The logic behind efficient load planning is simple: regardless of which truck load planning tool you are using, having accurate and reliable dimensional data is a necessity for creating a good load plan.
Relying on inaccurate dimensional data leads to suboptimal load plans and negatively affects your return on investment (ROI) in load planning, as the effectiveness relies on the accuracy of the data.
These inaccuracies not only undermine the reliability of your Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or Transportation Management Systems (TMS) but also hinder the overall efficiency of warehouses and distribution centers.
With a simple addon – a mobile dimensioning app – you can have a universal freight dimensioning tool - from dimensional data retrieval to departure.
Have accurate dimensional data to forecast:
- the right number of trucks and types of trucks needed to deliver an order,
- shipping and transportation costs – determine how many containers or boxes are needed to fulfill an order,
- selection of the right pallet types and sizes.
Provide fill-rate percentages of your trucks and give your customers the incentive to order more by maximizing the use of the container(s), and ensuring that they receive the maximum value for their shipping cost.
Features of a Freight Dimensioner
When dimensioning freight, you can add any information you would want to see on top of the retrieved measurements.
If you prefer to prioritize certain tasks, we provide you with the power to rearrange the order of actions.
Barcode scanning
Quickly identify items.
Scan and link barcodes with EAN codes and pallet IDs, while simultaneously integrating dimensional data into your WMS, TMS, or ERP.
Quality control
Ensure accountability and evidence of item condition upon arrival and before transport.
Capture an image of the items during dimensioning and provide proof that the box or pallet was in a certain condition upon arrival and before transport.
Constraint information
Optimize packing, loading, and handling efficiency while ensuring item integrity and safety.
Add any constraints you need for boxes and pallets, such as:
- Stacking information in case items cannot be stacked upon each other due to weight or fragility.
- “This side up” information in case items cannot be transported in any other vertical rotation.
- Rotational information in case items can or cannot be transported in other vertical or horizontal rotations.
- Fragile information in case items must be handled with more care and transported with additional blocking and bracing.
- Indicate whether the item being dimensioned is a single stock-keeping unit (SKU), a master carton with a specific quantity of items inside, or a full pallet.
By knowing the exact quantity of items on a pallet or in a master carton, you can more easily plan for storage and transportation.
Transport cost calculation
For efficient and informed decision-making in logistics planning receive quick and accurate calculations of transport costs based on your carrier contracts.
Receive instant transport cost calculations based on your carrier contracts right after receiving the dimensional data of your boxes and pallets.
Overcoming limitations
While there are manual methods of dimensioning and more advanced solutions like static dimensioning systems that can accomplish the same task as a tape measure in a shorter timeframe, the limitations do not lie in the dimensioning process itself, but rather in the flow of data retrieval from dimensioning to departure.
In manual receiving operations
=> Warehouse workers measure incoming parcels and pallets by hand.
=> They write down or memorize this data before manually entering the data into their WMS or TMS.
=> This info is then used to generate invoices, create truck loads, or to find the most suitable storage location for incoming goods.When dimensional data are off, contain transposition errors (length gets mistaken for height or for width, etc.) or incoming inventory volumes are high, dimensioning, and slotting process can be delayed and create bottlenecks in other operational workflows.
Additionally, when the shape of an item is irregular or when dealing with partial pallets or pallets with overhangs, measuring them accurately with a tape measure becomes challenging.
In static dimensioning operations
=> Static dimensioners are fixed to one location meaning that inbound items must be brought from the unloading station to the fixed dimensioning location to be measured and then moved again.
=> Static dimensioners can only be used within the allowed size limits of the item (boxers or pallets, not both)
=> Static dimensioners are expensive and can cost anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 euros
=> Pallets can be difficult to move due to their size and weight and require extra usage of forklifts and employees with forklift licenses.
Additionally, static dimensioner integrations with supply chain systems are very limited – leading to manually importing the data into your systems.
Is Mobile Dimensioning Something for You?
Flexible and mobile flow with a mobile dimensioning app.
Aim, tap, and dimension anything, anywhere in a split second!
