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.

3 Powerful Software Solutions from Neopost USA

Neopost USA is a worldwide pioneer in mailing system technology. Neopost trusts that individuals deserve better facilitation of business communications, particularly via traditional mail mediums.

This is what defines Neopost USA a leader in both mailing system machines and software solutions. In focus of the latter, below we review three powerful software solutions from Neopost USA and what users can expect.

1. ProShip

ProShip can give the most complex business principles tweaked to spare cash. It can connect with exceptionally many-sided rules for ideal shipment techniques. With its greatly quick handling, ProShip can stand the most difficult delivery prerequisites.

Leverage ProShip software from Neopost and appreciate the advantages of advanced shipper software solution. With capacity for complex rate design structure and exploiting the transporter rebates, you can transform your transportation stations into benefit focuses.

Expand Customer Visibility

ProShip's bundle shipping framework how about then you quit think about when a bundle was dispatched, where it is, and when it will be conveyed. ProShip can be designed to let their clients see their request and shipment data quickly.

Print All Required Shipping Documentation

With ProShip's propelled printing motor you will have all capacities for printing all transporter required delivering records, including transportation names, worldwide documentation, for example, Certificate Of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Shipper Export Declaration, and so forth.

Expand Personnel Interoperability

Decrease shipment handling and following time and dispense with transportation blunders, expanding delivery staff proficiency and reassigning work force to other useful zones.

High-volume Shipping

ProShip's outline permits it to handle various distribution centers in the meantime. With its product construction modeling it permits an excellent rate while applying the most confused and various business arrangements.

Versatile Solution

ProShip is composed as a multi-level framework where PC workstations get to ProShip's transportation usefulness and information from a focal server. ProShip's particular methodology offers a decision in segments. This decision takes into consideration versatility from a solitary workstation to an undertaking level arrangement.

2. NeoShip 

NeoShip is the ultimate Simple, Powerful Choice for Online Shipping. Neopost's effective web shipping arrangement, NeoShip, guarantees full IM®Pb consistence from the USPS® for all their bundle shipping prerequisites.

IM and IN-Series mailing frameworks, dispatching straightforwardly from their desktop has never been less demanding. NeoShip is a staple among mail management software solutions and is proven effective in many applications.

3. EMS - (Enhanced Mailing and Shipping)

This is a web associated data administration framework. It gives complete control over measuring, rating, preparing and bookkeeping of all outbound mail and sending. EMS permits clients to choose from any significant local or universal bearer - for example - FedEx, UPS, DHL, Airborne, and USPS — analyze administrations and rates, and process the shipment with expense precision and productivity.

By pinpointing the most minimal expense transporter that meets their conveyance criteria for each shipment, EMS can essentially decrease transportation costs – regularly as much as twenty percent. Get spare time by eliminating trips to the post office with this mailing and shipping software. One-quit preparing for mail pieces and bundles. Advantage from the cost savings associated with commercial base pricing. Acquire an online consolidated view of all shipments. Stay educated by following every bundle as it goes to its destination.

With EMS, make a summary or detailed reports based on shipment history, operator shipments and/or transactions great for record and office chargeback. EMS's multi-bearer capacities give you a definitive one-quit shopping arrangement – a solitary framework with the same simple interface, mailing/transportation process, beneficiary database, and shipment history for every one of the transporters you utilize.

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?