Abstract
This application note explores using a LIPS 3D Scanner and a LIPSMetric Pallet Dimensioner to measure the dimensions of a pallet.
Problem Statement
Before shipping out packages on a pallet, people working in logistics companies would have to measure the pallet going into shipping containers. With the increase in e-commerce and online shopping over the last few years, there has been an increase in packages and pallets that needs volume and weight measurements. However, this process can be time-consuming and inefficient for a person to measure the size of a pallet or individual package manually. Moreover, there might be some human error in measuring or recording the size of the boxes or pallets after a long time, leading to further errors in the logistics companies’ backend systems.
Hence, more logistics companies are looking for an automated dimensioning system to increase productivity among workers and reduce labour costs. But what would be a suitable solution for measuring pallets or packages efficiently?
Solution
Figure 1: Setup image of LIPS 3D Scanner AE400 with an irregular-shaped package
In this application note, we used LIPS 3D scanner AE400 and a LIPSMetric Pallet Dimensioner (software) to measure the sizes of different packages.
Figure 2: LIPS 3D Scanner accurately measuring an irregular-shaped package
LIPS 3D scanner AE400 is equipped with industry-leading measuring speed and accuracy, as it can measure different packages accurately within 1 second. This helps to speed up the workflow and increase efficiency in the warehouse, allowing users to process and measure more packages in a short time frame. Users can also measure cubic and irregular-shaped objects in little-to-no light warehouse environments. Moreover, it has a large scanning range of up to 125cm x 125cm x 250cm, making it able to scan larger pallets and packages.
Figure 3: LIPS 3D scanner AE400 able to detect and measure boxes in different lighting conditions (error ± 5%)
Logistics companies can integrate this setup with their weighing machines, simultaneously measuring the pallets’ or packages’ volume and weight. Additionally, the LIPSMetric Pallet Dimensioner can integrate with the logistics shipping systems by exchanging data to the backend system. This means that the backend systems would save all measurement information automatically.
Figure 4: LIPS 3D Scanner able to accurately outline a box with a shiny surface
With their AI algorithm, the LIPS 3D scanner is able to outline objects automatically, no matter the surface. Hence, even if the pallet is wrapped in plastic wrap, the shiny surface of the plastic would not affect the measurement accuracy.
Lastly, this setup only requires a single LIPS 3D scanner and the LIPSMetric Pallet Dimensioner, making it optimal for users who want to integrate a low-cost, high-performance solution for their measurements.
