Carriers use dimensional weight to determine shipping prices based on a package’s volume in addition to its weight. Dimensional weighing is about volume and space optimization. Having a dimensioning system in your facility will save your company money and maximize your return on investment very quickly.

Inbound Inventory
The right dimensioning equipment will give you total mastery of every square foot of your warehouse, and improve operations across your entire supply chain.

Space Optimization
For many warehouses, expansion isn’t an option. In some markets, lack of warehouse space is a serious problem. Dimensioning data extends the life of a warehouse – and increases profitability – by using available space more efficiently.

Slotting
Slotting can’t be optimized using pick rates alone; dimensional data must be part of the equation. With dimension information in your system, you’ll be able to automatically assign items to their proper storage system, such as pallet racks and bin shelving.

Outbound Shipments
Dimensioning systems placed on outbound streams are powerful tools for cost containment and overall efficiency.

Reduce Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are no longer just based on weight. Carriers are switching to dimension-based pricing. Dimensioning restores your ability to anticipate and control costs, and to audit shipping invoices. You can also quote accurate shipping charges for your online customers in real time.

Rate Shopping and Informed Negotiations
Compare rates to find the best carrier mix for your precise situation and be prepared when it’s time to negotiate contracts.

Pre-manifesting
Pre-printing packing lists and shipping labels eliminate double handling for more efficient throughput.

Pick and Pack efficiency
With dimensional data in the system, lists can be used to pre-select the correct box size, so pickers can place items directly into the shipping box–eliminating two steps and trimming the use of corrugated and void fill. In addition, the trend towards made-to-measure packaging systems requires the availability of accurate dimensional data.

Item Tracking
Dimensioning systems that also capture an image, as well as OCR and barcode data, can automatically track items as they travel throughout your operation. Tracking information aids lost item retrieval and images can simplify transport processing claims.

Labor Costs
Automated dimensioning systems are more cost-effective than manual measurement. Many companies experience significant reduction in line labor as well as increased throughput after introducing automated dimensioning.

Returns
Incorporating a dimensioning system with image capture streamlines the returns process. The image confirms the item and package condition and the returned items can be restored to available stock immediately.

Data Analysis
Dimensioning systems create data. Harvesting and analyzing data increases the ability to find efficiencies that are not immediately obvious. Examples include capacity optimization, load balancing and eliminating bottlenecks.

Learn more about Rice Lake’s dimensioning solutions at www.ricelake.com/dimensioning