Overview
An online book retailer was already using DesktopShipper to compare carrier rates and generate shipping labels for outbound orders.
The issue was at the packing station, where parcel dimensions were still being captured by hand. That manual step made it harder to keep the shipping data accurate as order volumes increased.
The retailer needed a faster way to capture parcel dimensions and move them into DesktopShipper without changing the shipping process operators were already familiar with.
Where did manual dimensioning create problems?
At the shipping station, operators measured each parcel by hand, noted the measurements on paper, and then typed those dimensions into DesktopShipper.
That meant one more manual step for every shipment. It also left room for measurement and data-entry errors. In some cases, the dimensions were overstated, so the values in the shipping system did not match the actual packed parcel.
As order volumes went up, operators spent more time measuring parcels before they could move each shipment forward. That slowed outbound processing.
How did inaccurate dimensions affect shipping decisions?
DesktopShipper used the parcel dimensions entered by the operator to compare carrier rates and calculate shipping charges.
When those dimensions were wrong, the rate comparison was based on incorrect shipment data. Overstated parcel sizes increased the shipping cost shown for those orders and led to less favorable carrier selections.
The same incorrect dimensions also carried through to the shipping labels.
Why was automated dimensioning needed alongside DesktopShipper?
DesktopShipper was already being used for rate shopping and shipping label generation. The problem was that operators were still feeding it parcel dimensions taken by hand.
The retailer did not need to replace DesktopShipper. It needed a way to measure parcels automatically and send those dimensions into the same shipping workflow.
Integrating vMeasure with DesktopShipper allowed the retailer to improve the measurement step without adding another application for operators to manage.
What changed after vMeasure Parcel Ultima was installed?
The retailer installed vMeasure Parcel Ultima at the packing station and integrated it directly with DesktopShipper.
The operator placed the parcel within the device’s field of view and clicked the existing ‘Measure’ button in DesktopShipper. vMeasure captured the dimensions and a parcel image in less than one second, then sent the measurement data into the shipping workflow.
The system covered approximately 95% of the retailer’s SKU sizes and measured supported parcels in different orientations. The retailer’s IT staff only needed limited involvement during the integration, and operators continued using the same DesktopShipper-based outbound workflow after vMeasure was added.
vMeasure Parcel Ultima also fit into the existing packing station without taking up much working space.
What looked different before and after vMeasure?
| Before vMeasure | After vMeasure |
|---|---|
|
Operators measured parcels by hand |
Dimensions were captured automatically |
|
Measurement happened outside DesktopShipper |
Operators triggered measurement from DesktopShipper |
|
Operators typed dimensions into the system |
Captured dimensions moved directly into the shipping workflow |
|
Overstated measurements affected rate comparisons |
Carrier rates were compared using captured parcel dimensions |
|
Shipping labels relied on manually entered dimensions |
Shipping labels used dimensions captured by vMeasure |
|
Dimensioning added separate manual steps |
Dimensioning, rate shopping, and label generation stayed within one workflow |
What improved for the online book retailer?
Operators no longer had to stop after packing to measure a parcel and type the dimensions into DesktopShipper. The operators captured the parcel dimensions, compared carrier rates, and generated the shipping label within a single DesktopShipper workflow.
More accurate parcel dimensions reduced shipping costs caused by overstated measurements. They also gave DesktopShipper better data for comparing carrier rates and choosing a suitable service.
Measurement took less time at the station, which helped orders keep moving as volume increased. Each scan also saved a parcel image that the retailer could refer back to when reviewing carrier adjustments or penalties.
Because vMeasure worked directly with DesktopShipper, operators kept using the shipping software they already knew.
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.
What do our customers say?
"…They are now indispensable components in our shipping process and have allowed us to predict shipping costs accurately…"
Bargain Book Stores
"...vMeasure provided excellent support throughout the product integration process, with readily available and effective after-sales assistance…"
Holisol
"...With vMeasure, we were able to take the cloud-based solution literally under a day and under a far more achievable budget..."
Pidge