Top 5 Automation Systems for Packing, Shipping, & Logistics

At the end of every production process, the finished product has to be efficiently and functionally-packed and secured for shipping. However, the growing volume of smaller, more regular and frequent orders has challenged conventional means of storing, packing and shipping products, but it is also forcing companies to look at their logistics operations in ways they never considered necessary before.

For this reason, automation systems are now the future of industrial and logistics automation. Some processes have been completely automated. This has the advantage of saving labor, but automation systems are also used to save energy & materials as well as to enhance quality, accuracy and precision.

This same code of automation systems, to reduce labor time spent on manual entry in the planning process of the movement of procured and sold products in the supply chain, also known as logistics system, helps lower costs and impact the end result, all while reducing error and enhancing overall customer service. In this article, we are going to have an in depth look at five automation systems that provide the greatest impact on packaging, shipping, and logistics processes.

Strapping Machines 

Strapping Machines are the perfect way to secure goods, packages, or cartons for safe hauling: quickly, efficiently and with nominal use of materials. Essential for many types of logistics and fulfillment warehouses, strapping machines are suitable for all sorts of materials, shapes and sizes. Cardboard boxes which correspond to the European packaging standards are particularly well-suited to strapping.

The strapping machine functions by pulling and fastening a band of plastic and metal around the products, thereby keeping them immobile during transport. Depending on the needs of the logistics company, there are you semi-automatic or fully-automatic strapping machines which enable you to reliably and efficiently bundle your packages, boxes, parcels or other items, or have them secured for shipping – all with maximum availability.

Cubing & Dimensioning Systems 

Cubing and dimensioning systems have been central pieces of warehouse and logistics equipment for decades. They offer precise and real-time parcel size and weight data since they are equipped and integrated with software. This allows workers to store materials safely on racks, collect them on pallets, and then load them on trucks.

Many operators opt to use the new dimensioning and cubing technology systems and equipment because of their precision, dependability, and turn-key installation. Unlike the conventional cubing and dimensioning systems, these new automation systems are effective, convenient, cost effective and durable. Like mentioned above, the logistics company can integrate them with their business’s existing system (e.g. conveyor systems) and this helps reduce setup costs.

Automatic Box Cutter Machines

Automatic box cutter machine is a technology in the logistics process which automatically opens boxes on a conveyor system or other “pass through” environment. These automation systems was invented because of a gap in automation technology which exists in large warehouses and distribution centers. Looking at few advantages of using an automatic box cutter machines, you can see the how their function is highly valuable in a variety of high volume industries.

The speed and accuracy of this system aid in numerous key areas. These include repacking mixed cases, opening and processing returns, and more. Since the machines are programmable and are completely safe to products, there is less product waste and you save more labor time on being cautious with a box knife. Therefore, besides increasing the speed and accuracy of workflow, the automatic box cutter machine also reduces strain and likelihood of injury on the personnel. From modular to intelligent you’ll find automation systems that engage you and suit your needs.

Applicators & Labeling Systems

Automatic label applicators can rapidly apply pre-printed pressure sensitive labels to all sorts and sizes of products and packages. Each applicator and labeling system model is uniquely designed for addressing specific labeling requirements. Any of the automatic label applicator is matched with a labeling head and is capable of delivering repeatable label placement accuracy. These automation systems vastly improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency of your packaging line.

They help reduce labor costs, minimize operator fatigue and prevent label wastage. Applicator and labeling systems are generally cost effective, and simple to operate as well as maintain. They are widely used in the third-party logistics and shipping process in different industry segments such as cosmetics, fancy goods, gifts article, consumer products, agriculture, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems are available as part of the complete logistics system offering. They can transport goods vertically, horizontally, around corners, and also handle declines and inclines. However, market-leading automated conveyor systems range offer more than just optimal transportation. They join processes together, and help deliver and take away products – automatically, as well as on cue.

These automation systems can store products and packages until the next machine or person needs them, sort or merge the packages intelligently, and can facilitate several functions that add value to the order-fulfillment process, like packing and weighing. There are various types of conveyors including roller-type conveyors for cases, chain conveyors for heavy cargo, accumulation conveyors, and inclined belt conveyors. They are available in flexible designs to match and accommodate the features and installation requirements of customers’ loads.

Top 3PL Software Solutions in Review

Third party logistics (3PL) providers rely on advanced software platforms to manage all aspects of their clients' supply chains. From streamlining communications to keep track of inventory, 3PL software is vital tool for success in managing logistics.

There are constant new advancements in today's 3PL software platforms. Whether you're looking to upgrade your existing system or introduce a new platform for your logistics operations, below are three top 3PL software solutions designed for advanced 3PL's and in-house supply chain managers alike.

3PLink

This 3PL software is designed specifically to optimize how third-party logistics service providers operate. 3PLink is a Warehouse Management System (WMS), which is fully automated and can help to increase productivity, responsiveness, reliability, and accuracy.

With clients’ web visibility security 24/7, wireless scanning or EDI, and automated reporting, customers are guaranteed satisfaction, as it also leads to top quality power with a quick Return on Investment (ROI). With this kind of software, you can add new technology and buy what is needed today as your client base demands.

3PLink has been a market leader software since 1987 and continues to use cutting-edge technologies in order to help companies increase accuracy, reliability, and productivity.

Benefits of 3PLink 3PL Software

• This software is user friendly, fast in operation, and very easy to learn.
• Customer response and service is excellent.
• It can help you to design or configure reports hence making your customers happy, as these reports are custom designed just for their specific needs.
• It is also robust in configuration options.
• It can guarantee satisfaction on the part of customers by offering automated reporting, wireless scanning, and KPI dashboards.

Slingshot Enterprise Business Suite Software

Slingshot 3PL software offers resource planning solutions to small and big businesses. Slingshot software offers a good supply chain planning, forecasting, order fulfillment and the best breed procurement, supplier management, warehouse management and demand planning within the suite.

Apart from offering advanced technical applications to their customers, they also deliver their ERP software on the internet hence there is no need for additional programming or hardware, giving you constant access no matter where you are.

When you have Slingshot software, it can accelerate communication between you and your suppliers, decrease error caused because of manual entry, and increases your procurement options.

Benefits of Slingshot Enterprise 3PL Software

• The software is flexible and can adjust to fit your needs.
• Apart from having a cloud-based deployment, Slingshot is also scalable.
• Has a friendly user interface, which is easy to use.
• It can help you define time, resource needed, and deliverables for proper deployment.

Infor Supply Chain Management Software

Infor Supply Chain Management software is designed to help businesses by optimizing their supply chain. The software platform can be applied to demand planning, strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement, sales planning, manufacturing planning, and operation planning.

With analytics from Infor SCM’s core, it can help companies or organizations to gain greater visibility on every aspect of supply chain ranging from scheduling and focusing to planning and execution.

Benefits of 3PLink 3PL Software

• Infor SCM can help you improve shipping and inventory operations.
• Can help companies optimize labor and resource utilization.
• With this software you can improve both internal and external communications. External communication includes customers, suppliers, and partners.
• It can help organizations develop the ideal network for their supply chain that can meet their current needs.
• The software is also designed to improve worldwide supply chain collaboration.
• It allows companies to respond quickly and effectively to the market’s fluctuations.

Therefore, in order to use the 3PL software you need to understand the requirements for your business, have the product in-depth demonstration in order to determine the software capabilities and domain expertise of the vendor.

Neopost USA's neoShip Software Streamlines Shipping & Receiving Operations

Shipping and receiving operations have long faced challenges as a result of growing cost and changing rules. Today, Neopost USA has a solution for all businesses and individuals who would love to mainstream the process by making it efficient and cost-effective. They achieve this with the advent of neoShip, one of the most advanced mailing management software solutions for shipping and receiving.

Over the years, Neopost USA has played an instrumental role in providing mailing solutions, shipping services as well as digital communications to people across the 31 countries in which they operate from. Their mission is to connect and help further interactions regardless of the distance. But they do it in a new and innovative way, thanks to the age of multi-channel communication which provides room for speedy delivery and response.

neoShip Software Overview

The Neopost neoShip software platform offers a holistic solution when it comes to shipping all types of packages. It can actually be accessed from a desktop computer by logging into MyNeopost online account. The process should end with a creation of a USPS compliant shipping label. It is as follows:

(a) You will choose your package type and its weight
(b) Fill in the destination shipping address
(c) Choose the date in which you want it delivered, rate and perhaps some extra USPS services
(d) Print the shipping label so it can be affixed on the package

neoShip Software Features

USPS extra services include signature confirmation, parcel tracking, return receipt, electronic return receipt, adult signature-restricted delivery, and many more. With such features, you also expect the software to provide free web-tracking capabilities, address verification, postage refunds, pickup requests and canceled shipment. These features make it convenient to use the platform when shipping a parcel.

neoShip software is a revolutionary piece that will change how people deliver items through shipping. Below are just a few features that provide the advantages and edge that most logistics business, mailing divisions, and shipping and receiving operations demand.

• Save money with commercial base pricing - When you use their two products -- Prior mail and Prior mail express, you will enjoy huge discounts, whether you're shipping a single package or multiple of them.
• Save time - Through its powerful built-in features, you can process all your mail and packages efficiently, thus helping you cut down on your trips to the post office.
• Printing your shipping labels - Using an inkjet printer, laser printer, or a Neopost's thermal label printer, you can actually enjoy the kind of convenience and flexibility never seen anywhere before.
• Ability to track your package and work with detailed reports - Ideal with most bulk mailing machines, you can confidently track your parcel each step of the way until it arrives at its intended destination. You can also create detailed reports guided by your shipping history and transactions.
• The free address corrector - Even if there's a mistake on the 'ship-to' address and you didn't realize it, the platform will automatically correct it for you so your parcel doesn't have to end nowhere or in the wrong hands.
• The free insurance on all mail - Both priority mail and priority mail express products have free insurance you can take advantage of. Priority mail has an insurance value of up to $50 while Priority mail express has $100 attached to it. 

As long as you're using a Windows PC computer coupled with a compatible printer, you should be able to comfortably take advantage of the service. As the perfect complement to support high-volume shipping warehouses and small mailing operations alike, neoShip from Neopost USA is one of the fastest and most efficient way to send packages across the globe.

Walz Cube: New Dimensioning & Cubing System from Walz Scale

Are you in the retail business or provide warehousing and distribution solutions? Perhaps you run an online store that ships purchases to customers on a daily basis? If your business is involved in shipping packages, you already know how astronomical shipping fees can be.

Shipping costs have long been solely calculated based on weight. However, with rising costs of fuel and other factors, charging by weight only has become unprofitable for mail and freight carriers since lightweight and low density packages tend to take up as much room in cargo carriers like ships, airplanes and trucks. So, freight companies have gone to using dimensioning systems to calculate and charge by dimensions rather than solely on weight or volume.

A dimensioning system (sometimes called a cubing system) uses a measuring process that measures the cubic space an object occupies. This method calculates the dimensional weight a package or object uses. This information is then used to calculate the cost of handling, storage and transporting of the object.

Features of Walz Cube 

Walz has brought new technology to customers searching for a dimensioning system to capture weight and dimensional data for the packages they ship. The Walz Cube is a new cubing and dimensioning system has changed the way businesses manage their shipping process by giving them the dimensional and weight data they need to ship via major carriers.

Below are a few of the exciting components and features the new Walz cubing system offers:

• Dimensional and weight software for PCs
• DHL and TNT Plug-in
• On Demand Plug-in Feature for the UPS, DHL, FedEx, and TNT Online systems
• Standard Data Transfer
• Affordability

A Revolutionary Dimensioning & Cubing

The revolutionary cubing system from Walz also boasts:

• Real-time data transfer
• PC client data transfer
• Constructed of 5 mm aluminum for long-lasting use
• Plug-in to third party transport booking systems online
• USB power supply that can be used on mobile cart as a mobile device

The Walz dimensioning system can also provide:

• Data management: The dimensioning system can measure dimensions, volume, weight and volume weight.
• Definable dim factors by the user
• Allows users to save their data as a .csv file
• Provides internal AUTO calibration for both volume and weight
• Provides users with counting pieces for totalization of the counting data

Seamless System Integration

Integration of standard data transfer into ERP or WMS has been an expensive challenge in the past, but the Walz cubing system has made it a standard feature.

The Walz Cube dimensioning system can also be used as a stand-alone system. Whether you choose to use it on a table or integrate it into a conveyor system. It’s your choice!

If shipping costs are a factor in your business, you can’t afford to be without a dimensioning system. Why not make sure that you have the best in the business?

How GPS Technology Has Evolved the Third-Party Logistics Industry

The third-party logistics industry is undergoing a rapid transition due to the advances in information and communication technologies.

Advancement in information technologies has brought substantial benefits to logistics service providers, specifically third-party logistics (3PL) companies. The development and application of these technologies such as global positioning system (GPS) are especially important and helpful in transportation and logistics activities that are integral components in any supply chain system.

In this article, we discuss the application of GPS-based information technologies to optimize operations of companies providing third-party logistics service. We discuss how these technologies help to enhance the effective and efficient management of their businesses and analyze the interaction of GPS implementation and several key characteristics of the logistic distribution context.

Because of the wide range of business activities involved in the transportation process, logistics related costs account for a quite substantial share of the total costs for any company. In the past decade, other technologies such as enterprise resource planning and electronic data interchange systems substantially improved the efficiency of supply chain management. In this decade, the emergence of GPS improves logistics operation efficiency.

In recent years, GPS has been used in vehicles of logistics service providers. GPS is used for obtaining information with respect to the position, speed, and travel direction of vehicles. In addition, there are concepts and techniques to combine GIS, GPS, and other digital communication technologies to locate the position and velocity of vehicles.

The emphasis of the concept is on the importance of the connection with the central monitoring system. There have also been studies on the application of GIS and OR techniques in the problems of technician-dispatching and home deliveries and parcel delivery. in Korea. GPS is also important for geographic data collection, global positioning system based addressing, vehicle routing, and resource discovery.

GPS and related new computer systems and information technology have a huge impact on logistics distributions. We need to understand GPS usage and have a deeper understanding about the benefits and values generated by these technologies in logistic operations and provide analysis of why these benefits exist. For instance, improved just-in-time service, optimized delivery schedules, and routes are made possible by these technologies, real-time monitoring, and data transfer are obtained between dispatchers and drivers helps improve supply chain management.

Moreover, these advantages can also be extended and enjoyed by their costumers such that the entire supply chain operations can be optimized. Studies reveal important and critical issues during the application process of these new technologies. While some of the issues are inherent and closely related with the further development of these new technologies, others need stronger collaboration and support from logistics management partners and from other important players in the business.

Results confirm the potential of related technologies of GPS for enhancing operating efficiency and productivity, improving communication and relationship building, and facilitating collaboration and strategic planning of a firm and its supply chain. The results have to be interpreted cautiously and need to be validated with further extensive studies. Continued large-scale research should be planned and conducted to further explore broad range of business sectors.

The Role of IT in Advanced Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Information Technology (IT) is the study, creation, support, utilization and management of computer based information systems, especially computer hardware and software applications. IT is not limited to computers, with the current technological advancements in area of mobile and other handheld devices, IT is fast moving onto other forms of business and technology.

A supply chain on the other hand is a network of suppliers, subcontractors, and distributors used by a manufacturer to source for its raw materials, supplies and components. Logistics organizations store, transport and distribute work-in progress and supplies within the entire supply chain and also distribute the finished product to clients and intermediaries therein between. Thus, it follows that the integration of logistics operations and supply chain will not only reduce costs and improve efficiency but will also increase the competitive advantage of the organization.

How Technology Has Advanced SCM

A supply chain management (SCM) system is therefore concerned with the flow of information and products between the member organizations within the supply chain. Recent advancements in technologies have ensured that organizations can avail this information quite easily, thereby greatly reducing the cost of information. With integrated supply chain solutions, the flow of information and materials is usually bi-directional.

Today’s advanced IT systems have enabled organizations to leverage some turnkey logistics and warehouse management, and packaging systems as well as custom Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) solutions at a fraction of the previous price. This development, where the supply chain system is inter-organizational has three very distinct advantages.

First and foremost, there is a drastic cost reduction in the route to market, distributorship and production cost.

Secondly, the productivity of all the organizations in the supply chain is bound to improve and lastly there is bound to be a drastic improvement in the development and execution of product and market strategies.

Facilitation of Logistics Collaboration

For many systems, there are at least five basic levels in the system where logistics technology can enable high-levels of collaboration. The first level is at the remote input/output node where a member can participate from a remote location and interact with application system.

The second level is where a member of a fluid supply chain shares a single application such as an order processing system or inventory query with the application.

The third level is where a member of the supply chain develops and shares a network which links it to other participants with whom it has a business relationship.

In the fourth level, a partner organization may opt to develop and share a network with different applications which can be used by other members to make queries, place orders, check stock levels etc.

The fifth and final level is where a member decides to become more of data processing or communications utility and integrates any data coming from other participating members in real time and avails it when required to do so.

Next-Level Supply Chain Solutions

Solid supply chain solution providers choose the level of IT that best fits their clients' needs and requirements and will not overstretch or overburden their networks or lead to instances of information overload.

Another huge area where IT has become a facet in supply chain management has been in the integration of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) into most supply chain management systems. EDI refers to the computer to computer exchange of business documents in a standardized format.

Through the use of EDI, supply chain partners are able to overcome the exaggeration and distortion usually prevalent in supply and demand set ups by simply improving technologies available so as to allow for real time sharing of actual supply and demand information. This not only improves customer service through limited stock outs but is also cost efficient, improves the billing process and enhances productivity for all the players or partners involved.

Lift Truck Scales For Optimized Logistics Operations

Shipping practices, logistics companies, and warehousing operations often demand accurate weight measurements of pallets, packaged goods, and other loads to be shipped. As a result, many of these companies require an effective weighing solution to efficiently calculate load weight.

One form of technology that's aiding this demand are lift truck scales. Designed to easily determine the load weight of pallets and other bulk objects that need to be weighed, lift truck scales can help streamline the weighing process, helping to optimize an overall logistics operation.

Features Behind Lift Truck Scales

The lift truck scale is a unit that features a scale design that uses a single load cell format. It can be placed on a single space and added to the overall unit. Lift truck scales often are built with a flat body front where items to be loaded onto. This offers a scale system that functional, easy to work with, and can handle tens of thousands of pounds of weight depending on the style of lift truck scale.

This type of truck scale typically works with a design where items may be loaded onto the measuring spot through the use of a forklift, pallet jack, or other item that can lift heavy boxes. This can work well for pallets of materials that are bound together and have to be loaded onto a larger truck.

Lift truck scales calculate the weight that is displaced on the platform, and will provide measurements based on the weight of items being added. The measurement may be clarified through the use of springs or sensors depending on the model being used. A typical metal plate will generally be required as it is a very sturdy and strong material to add without risking any problems as they come along on a surface.

Helping Logistics Companies Minimize Bottlenecks & Costs

This is a type of scale fits in perfectly with shipping and logistics operations. Pallet and lift truck scales read the weight of pallets, sometimes while in motion, which can make weighing process seamless in any operation. In addition, the lift truck scales can be a great investment for manufacturers, agricultural producers, and other business models that depend on accurate weighing systems.

The truck scale also adds value as it prevents items from being loaded that may be too heavy. The problem with trying to load some items is that it can be a real challenge for some materials to be added because they can cause a truck or plane to struggle to move. In addition, sometimes fines may be levied on those that carry far too much weight. A lift truck scale will determine weights before they are added onto any unit, thus ensuring that there will not be far too many materials being added to a surface at any given time.

This is a very special type of truck scale system that can work wonders for anyone. If the best possible materials are added to a shipping station then it will be rather easy for weights to be measured with care without risking problems over how a readout is to be created or used at any time. It can prove to be one of the most essential materials for anyone to utilize as needed in a particular office.