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Automated Inbound
Parcel Receiving

Reading and Verifying Incoming Parcels with Computer Vision

Warehouse automation has helped improve the inbound receiving process for parcels. Most modern 3PLs and warehouses have embraced the use of near real-time tracking to keep tabs on incoming packages. For large volumes of parcel receiving “scan tunnels” are used to detect and scan barcodes on five or even all six sides of a parcel. These scan tunnels can even capture parcel dimensions. However, these tunnels cannot successfully deliver the higher quality, more comprehensive, yet fully automated inbound parcel receiving that 3PLs and warehouses need in order to truly make their inbound parcel as efficient as possible.

Reading parcels with computer vision

Scan tunnels use complex hardware technologies including adjustable mirrors, scanners and machine vision cameras to detect and read 1D and 2D warehouse barcodes.  But they are generally limited in their ability to perform other functions such as reading text on a label, detecting multiple labels, capturing damage on a parcel, etc.  Another drawback is that because of their “unidimensional” ability to read only barcodes, if the barcode is damaged or not visible, the parcel cannot be read, and has to be re-routed to a “hospital” lane where manual intervention becomes necessary.  In facilities where millions of parcels are processed every day, this can become a huge expense in added labor and also cause delays in processing.  Additionally, scan tunnels are expensive and take years to achieve an ROI.

ParcelSCAN: Automating and Digitizing
the Parcel Receiving Process

While more traditional processes use labor and “scan tunnels” to scan barcodes for parcel receiving or shipping workflows, Vimaan captures the ENTIRE PARCEL in 3D, and extracts all label data including barcodes, human readable text, box dimensions, and even inspects for damage, discoloring and any other package anomalies.  ParcelSCANl validates inbound and outbound inventory against the warehouse system of record, WMS, ASN, or packing slip, and identifies discrepancies – providing near real-time alerts.  Like all other Vimaan solutions, ParcelSCAN populates a searchable photographic image archive of every receipt or shipment to enable analytics, reduce claims, and associated charges.

Automated Inbound Parcel Receiving Implementation

Vimaan automates the inbound parcel receiving process using a combination of sensors, cameras and proprietary computer vision and machine learning technology.  The sensors and cameras are mounted around the conveyor belt, much like a scan tunnel, but smaller in footprint.    

How Automated Inbound Parcel Receiving Works

During the parcel receiving process on a conveyor line, ParcelSCAN automatically detects when a package is coming down the conveyor.  The entire parcel is scanned automatically.  All the faces of the parcel are captured in 3D.  Vimaan’s proprietary computer vision and machine learning engine collates all the data collected from the sensors and cameras to extract label information, dimensions, damage, or other anomalies. 

Automated Inbound Parcel Receiving Capabilities & Metrics

Scan 5 sides of incoming parcels

5-Sided Parcel Receiving

  • Includes label detection, barcode detection and reading,
  • Interprets human readable text on all labels on all sides
  • Isolates the label(s) and text or barcode field(s) of interest to customer
  • Highlights missing or unreadable labels
  • Reads through shrink wrap (as long as label is readable to the human eye)
  • Updates the WMS through API integration
  • Validates labels/parcels against a WMS or ASN
Dimensioning inbound packages and parcels

Package Dimensioning

  • Provides max length, width, height of parcel
  • Delivers shapes and 3D composite views of the parcel

Featured Inbound Parcel Receiving Process

Detecting damage during inbound parcel receiving
<strong>Damage detection with Vimaan computer vision occurs during all material handling stages including inbound parcel receiving<strong>


Package Damage Detection

Vimaan sensors and computer vision equipped on DockTRACK Pallet and added to material handling equipment quickly and efficiently scan all 5 sides of inbound and outbound pallets up to 3X faster than traditional manual methods. Learn More

WHAT IS INVENTORY ACCURACY… AND WHY 3pLs and brands need to care

Inbound Parcel Receiving is the first and arguably the most important step in establishing high inventory accuracy across the warehouse.

Inventory accuracy is a challenge in almost every warehouse we walk into, and the reasons behind the inaccuracies vary. Understanding the truth behind your inventory involves not just cycle counting of stored inventory, but also accurate tracking of inventory movement starting with inbound pallet receiving to outbound shipping all while reconciling it in near real time against your WMS. 

 

Inbound Parcel Receiving Resources

Warehouse Receiving Solutions

PalletSCAN

Inbound palleted goods are scanned, tracked and inspected faster with greater accuracy.

PickTRACK

Combined with DockTRACK, MHE equipped with PickTRACK provides automates inbound pallet receiving.

ParcelSCAN

Scans, Tracks and INSPECTS High Volume Packages during inbound receiving and outbound shipping.

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