Every warehouse, 3PL, and storage facility dimension their pallets and parcels. Their methods can be boiled down to three main types:
Here’s a breakdown of these methods.
Many warehouses use measuring tapes more extensively than one might realize to get the length, width, and height of their pallets and packages.
The sole advantage of manual dimensioning appears to be its cost-effectiveness, but hidden expenses, including low quality of master data, reduced warehouse productivity, and substantial labor costs, counteract this.
By using measuring tapes warehouses are at high risk of so-called "dirty dimensional data" or inaccurate master data in supply chain operations which lead to a 30% increase in operational costs.
Now, in high-volume supply chain operations, manual dimensioning methods are considered outdated and impractical.
Static dimensioners are made to dimension specific items such as small parcels, large parcels, or specific-sized pallets, providing a solution for precise measurement.
While effective for their intended purposes, the cost of acquiring multiple solutions for various sizes of pallets and boxes can be prohibitive.
Mobile dimensioning systems enable the dimensioning of boxes and pallets of all sizes, making it possible to use a single solution for all purposes.
Mobile dimensioning eliminates the need for a designated dimensioning area, allowing users to dimension items on the go.
Measures the length, width, and height of SKUs, boxes, pallets, and irregular items, using a mobile device