How Automated Package and Parcel Dimensioning Boosts Productivity and Cuts Operational Costs
Fast and precise package dimensioning is one of the most critical components in many logistics’ operations. This includes the process of measuring the dimensions (length, width, and height) of packages that are being stored, shipped, or processed in warehouses and distribution centers. Accurate package dimensioning is crucial for maintaining reliable SKU master data and optimizing shipping operations, serving as the foundation for inventory planning and carrier rate calculations.
Package dimensioning is the process of capturing the physical length, width and height of a parcel, box, or pouch that an item is shipped in. By multiplying these dimensions, a warehouse or carrier can determine a container’s dimensional weight or “Dim Weight” which helps inform the shipping and handling cost of the package. Many businesses still employ manual processes for dimensioning containers using measuring tape and even by sight. While manual dimensioning may seem cost-effective initially, it typically results in measurement variations of ±1-2 inches per dimension, leading to inventory planning errors, shipping cost discrepancies, and an average of 15-20 minutes of rework time per mis-dimensioned package.
In a warehouse or distribution center, dimensioning is essential for accurate inventory management and ensuring that packages are correctly handled, and costs are accurately calculated. It provides critical information about the space each package will require in storage, the optimal stacking method, and the space needed in transportation vehicles. Additionally, accurate package dimensions are required by many carriers and logistics companies to ensure the correct pricing for shipping.
Why Package Dimensioning is Important for Warehouses and Distribution Centers
With growing e-commerce and supply chain complexities, businesses need tools that help streamline their operations, reduce waste, and ensure accurate shipments. Here’s why precise package dimensioning is so essential:
Maximizing Storage Space: Warehouses are often designed to hold a variety of products with different sizes. By accurately measuring the dimensions of each package, warehouse managers can optimize the storage layout, improving overall warehouse utilization. Properly dimensioned packages help to prevent wasted space, improving storage density, and reducing overhead costs.
Reducing Shipping Costs: Many logistics companies calculate shipping fees based on both the weight and volume of packages. Without accurate dimensioning, businesses may end up paying more than necessary for shipping because they overestimated the size of a parcel. By correctly measuring each package, warehouses ensure that they are charged the correct rate, leading to savings in transportation costs.
Improved Inventory Management: Accurate dimensions also help with inventory management. Knowing the precise size of a package allows for better tracking, sorting, and shelf placement. This ensures that products are easily accessible, reducing picking and packing times.
Efficient Handling and Sorting: Automated package dimensioning systems can speed up the process of handling packages. With accurate measurements, ParcelSCAN can help guide packages to the right destinations within the warehouse, be it a designated storage area or directly into outbound parcel shipments.
The Challenges of Incorrect Package Dimensioning
When package dimensioning is incorrect or omitted, it can lead to several operational challenges, including:
Inefficient Space Utilization: Without accurate measurements, warehouse teams may improperly stack or store packages. This can lead to wasted space in storage areas and transportation vehicles, reducing overall capacity and efficiency.
Incorrect Shipping Charges: Carriers base their shipping fees on the dimensional weight or volume of packages. If dimensions are not accurately measured, businesses may end up overpaying for shipping, which can quickly add up and erode profit margins.
Increased Operational Costs: Inefficient handling, sorting errors, and delays due to inaccurate package dimensions can all increase operational costs. Manual dimensioning is often time-consuming and prone to human error, causing further delays and increased labor costs.
Poor Customer Satisfaction: Incorrect dimensioning can also result in delayed shipments, incorrect packaging, and damaged goods during transportation. These issues can lead to customer dissatisfaction, increased returns, and a negative impact on a company’s reputation.
Package dimensioning is the latest capability added to the popular package scanning computer vision system from Vimaan. ParcelSCAN has already proven to be a highly effective tool for processing, inspecting and validating packages for warehouses, distribution centers and carriers. With the addition of automated package dimensioning the system has proven to be even more invaluable for logistics operations. By integrating the Vimaan ParcelSCAN into a supply chain workflow, logistics operations benefit from:
Fast and Accurate Package Dimensioning: ParcelSCAN uses AI-enabled warehouse computer vision to instantly capture precise dimensions of each package as it passes through the system. This eliminates the need for manual measurements, which are often slower and prone to errors. With faster and more accurate data, businesses can handle higher volumes of packages in less time.
System Integration: ParcelSCAN can be easily integrated with existing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or Transportation Management Systems (TMS). The system also integrates with conveyor control systems and sorting equipment, automatically flagging out-of-spec packages and triggering diversion gates based on pre-configured dimension thresholds.
Weight and Dimensions: The system interfaces with industrial scales from manufacturers like Mettler Toledo and Rice Lake through standard protocols (RS-232, TCP/IP), combining dimensional and weight data in real-time to provide a complete package profile for manifesting and compliance purposes.
Space Optimization: ParcelSCAN’s dimensioning accuracy of ±0.2 inches enables precise storage space allocation and optimal load planning, typically improving warehouse space utilization by 12-15% compared to manual measurements.
Shipping Cost Reduction: With accurate package dimensioning, ParcelSCAN helps businesses avoid overpaying for shipping. By ensuring that package dimensions are correctly recorded, the system guarantees that shipping fees are based on accurate information, reducing the risk of costly discrepancies.
Enhanced Productivity: The automated dimensioning process reduces measurement time from an average of 25-30 seconds per package to under 2 seconds, allowing operators to process up to 1,800 packages per hour while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Get a custom package dimensioning system demo and discover how Vimaan can help improve package processing quality and speed, while reducing your operating costs,
