When talking about dimensioning solutions in warehousing, 3 solutions come to mind:
- Measuring tapes
- Static dimensioners
- Mobile dimensioning systems
With mobile dimensioning solutions growing in popularity due to the mobility, versatility & cost efficiency factors, it raises the question of the most suitable mobile dimensioning solution for warehouses, shippers, 3PLs, carriers, and distribution centers.
But first, let’s have a quick look at the first two – measuring tapes & static dimensioners.
The manual way: measuring tapes
Many storage facilities still use measuring tapes to determine pallet and package dimensions.
While low costs of a measuring tape might seem favorable initially, it incurs hidden costs, such as high time consumption & poor master data quality.
You might get away with a measuring tape in very low volumes, however, in medium to high volumes, measuring tapes come out as outdated and impractical. By using measuring tapes warehouses are at high risk of so-called “dirty dimensional data” or inaccurate master data which can lead to a 30% increase in operational costs.
Static dimensioning
Static dimensioners are made to dimension specific items such as small parcels, large parcels, or specific-sized pallets, i.e. they can cover only a limited item size type. Plus, items have to be brought to a dedicated dimensioning zone since the static dimensioner operates only in a fixed location.
While effective for their intended purposes, the cost of acquiring multiple solutions for various sizes of pallets and boxes can be prohibitive.
For many SMEs and large enterprises, it can be difficult to justify the cost of acquiring static dimensioners for 30’00 to 100’000 $.
A Better Approach to Mobile Dimensioning
Optioryx Mobile Dimensioning App “Dimmy”
Optioryx's mobile dimensioning app, "Dimmy," provides enhanced functionality and customization. Users can adapt their workflow for different operations, whether inbound or outbound, by customizing the sequence of actions.
Barcode scanning
Scan and link barcodes with EAN codes and item IDs, while simultaneously integrating dimensional data into your WMS, TMS, or ERP.
Dimensioning
Capture dimensions of SKUs, weird-shaped items, boxes, pallets and larger items
Quality control
Take an image of the products during dimensioning to provide proof that the item in a certain condition upon arrival or before transport.
Constraint information
- Stacking Information: Indicate if items cannot be stacked due to weight or fragility.
- Rotational information: Specify if items must be transported in a particular orientation such as “this side up.
- Fragility: Mark items that require careful handling and additional blocking and bracing.
- Custom Constraints: Add custom data fields to indicate specific constraints.
SKU & Master carton capacity
Multi-level dimensioning allows users to indicate how many SKUs are in a master carton and how many master cartons are on a pallet.
Transport cost calculation
Get transport cost calculations based on your carrier contracts right after receiving the dimensional data of your boxes and pallets.
integrate your carrier contracts, to ensure that you are aware of the shipping rates and that your shipping costs are accurately reflected in your invoice auditing.
Freight class indication
Calculate the freight class of items based on the gathered dimensions & weight
Integration
Integrate with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Test it out for yourself. Get a free trial here!