Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are vital for maintaining operational efficiency. They orchestrate the movement of materials, create storage efficiencies, and oversee inventory processes within your distribution center. But even the most powerful WMS can fall short without the support of accurate, automated dimensioning. That’s where modern dimensioning systems come in—advanced technology that captures exact measurements of items using infrared, laser, ultrasonic, or camera-based sensing equipment.

By integrating a dimensioning system into your WMS workflow, you not only keep your warehouse above water—you enable it to thrive.

Here are six ways dimensioning technology can support and elevate your WMS:

1. Ditch the Tape Measure

Manual measuring methods, like using a tape measure for every SKU, are not only outdated but also inefficient and error prone. Dimensioning systems capture cube and weight data with precision and speed, updating your ‘Inventory Master File’ in real time or batch uploads. With a portable cubing station or integrated dimensioner, your WMS can maintain up-to-date item data for all inbound and outbound freight.

2. Capitalize Your Storage Space

Warehouse space is valuable real estate. To make the most of it, you need exact dimensions of each product—something tape measures and guesswork can’t deliver reliably. By leveraging a dimensioning system, your WMS can assign optimal storage locations and configurations based on true product dimensions, ensuring every inch of storage is used effectively.

3. Optimize Picking Frequency

Most WMS platforms utilize pick frequency data to position high-turn SKUs in easily accessible areas. When each product’s cube and weight are captured accurately using dimensioners, your WMS can make smarter decisions about slotting, especially for odd-shaped or non-uniform items. This minimizes picker travel time and boosts order fulfillment speed.

4. Improve Pallet Building

Palletizing isn’t just about stacking boxes—it’s a science of weight distribution and space optimization. Dimensioning systems provide the data necessary to intelligently place heavier items at the base and maximize pallet stability. This supports safer loads and reduced damage during transport, something no manual measuring method can consistently provide.

5. Enhance Load Planning and Slotting

Dimensioning data plays a pivotal role in load planning and slotting efficiency. Whether you’re minimizing shipping costs or balancing weight for trailer loads, the ability to accurately measure each item’s cube and weight makes a measurable impact. With real-time integration into your WMS, a dimensioner helps avoid costly miscalculations and streamlines operations.

6. Streamline Shipping

With automated systems feeding better dims directly into your WMS, you can generate labels, select carton sizes, and optimize packaging to meet customer requirements. Plus, proper measurements ensure accurate carrier rate calculations, helping you avoid overcharges and chargebacks. Just one more reason to toss the tape measure and get an advance system as part of your Warehouse Management System operations.

Don’t Let Your WMS Sink—Float with Dimensioning

Modern distribution centers need more than software alone. They need actionable data, and that starts with proper measurements. From slotting and storage to shipping and space utilization, a dimensioning system is the missing link between data collection and warehouse optimization.

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 Director – ataylor@cubiscan.com