storage locations. This not only maximizes space utilization but also ensures items fit securely in assigned slots.
3. Optimized Slotting
Dimensioning systems feed critical SKU data into slotting software, which, combined with order frequency data, optimizes product placement within pick zones. This strategic arrangement improves picking efficiency, reducing travel time, and increasing order fulfillment speed.
4. Picking Efficiency
Incorrect carton selection can result in wasted space, increased shipping costs, and inefficient packing. With dimensional data, picking systems can suggest the right carton size, reducing wasted packing materials and improving overall efficiency.
5. Automated Order Verification
Weight data captured by dimensioning systems allows for automated verification of orders. By comparing the expected weight (calculated by the WMS) to the actual weight, discrepancies can be identified early, reducing errors, and minimizing the need for manual inspections.
6. Pallet Building Optimization
Stable pallet building is crucial for efficient transportation and reduced damage risk. Dimensioning systems provide accurate size and weight data, enabling WMS or pallet-building software to determine the optimal stacking configuration for stability and space efficiency.
7. Load Building for Shipping
Beyond palletization, dimensioning systems assist with load-building strategies for trailers and other transportation methods. By feeding dimensional and weight data into shipping or load optimization software, businesses can maximize truck space utilization while maintaining compliance with weight regulations.
8. Cost-Effective Shipping
With the rise of dimensional weight (DIM weight) billing, accurate dimensions are critical to avoiding unnecessary carrier fees. Shippers must calculate cube for shipping to ensure accurate rates. Dimensioning systems help prevent chargebacks by providing precise dimensional data, which can be used for rate shopping and cost estimation.
9. Enhanced Customer Service
Providing customers with accurate dimensional data improves transparency and trust. Businesses that charge for shipping can include dimensional weight data on invoices, giving customers confidence in the accuracy of their freight charges. Additionally, sharing product dimensions allows customers to optimize their own logistics and storage processes.
The Future of Dimensioning in Logistics
Dimensioning systems are a game-changer for distribution centers, offering benefits far beyond calculating cube for shipping. From improving storage efficiency to enhancing shipping accuracy, these systems drive better performance across multiple operational areas. By investing in reliable dimensioning solutions, businesses can streamline workflows, reduce costs, and elevate customer satisfaction.
For organizations looking to enhance their distribution center’s performance, adopting a dimensioning system is a smart move toward greater accuracy, efficiency, and profitability.
About Cubiscan
For over 30 years, Cubiscan has led the automated dimensioning industry. In the 1980s, it became clear that accurate dimensions and weight were essential for warehousing, distribution, right-size packaging, and freight-manifesting applications. By the mid-1990s, the company had established itself as an innovative supplier of static and in-motion dimensioning systems. Today, Cubiscan continues to innovate and guide its customers to effective material handling solutions by offering the broadest range of dimension-scanning technology available.
Cubiscan Media Contact: Aaron Taylor, Marketing Manager – ataylor@cubiscan.com