The implementation of cubing and dimensioning technology is increasing in popularity due to their unique ability to solve a variety of frequently encountered supply chain challenges with a reasonable investment. Cubing and weighing solutions are now available in varying sizes, prices and durability options to meet the needs of any distribution center. These tools are designed to eliminate manual data entry, reduce inventory data errors and increase profits. Focusing on these operational improvements are more important than ever due to the increasing shipping rates for major carriers such as FedEx and UPS. The dimensional weight pricing structure raised the average shipping cost 30%. This led to warehouse operators searching for savings in other areas so as to not pass these rate increases on to their customers. Datex partner, Rice Lake Weighing Systems, is one of the top providers of cubing and dimensioning technologies for the supply chain industry. They have been in business for over 70 years and now offer over 40,000 different weighing products for a variety of different industries. Their expertise has allowed many SCM businesses to make significant improvements to their operations ranging from more optimized inventory putaway and storage, improved carton selection, and more stable load/pallet building. When paired with warehouse management technology, cubing systems allow warehouses of any size to have more data available at their fingertips. This helps decision makers and staff make critical decisions on the fly while saving time and money. To get more information about implementing cubing and dimensioning technologies into your supply chain operation contact Datex experts today at marketing@datexcorp.com or 800.933.2839 ext 243.

1. BOOST DC
PERFORMANCE &
SOLVE DIM
CHALLENGES
BY: ANGELA CARVER

2. Cubing & Weighing Technologies
• Cubing and weighing solutions come in varying size, price and
durability options in order to fit the needs of any warehouse,
distribution center or fulfillment operation.
• These automated data collection technologies often integrate
directly with inventory management software systems to
automatically collect and store the dimension and weight of any
product.
• Implementation of cubing and weighing systems is increasing in
popularity due to their ability to eliminate manual data entry, reducing
inventory data errors and increasing profits.

3. Dimensional Weight Challenges
• The introduction of the dimensional weight pricing structure by major
carriers including UPS and FedEx resulted in 30% increases in
shipping costs for many logistics companies according to the
Numina Group.
• With the growing popularity of omni-channel retailing, businesses are
dealing with packages impacted by DIM changes more than ever
before.
Learn More About DIM

4. Solve Dimensional Weight Challenges
• Chase Snowden, Supply Chain Architect for Barcoding Inc., noted
that “Whatever an organization uses as a system of record, it will need to
support DIM data including size, weight, height, width, length and
category… if your system does not support that specificity, that’s where
you will run into a roadblock.”
• Many businesses are investing in cubing and weighing systems to
collect this data with no manual interference. They perform more
efficiently and accurately than pencil, paper and ruler.
• Having accurate data of this nature helps fulfillment operations to
select the proper packaging to reduce wasted space and overall
shipping costs.

5. Improve Distribution Center Operations
• Utilizing dimensioning systems also gives DC’s the ability to improve
other areas of their operations, not simply package rating and
shipping.
• Supply chain journalist for DC Velocity, David Maloney, identified 10
operational areas where dimensional data can be beneficial.
• Some of the key improvement areas are discussed on the following
pages.
1. Facility Design
2. Storage
3. Slotting
4. Picking
5. Verification
6. Packing
7. Pallet Building
8. Load Building
9. Shipping
10. Customer Service

6. Improve Distribution Center Operations
• Inventory Putaway & Storage
– With accurate product dimension information, warehouse
management software (WMS) can more effectively direct DC
staff to the best position to put away and store inventory in order
to make the most of space and prevent damage.
– Having this information when designing your distribution center
can also help you to plan the most efficient picking and packing
areas.

7. Improve Distribution Center Operations
• Picking Operations & Carton Selection
– Many omni-channel fulfillment centers pick directly to the
designated shipping carton. Without dimensional data staff can
easily select improper packaging sizes which can cost your
business money.
– Selecting too large a package forces you to pay to ship air, while
selecting a carton too small creates additional labor required to
unpack and repack the order.
– Integrating dimensioning systems directly into your WMS will
take the guessing out of carton selection.

8. Improve Distribution Center Operations
• Load & Pallet Building
– Building stable pallets can help to reduce damage to inventory
during transit. Having cube and weight data can help your WMS
identify how the items should be stacked to ensure safety and
stability.
– Similarly to pallets, building loads can be improved with
dimensional data. Weight and volume restrictions can be taken
into account, allowing staff to make the most of available space.

9. Top Cubing & Dimensioning Technologies
• Rice Lake Weighing Systems
– In business for 70 years, Rice Lake is
world renowned for delivering the
highest standard of product and the best
service in the weighing industry.
– Rice Lake offers over 40,000 weighing
products for a variety of industries
including logistics, manufacturing,
pharmaceutical, agriculture, healthcare
and much more.
– Learn more about their top dimensioning
products here.

10. Conclusion
• Cubing and weighing systems have proven to be a useful tool for
helping supply chain operations manage the effects of dimensional
weight rating.
• When paired with inventory management solutions such as WMS,
dimensioning systems can provide a variety of cost and labor saving
benefits.
• Consider making the investment today to save your operation time
and money.

11. Get more information about dimensioning
solutions and WMS software today.