Automated Cubing Systems

      Cubing measures the length, width, height, and cubic displacement of packages. They can be delivered by conveyor to the system in any orientation with little to no spacing between packages or placed on a static device. Both static and automated cubing systems have proven to optimize distribution center storage space precisely and efficiently. This system attributes to better planning tasks such as putaway, picking, and shipping.

       Static systems generally rely on product sensing to measure dimensions of an item. These static systems often also provide weight data. They transfer these dimensions/volumes and weights to the WMS/shipping systems in real time.

       As the term "static" implies, these systems are intended for measuring fewer items per hour than the in-motion systems. A static device might cube and weigh up to 400 items per hour. Items are manually placed in the device, which limits throughput.

       In contrast, in-motion systems generally work in tandem with a conveyor transporting items. These systems use infrared, laser, light array, or camera technologies to get dimensions on many more items per hour. They can dimension up to 15,000 parcels per hour.

       Camera-based, in-motion dimensioning systems also offer another benefit beyond high-speed measuring. These devices capture images of the packages as they move along conveyor lines. They then can detect non-singulated (side-by-side) packages and thus eliminate sorting and inventory problems due to "phantom" packages. They greatly enhance troubleshooting and remotely dealing with problem parcels.

       All of the major express carriers have installed high-speed cubing and weighing systems in their DCs. Revenue recovery and payload optimization as a result of better shipping data are the carriers' goals behind using these systems. Carriers using cubing technology typically recover $300,000 or more annually per dimensioning/weighing unit.

       Today's trucks, trailers, and air cargo containers often cube out before they reach their weight limits. By using a cubing system to dimension the shipper's outbound payload, the carrier can compare a tariff based on dimensions to a traditional weight-based tariff and apply the higher rate. Don't get caught off guard – ScanScale will help prepare you and your shipping operations. Contact us now.

Back to Industry Developments page