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Static dimensioning system: What is it and why do warehouses need it?
What is a static dimensioning system and who needs it?
A static dimensioning system is used to measure the weight and dimensions (length, width, height) of parcels and individual items. The system is typically built with sensors, cameras, or laser-based technology to capture precise measurements in under a second.
In logistics and 3PL operations, they are essential for maintaining billing accuracy and handling diverse shipments. In e-commerce warehouses, they support fast-paced order fulfillment where thousands of different SKUs must be processed efficiently. Retail and distribution centers benefit from improved inventory data and more accurate storage planning.
They are especially valuable for growing warehouses that need to improve efficiency but are not ready to invest in large automated conveyor systems. In these environments, a static dimensioning system offers a scalable and cost-effective way to upgrade operations.
How does a static dimensioning system work?
Usually, the system is used in a specific workflow. Depending on the operation, it can be at inbound receiving, packing stations, or right before shipping. For example, an e-commerce company may measure items when they arrive at the warehouse to build accurate master data and make better storage decisions, which helps to use warehouse space more efficiently. A 3PL and logistics provider may measure items before they leave the warehouse to lower shipping costs and ensure billing accuracy.
The measuring process is very simple. An operator places an item on the scale, and the system automatically captures the dimensions in under a second. It then sends this information automatically to WMS, ERP, or TMS.
While the process is quick and simple, its impact is significant. When companies stop relying on manual measuring and estimates, they begin to unlock major savings and tremendously increase efficiency.
What benefits does a static dimensioning system bring to companies?
Many warehouses still rely on manual measuring and they fail to see dimensioning as one of their biggest bottlenecks. Small inaccuracies can simply go unnoticed in day-to-day operations. However, these small inaccuracies build up quickly and cause a lot of harm for the business.
When teams estimate or round parcel dimensions, it affects multiple parts of the business:
- Warehouse space is wasted, because items are stored randomly
- Wrong-sized packages are used for products
- Valuable time is wasted on finding parcels, remeasuring, and carrier disputes
- Carrier pricing is unpredictable
- Shipping costs are higher than they should be
- WMS logic is based on incomplete or inaccurate data
Each issue individually may not seem like a big problem, but when you add them all up and they happen consistently, it creates a huge financial and operational impact. A static dimensioning system helps to solve all of these problems from the root.
Key benefits of a static dimensioning system
- Better cost control
When teams don’t measure parcels and ship items in boxes that are too big, they are inevitably paying for “shipping air”. Thus you are paying for unnecessary volume. Furthermore, when an operator calculates DIM with incorrectly or makes any measurement mistakes, carriers will need to adjust invoices, which in turn wastes time and makes costs difficult to predict.
- Improved space utilization
When you measure all inbound items with a parcel dimensioner and it is connected to your WMS, it will assign storage locations more precisely. We have seen it countless times how many companies don’t need a bigger warehouse, but a more precise system. Thus, your warehouse is better organized, you have more available space, and you don’t spend excessive time on fining parcels later on.
- Faster workflows
Manual work is prone to mistakes. When you automate key processes that tend to have many inaccuracies otherwise, you improve the speed and consistency of your work. This translates into happier employees, smaller costs and more time spent on work that actually matters.
- Better decisions across systems
A static dimensioning system sends accurate data automatically into your WMS or ERP. This allows your systems to make better slotting, picking, packing, and shipping decisions. As we love to say, your WMS or ERP is only as good as the data you give it.
- Lower investment compared to automation lines
While fully automated conveyor-based dimensioning systems make sense for large-scale operations with very high throughput, many companies don’t require that level of complexity and investment. For small and medium-sized enterprises, a static dimensioning system offers the same accurate master data without having to make major changes to warehouse infrastructure and high investment.
- Easy implementation
You can implement a static dimensioning system easily without making any major changes to existing workflows. The installation is quick and simple, and it connects to most major WMS and ERP systems. Simply set it up once and get accurate master data in seconds.
Choosing the right static dimensioning system
Warehouses come in all kinds of shapes and forms. Hence, it is important to find a dimensioning system that fits your objective, size, processed items, and budget.
Some operations handle mainly very small items, such as pharmaceuticals. Some handle bigger, boxed items. Some deal primarily with irregular shaped items. The ideal solution should cover all your needs without sacrificing on speed or accuracy.
Furthermore, an ideal solution should be durable, easy to set up and with minimal maintenance.
Parcelcube static dimensioning systems
Parcelcube offers static dimensioning systems designs specifically for logistics, 3PL, and e-commerce companies for whom speed, accuracy and ease of use are essential.
We have designed different models for different operational needs:
- Parcelcube 1000 for measuring large boxed items, but also very small items
- Parcelcube 900 for measuring boxed and heavier items
- Parcelcube 900XL for measuring larger boxed and heavier items
- Parcelcube Vision for measuring primarily irregular shaped items, but also boxed items
All our systems capture precise dimensions and weight in under a second and integrate with most WMS, ERP, and TMS platforms.
All models are designed and manufactured in Finland, offering the highest Nordic quality.
One of the most important upgrades
Some of the biggest bottlenecks can often be very difficult to notice. If we don’t set aside the time to analyze what is currently working and where we are constantly slipping up, we may not even realize how much money and efficiency we are losing on a daily basis.
A static dimensioning system is one of the most impactful upgrades a warehouse can make. It does not require a large investment nor big changes to the infrastructure, yet it improves accuracy, efficiency, and cost control across the entire operation.
If your company is interested in a particular model or you wish to hear in more depth how a static dimensioning system can benefit your operation, contact us directly or see if your region has a local representative.