Optioryx blog

Why 3PLs Are Shifting To Mobile Dimensioning

Written by Ibrahim Babakhel | Sep 21, 2023 10:30:00 PM

Most warehouses and shipping companies follow a common practice that might seem just as you'd imagine - a worker in a warehouse holding a tape measure, using an Excel spreadsheet to enter the measurements manually.

If your distribution center relies on a measuring tape to find out the size of parcels or pallets, it could take around 40 seconds, assuming they're doing it efficiently.

Then, it takes a few more seconds to write down those measurements or type them into a computer. Altogether, handling just one pallet can add up to about a minute and a half.

We've tested it.

manual vs mobile dimensioning

 

If you multiply this number by the amount of parcels & pallets a 3PL processes each day, this number significantly adds up.

This can lead to delays and ultimately problems for your order fulfillment and shipping process.

  • Operations slow down.
  • Productivity decreases.
  • Falling behind deadlines.
  • Spending time trying to catch up.

That's why many third-party logistics providers (3PLs) are switching to mobile dimensioning solutions, bringing the dimensioning system to the package itself, so you don't have to move the package to a different system every time.

With Optioryx mobile dimensioning app “Dimmy” you can scan pallets & parcels, calculate volumetric weight, and create a digital record for your WMS or TMS on the fly.

All-In-One Solution

While Optioryx mobile dimensioning solution performs the fundamental task of accurately measuring the length, width, and height of your freight, its capabilities extend far beyond these essential functions.

The mobile dimensioning app acts as a comprehensive information hub, gathering data that can create many other optimization possibilities and revolutionize the way you manage your supply chain.

Inventory Management Like Never Before

Forget manual data entries (and the corresponding human errors) into excel spreadsheets. 

Let Optioryx API connect to your WMS or TMS and transfer your data from the dimensioning app to your system automatically.

Use this data for further optimizations:

In cartonization - find the optimal configuration of items in a container 

  • Increase fill-rates in boxes by 20% 
  • Exploit transport rates
  • Reduce shipping costs

In truck load building - automate and optimize the process of loading goods onto trucks

  • Increase fill rates in your vehicles by 10%
  • Lower transport costs by ordering the number of trucks you really  need
  • Cut truck loading time by 30% with assistance during live loading operations

In shipping cost estimation - utilize accurate master data to calculate the cost to ship each box & pallet

In shipper-carrier disputes & damage claims - provide the bounding box as evidence of the measured dimensions of the box or a pallet

In storage capacity estimation - have the data to determine how and where to arrange inventory for optimized pick density and decreased order fulfillment time, by taking into account the size of the available warehouse slots.

Mobility & Diversity of Mobile Dimensioner

Having warehouse workers carry packages to a stationary dimensioning system for accurate shipping rates isn't a productive approach, especially in the case of pallets.

Mobile automated dimensioning systems eliminate the need for a designated dimensioning area, allowing parcels & pallets to be dimensioned anywhere in a split second.

  • No need for forklifts to move pallets to a dedicated dimensioning zone.
  • No need for static dimensioner operators.
  • No need for measuring tapes.

Companies that offer static dimensioning systems have multiple products for different purposes, such as a dimensioner for pallets, a dimensioner for large boxes, and a dimensioner for small boxes.

These solutions separately can cost up to several thousand euros, if you require a dimensioner for all sizes of pallets and boxes, the cost significantly goes up!

Mobile dimensioning systems enable dimensioning of boxes and pallets of all sizes, making it possible to use a single solution for all purposes.

Bottom Line

3PLs need a single solution that will allow them to dimension the items on the fly, and give immediate answers to questions such as the transportation cost, volumetric weight, master-carton size, tell customers their shipping costs, & create invoices.

Optioryx's mobile dimensioning system can be used in warehouses of any size, from small facilities to large distribution centers. This makes it a flexible and scalable solution that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any warehouse operation.

 

Learn how a mobile dimensioning app can be a tool that goes beyond just capturing measurements.