3 Hallmarks of a Successful Dimensioning Program

dimensioning
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Print
Email

How you implement a dimensioning program can determine the level of efficiency your program ultimately achieves. Over the years, we’ve seen dozens of companies invest in dimensioning technologies, and truth be told, some have been more successful than others. Why? Most of it can be boiled down to three simple, but crucial things each of these companies did before they ever even turned their dimensioners on.

Ever heard the saying, “a failure to plan is a plan to fail?” The same applies to dimensioning. Companies that get the most from their dimensioning systems have all put serious thought into the way their new units will fit in with their operations. They’ve identified where the dimensioner will be installed, who’s going to use it, when it’s going to be used most, and how it will be triggered. All this information helps companies design a process that incorporates their new technology effectively.

If you’re new to automated dimensioning, you may think of dimensioners as fancy machines that let you quickly and accurately measure freight. And while that’s certainly true, they can actually do a whole lot more – if you’re ready to take advantage.

For instance, did you know that dimensioners also take photos of your shipments – photos that can be used to show the condition of your freight when it was dimensioned? Did you also know that the measurements and photos collected by your dimensioner can be integrated with your TMS, WMS or ERP systems? It’s true, and companies are already using this data in a variety of impactful ways.

We’ve seen forwarders and carriers use their data to create freight profiles for each of their clients, which helps them develop accurate costing information and identify their most profitable customers. Likewise, shippers are building detailed profiles of their own freight and using the information to negotiate lower rates with carriers. Distributors are feeding dimensional data into their WMS systems to improve slotting efficiency in their warehouses – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Before you invest in dimensioning equipment of your own, create a solid business case for your dimensioner and work with your equipment provider to execute an integration strategy that lets you capitalize on all the valuable data you’re collecting.

Communication is key, especially when introducing a new process into your workflow. Companies that share their plans for the new equipment and spend time educating their employees on how the dimensioning system will work almost always experience a smoother rollout and less pushback from staff than companies who neglect to inform their employees of upcoming changes. We can always tell which teams have been briefed on the dimensioner before we arrive as they’re more enthusiastic and receptive to training when we get there.

 

For more articles like this, subscribe to our newsletter!

Was this article helpful?

Michael Eichenberg is the co-founder and CEO of FreightSnap, allowing the supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, distribution and transportation industries to measure, weigh, photograph and ID pallets and parcels in just seconds. Learn more and share your ideas on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Subscribe to our Blog

Stay up to date with our latest news, receive exclusive deals, and more.

2023 Newsletter Subscription Contact Form

Subscribe to Our Blog

Stay up to date with our latest news, receive exclusive deals, and more.

What is a Dimensioner? If you’ve heard the term “dimensioner,” “dimensionalizer” or “pallet dimensioner” tossed around with increasing frequency in the last few years, you’re not alone. These terms and others have been used interchangeably to talk about the equipment that’s being used to reshape the LTL industry in the...

Admittedly, the process for collecting on freight damage claims is more complicated than it probably needs to be, but that shouldn’t keep you from collecting what you’re owed. If you’re ready to stop losing money on claims collections, take a look at our top tips for being successful. Document your...

We’re all looking for ways to save our businesses money. And when we open our books to seek out opportunities, one place we all inevitably land is shipping and logistics. Why? Well, if your business ships any kind of volume, you probably see a big number in that column, and...

Clear Lane Freight Systems was founded in 2012 by LTL (less than a truckload) industry veterans Tom Nagel and Ingi Torfason. The goal was to fill a need for economical long-haul LTL service. Ingi and Tom have the unique experience of having worked in both operations, quality, and sales management...

A FreightSnap Solution Case Study Introduction FreightSnap, a renowned provider of dimensioning solutions, collaborated with Daifuku Logistics Solutions to tackle a critical challenge faced by FedEx at Charles De Gaulle Airport in France. The objective was clear: deliver a tray-based non-conveyable freight handling solution that seamlessly measures irregular products at...

Sr Partner Partner’s Primary Contact 1 Flexaust Leigh Elliot | [email protected] Hall 2 Freightsnap Michael Eichenberg | [email protected] 3 Motus Logistics Jaron Klopstein 4 Texcel Rubber Steven Dickson | [email protected] Partnership Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2019 #1 Describe the challenge that led to the formation of the partnership. * Flexaust:...

Challenges in Modern Shipping Shippers today are faced with all sorts of logistics challenges. Lost shipments, damaged freight, reweigh charges and size reclassifications to name a few. “Most of our Shipper customers have experienced all sorts of issues, which is why we decided to craft a great documentation solution to...

Subscribe to our Blog

Stay up to date with our latest news, receive exclusive deals, and more.

With the ever-increasing speed of technology and the ever-decreasing patience of customers, having accurate freight documentation is a necessity for having a smooth and effective shipping process. However, it can be a slow process and if done incorrectly can cost you time and money. Fortunately, the FS Image Station makes...

Already a popular pallet dimensioner in the United States, FreightSnap’s FS 5000 has taken its first steps toward becoming a trusted solution for Canadian companies looking to automate their freight measuring processes. This certification makes the FS 5000 the newest pallet dimensioner to be deemed legal-for-trade by Canada’s regulatory agency,...

Like parcel and air freight carriers, LTLs are looking less at what you’re shipping and more at how big it is. Space is the name of the game, and carriers are doing everything they can to make sure they’re getting paid for the amount that’s being used on their trailers....

Inaccurate measurements and transposition errors are common pitfalls when trying to measure incoming and outgoing freight by hand. And both open your Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) up to bad data, which can limit their effectiveness and compromise the efficiency of your warehouse or distribution center....

A FreightSnap Solution Case Study Introduction FreightSnap, a renowned provider of dimensioning solutions, collaborated with Daifuku Logistics Solutions to tackle a critical challenge faced by FedEx at Charles De Gaulle Airport in France. The objective was clear: deliver a tray-based non-conveyable freight handling solution that seamlessly measures irregular products at...

Sr Partner Partner’s Primary Contact 1 Flexaust Leigh Elliot | [email protected] Hall 2 Freightsnap Michael Eichenberg | [email protected] 3 Motus Logistics Jaron Klopstein 4 Texcel Rubber Steven Dickson | [email protected] Partnership Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2019 #1 Describe the challenge that led to the formation of the partnership. * Flexaust:...

Challenges in Modern Shipping Shippers today are faced with all sorts of logistics challenges. Lost shipments, damaged freight, reweigh charges and size reclassifications to name a few. “Most of our Shipper customers have experienced all sorts of issues, which is why we decided to craft a great documentation solution to...

Product Sheet - FS Parcel Dimensioner

2023 DimReimag LP - FSParcel PS Dwnld

Product Sheet - FS 5000 Dimensioner

2023 DimReimag LP - FS500 PS Dwnld

Request a Quote!

2023 DimReimag LP Pricing Request Form