Warehouse master data is a nightmare to capture and manage. Yet the effectiveness of warehouse management systems (WMS), transport management systems (TMS), order management systems (OMS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems rely on this data.
If the quality of warehouse data is bad, operational efficiency goes down and the cost of operations goes up. All because of item master data.
Measuring items is a routine but also a critical task in logistics and warehousing. But it’s a task of high importance. So making this task quick, simple, and accurate is a must.
What is a Mobile Dimensioner?
A mobile dimensioner allows you to measure SKUs, parcels, pallets with a mobile device (phone or tablet). It lets you capture item master data on the go. This makes the work easier and faster and enables quick data capture anywhere, from storage aisles to docks and packing stations.
How Does a Mobile Dimensioning System Work?
Instead of putting measuring tape to the item or taking items to a dedicated dimensioning zone, you can scan items on the fly and capture length, width and height in seconds.
These systems through the following process:
- Scanning – Capture length, width and height of any type of item - from small SKUS to large Unit Load Devices (ULDs)
- Extra data capture - capture any other type of data - extract text from documents and labels, scan barcodes, register weight, indicate item characteristics (fragile, "this side up" information, not stackable).
- Integration – the data is sent over to the supporting system, wether it’s a WMS, TMS, OMS or an ERP system.
- Data acess – access the data immediately in one place.
How Mobile Dimensioners Compare to Alternatives
When it comes to dimensioning, there are three primary systems: manual, static, and mobile. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but mobile dimensioning is quickly becoming the preferred choice for many logistic providers.
Manual Dimensioning
Manual dimensioning—measuring with a tape measure and entering data by hand—is the cheapest option upfront. It doesn’t require fancy equipment, making it appealing for small operations.
But it’s slow, prone to human error, and labor-intensive. Every mistake leads to wasted time, inefficiencies, and increased costs down the line.
Static Dimensioning
Static dimensioners capture dimensions quickly and accurately. They eliminate human error and speed up processing.
The downside is that they’re expensive, require a fixed dimensioning zone, and can only do one thing—measure. That means added labor costs just to move items back and forth to get measured.
Mobile Dimensioning
Mobile dimensioners provide accurate, automated measurements without being tied to a fixed location. Operators can measure items anywhere in the warehouse, reducing unnecessary movement and keeping workflows more flexible and efficient.
Compared to static and manual systems, mobile dimensioners provide:
- Faster processing times
- More flexibility in warehouse workflows
- Simple integration into existing operations and systems
Beyond Just Dimensions: The Extra Data You Can Capture
One of the biggest advantages of mobile dimensioning is that it captures more than just measurements. It’s multi functional - you can collect a variety of data points, improving overall item master data capturing and management process.
For example, in addition to dimensions, a mobile dimensioning system can also record:
- Weight: When integrated with a scale, it provides complete shipment details.
- Scan Barcodes: Instantly links scanned items to inventory records.
- Quality Control: Captures visual proof like photos and videos for condition verification before shipping.
- Damage Inspection Reports: Helps document issues for accountability and claims.
- Read any text:: Extracts text from labels with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to automate data entry.
Accurate Data Drives Warehouse Efficiency
In logistics, "to measure is to know." Yet, poor warehouse data remains a common issue, leading to failed automation, rising costs, and inefficient warehouse operations. When parcel and freight dimensions are inaccurate, WMS, TMS, and ERP systems suffer, disrupting the entire supply chain.