A 3PL was still measuring parcels manually at its packing stations as part of its outbound logistics process. Before an order could move toward truck loading, operators had to measure the parcels and complete several related steps.
The process became harder to manage as more orders reached the packing area. Parcels started to build up, and the company also needed reliable dimension data to decide how much freight could fit into each truck.
What was slowing the 3PL’s truck loading process?
The delay started at the packing station. Manual parcel measurement took time, and operators had to finish several steps before each parcel could move toward loading.
When orders began to pile up, trucks spent longer at the loading bay waiting for shipments to be prepared. Available truck capacity also wasn’t being used as effectively as the company wanted.
Why was manual dimensioning holding back the packing workflow?
The existing dimensioning process required six manual steps. Operators measured parcels by hand, and the dimension data had to be handled separately before it reached the WMS.
The 3PL wanted to cut those steps without making major changes to its existing WMS. There was another practical issue too. A fixed barcode scanning position would limit how freely associates could move around the packing station.
How did the 3PL automate parcel dimensioning at the packing station?
The 3PL deployed the vMeasure Parcel Dimensioner at its packing station and integrated it with the existing WMS to send captured dimension data directly into the system. A wireless barcode scanner was also added to let operators scan parcels from anywhere around the packing station.
| Before vMeasure | After vMeasure |
|---|---|
|
Operators measured parcels by hand |
Parcel dimensions were captured automatically |
|
Dimensioning involved six manual steps |
The process was reduced to two steps |
|
Dimension data was handled separately before reaching the WMS |
Captured dimension data moved into the existing WMS workflow |
|
Operators worked around a fixed scanning position |
A wireless barcode scanner gave them more freedom to move around the station |
This removed several manual measurement and data-handling steps before parcels moved on to loading.
What Improved After the New Dimensioning Workflow?
The 3PL cut truck loading time by 30% after automating parcel dimensioning.
At the packing station, operators had fewer steps to get through before an order moved on to loading. That helped parcels leave the packing area sooner. The 3PL also used the captured dimensions for load planning, which helped it make better use of the space in each truck.
The dimension data went straight into the existing WMS as well, so staff didn’t have to handle it separately.
For 3PLs seeing delays at packing carry over into truck loading, manual parcel measurement is worth checking first.
Talk to the dimensioning experts
Explore how vMeasure Parcel dimensioner fits into your parcel measurement workflow.
Book a demo to discuss a similar setup for your operation.
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