Summary 

Warehouse space is becoming a more precious commodity in the eCommerce industry. Therefore, every cubic foot counts. 

Several firms struggle to control expenses, compute reasonable rates for their online clients, or even audit shipping invoices due to dimensioning-based shipping. 

When considering an automated dimensioning system, ensure it will help you optimize all dimensioning benefits – both now and in the future. 

This article will provide insight into three critical aspects of a successful dimensioning program. 

Introduction 

The size of your products is important when considering various material handling processes—understanding the product size benefits successful last-mile delivery. Dimensioning is also important in warehouses and distribution centers since storage and transportation space is limited and expensive. Therefore, companies must install the correct dimensioning technology to optimize warehouse space and enhance throughput and productivity since space is measured using dimensional details and DIM weight (dimensional weight). 

Having accurate dimensional information in the warehouse has many benefits 

Without dimensional data, businesses could not supply basic slotting and storage planning details. Consequently, they will have to pay more for transportation and other freight costs, such as tiny parcels. 

Accurate dimensioning details have several notable advantages: 

  • A higher degree of accuracy in shipping costs 
  • Slotting and cartonization improvements 
  • A better plan for future storage 
  • Quality control at the highest level 

Three Imperative Characteristics of A Successful Dimensioning Program 

You can increase your dimensioning equipment’s productivity by using it in a specific way. Several businesses have invested in dimensioning technologies over the years, some faring better than others. What is the reasoning for this? The majority of what corporations did before switching on dimensioners can be boiled down to three simple, yet critical steps. 

Process Design That Works 

The right planning can work miracles! Businesses that make the most of their dimensioning systems think about how their new units will fit into their existing processes. Companies must also determine where the automated dimensioner will be installed, who will use it, and how it will be activated. All of this knowledge can help firms design a process for successfully integrating emerging technology. 

Integrated Systems and a Data Strategy 

You might think dimensioners are cutting-edge machines that calculate the dimensions of parcels and freight efficiently and accurately if you are unfamiliar with automated dimensioning. It is true, but if you’re willing to take advantage of them, you can accomplish much more. 

How about the fact that dimensioners often take pictures of your shipments to demonstrate the condition of your freight? Also, did you know that the measurements and photos taken by your dimensioner may be collected and incorporated into your TMS, WMS, or ERP systems? Yes, this is correct, and corporations currently use this information in numerous ways. 

Some carriers and forwarders currently use dimensional data to generate client freight profiles. As a result, they may identify solid costing information and identify their most profitable consumers. Similarly, shippers prepare detailed freight descriptions and use the information to haggle with carriers for reduced pricing. 

Distributors are integrating dimensions data into their warehouse management systems to improve slotting performance – and this is only the beginning. Before investing in an automated dimensioning system, create a convincing business case and work with your equipment provider to build an integration strategy that allows you to leverage the valuable data you are collecting. 

Well-informed employees 

Communication is key when implementing a new strategy into the workflow. Companies who openly communicate their plans for innovative technology and take the effort to train their workers on how to use the dimensioning equipment may always see a smoother rollout and less employee resistance than those that ignore future advancements. We can still claim that the teams were briefed on the dimensioner before our arrival, making them more enthusiastic and receptive to instruction. 

Conclusion 

If real-time dimensional information for products is not properly maintained, there is a risk of incurring unnecessary shipping charges. Traditional dimensioning techniques, which entail warehouse workers calibrating the dimensional details of boxes and pallets with a measuring tape and a ruler, are currently used in only a few warehouses. This traditional dimensioning method is also time-consuming and error prone. Using an automated dimensioning system, we can swiftly collect the dimensions information and DIM weight of goods, resulting in increased warehouse efficiency.