Which Dimensioning System & Sorter is the Best for You?

The first step in maximizing the benefits of installing volume measurement devices is finding out the nature of packages being measured and processed. The majority of operations carried out in courier branches and distribution centers consist of relatively small packages, bags, and envelopes measuring up to 30cm x 30cm x 30cm. If your warehouse is this type of operation and you do not process more than 1000 packages a day, the systems you should consider are static volume measurement systems. Static volume meters are compact systems equipped with a platform, scale, measurement sensor, and optional external barcode reader. They can be set up and used within 10 minutes on a desktop or floor installation.

When measuring the dimensions of products and packages that are larger and in greater quantities, the requirements will naturally change. When dealing with products of vastly different sizes, various packaging types, and high flow rates, dynamic volume measurement systems take precedence over static dimensioning devices. These systems inherently include feed and discharge conveyors. These conveyors enable the automatic completion of the measurement and discharge process without any intervention from the moment the product enters the feed stage. Additionally, by adding extra conveyors, it becomes easy to reach maximum throughput. As a result, the total measurement time per product decreases significantly, and the operational efficiency improves. Ultimately, the return on investment will also be achieved in the same proportion.

When your business focuses on products that are too heavy to be moved by a lean workforce, equipment such forklifts usually come into play. If your distribution center or warehouse handles such products, it is important to mention pallet dimensioners. These systems are structures equipped with multiple 3-dimensional cameras, installed using a floor mounting kit or wall mounting, with weight measurement taking place on the floor. Pallet measurement systems can easily and quickly measure the volume of even very large products. Pallet dimensioners significantly reduce the margin of error compared to manual measurements. Products are placed on the weighing platform of the volume measurer using pallet trucks, and within just a few seconds, the volume is measured with very high precision using camera-sensor and image processing, after which the product is removed from the measurement area.

Find out how many volume measurements you will perform in a day

Sorter systems are crucial for high profitability and flawless operations in different logistics processes. The diversity of logistics operations has led to the diversification of sorter systems. For this reason, sorter systems with many different types of capabilities are used in different service areas.
Sorter systems are widely used across various sectors and fields:The required throughput is one of the other important factors in determining your needs. Static volume measurement systems are a cost-effective solution for businesses where the number of volume measurements per day is relatively easy to manage. The use of such devices is carried out by a staff member for each product. The focus will be on accurate and successful measurements. It is usually sufficient to prevent cost losses caused by incorrect manual measurements and to record all information about the processed products in the system. Therefore, in such a situation, the investment in volume measurement devices is expected to be lower, and the return on investment is also quick.

If your warehouse or operational volume is relatively large or very large, your operational intensity will be at a high level. This situation can lead to numerous disruptions, product loss, incorrect measurements, operational inefficiency, and loss of profit. Under these conditions, where human labor may be insufficient, the use of automation systems is of critical importance.

A dynamic volume measurement system enables operation at speeds of up to 2 meters per second on a conveyor belt, making it dozens of times faster than manual labor. Moreover, it can be used for boxes and packages weighing up to 50-60 kilograms. While manual measurement of each product of this weight takes up to 1 minute, the system measures the same product in approximately 1 second. Moreover, this duration includes all stages such as weighing, length-width-height measurement, actual volume measurement, barcode reading, and photo capture.

When do you need more than dimensioning systems?

When we talk about warehouse automation, we usually think of huge machines, lines stretching for meters, or structures consisting of dozens of modules. This is partly true. In addition, it is almost impossible to manually operate and coordinate structures with so many components without errors. The misconception, however, is that automation is only necessary for large-scale projects. If your warehouse's daily processing volume is limited to 1,000 boxes, envelopes, and packages, you can optimize your warehouse with a static volume measurement system to make this operation more efficient. If the number of processed shipments exceeds 2,000–3,000, you can easily measure shipments with a dynamic volume measurer and manage the process with conveyor support. However, if your warehouse processes much higher volumes daily, the most suitable action for you would be to establish a comprehensive warehouse automation system.

Customization:Sorter systems can be customized to handle a variety of packaging types, from small parcels to large pallets, allowing 3PL providers to offer tailored solutions to their clients.

The components required for warehouse automation to complete a process from start to finish can be listed as follows:

● Feeding and discharge conveyors
● Dynamic volume measurement, photo capture, barcode reader, and weighing system
● Automatic label applicator
● Sorter system
● Warehouse automation management software

In an automation system built with the components listed above, the only task left for human labor is to place the products on the feeding conveyor to be added to the system (which could be also automated). The included packages pass through a volume meter where all their characteristics are measured, their barcode information is read, and then the packages are passed to the automatic labeling system. Packages with applied labels are transported to the sorter system to be directed to pre-programmed exits and are automatically separated into bins when they reach the designated door. At the end of this journey, each package has had all its data—such as volume, weight, length-width-height, and address information—read, recorded in the system, and classified, making it ready for distribution.

A sorter system set up with the right components can perform this process flawlessly for approximately 20000 items per hour. The processed data can be filtered, searched, or accessed as needed through warehouse automation management software. Additionally, the warehouse's operational performance based on hours, days, months, or years, address tracking, product barcode information, or vehicle loading optimizations can be monitored and managed through management software.

Depending on the type and number of products to be processed and the nature of the operation, cross belt sorters, modular belt roller belt sorters, tilt tray sorters, or shoe sorters can be selected. For example, when a setup is designed to process the maximum number of various types of products, this choice is usually a cross belt sorter. When different needs arise, the sorter system technology may vary. One of the most important features of sorters is their modular design, which allows them to be scaled up or down, have the number of outputs changed, adjust speeds, and be reprogrammed to accommodate changing needs. Thanks to all these benefits, it has become easy and feasible to install a sorter system for warehouses of any size.

In summary, equipping your warehouse with the most suitable automation system is important for the fastest return on your investment and operating at the highest profit margin. Factors such as daily operational volume, the quantity and quality of processed products, the structure of your warehouse, and your investment budget will help clarify the warehouse automation and volume measurement system you need.

If you wish to avoid inefficient expenditures, perform error-free and fast operations, prepare for potential issues during peak periods, and prevent cost losses, please contact us immediately, and we will work together to create the most suitable warehouse automation system for you.