Packaging Corner: Accurate measurements matter

Investments in automated cubing equipment that captures the dimensions (length x width x height) of both inbound and outbound shipments are on the rise—but for different reasons, according to Randy Neilson, director of sales and marketing for CubiScan.

“At receipt, companies are trying to obtain more accurate size and weight information about each stock keeping unit (SKU) stored in their warehouse,” Neilson explains. “This could be done with a tape measure, but there’s an opportunity for human error in capturing and recording the data.”

The equipment records the cube data and automatically ties it to the product record in a warehouse management system’s (WMS) master data file. Both cube and weight information is analyzed by the WMS to determine the best putaway location, whether in racking or automated storage.

Inbound cubing systems are frequently smaller machines that measure stationary boxes or cases placed on them. Product sizes can range from 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches to 48 x 39 x 40 inches, says Neilson. Further, when storing eaches, “machines equipped with sensing technology can measure irregular or odd-shaped items,” he adds.

On the outbound side, two different types of automated dimensioning systems are increasingly being installed. Large static systems are being used to measure palletized loads placed upon them by forklift, and they are frequently coupled with scales.

For high-volume, small parcel shippers, in-motion, dynamic dimensioning equipment is installed on conveyors. These in-line systems capture measurements at rates up to 600 feet per minute (combined with in-line scales, lines move at rates from 200 to 300 feet per minute, says Neilson, as weighing takes longer.)

While shippers are accustomed to declaring the weight of a pallet load to a less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier, or of a package to a parcel carrier, new rules are dictating charges based on volume and density. That’s because, for example, a carton or pallet load of AAA batteries has a very different weight and dimensions from a carton or pallet load of stuffed animals, Neilson says.

“Carriers want to equalize load density charges,” he explains, “so, if a shipper sends something without declaring the dimensions, they may get a charge they weren’t expecting.” Additionally, analysis of dimensional data can be used to negotiate better rates with carriers, further justifying the cost of the equipment.

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