| Properly applied volume-measuring systems help | | | | conveyor feeding a sorter required its own unit, |
| delivery companies verify customer-provided package | | | | which was very expensive. Now, a single unit over a |
| data, optimise valuable transit and storage space, and | | | | sorter serves multiple infeed conveyors, reducing |
| automate invoicing. Benefits include reduced costs | | | | costs and simplifying maintenance. |
| and improved efficiency. | | | | Is it possible to measure the volume of flat objects? |
| How do volume-measuring systems work? | | | | Modern systems are highly accurate, generally |
| Most popular devices use the time-of-flight principle: a | | | | calculating the volume of cuboid items with an |
| sensor emits a parallel or fan-shaped laser beam that | | | | accuracy of 5mm x 5mm x 5mm, and non-cuboid |
| packages reflect. The system measures the time it | | | | items with an accuracy of 10mm x 10mm x 10mm. |
| takes the laser to return to the sensor, and builds a | | | | Therefore, it is technically possible to determine the |
| three-dimensional image of each item through the | | | | volume of near-flat objects. |
| motion of the parcel on a conveyor, or the sensor | | | | However, for certification purposes regulatory |
| above the parcel. Using these images, it determines a | | | | authorities require the specified minimum object |
| parcel's height, width and length before calculating its | | | | dimensions be ten times the measuring accuracy. |
| volume. | | | | Using the examples above, this means 50mm x |
| Systems that use more than one sensor build multiple | | | | 50mm x 50mm for cuboid items and 100mm x |
| three-dimensional images by scanning parcels from | | | | 100mm x 100mm for non-cuboid items. |
| different directions. This enables them to measure | | | | Can volume measurement detect defective parcels? |
| the volume of cuboid parcels more accurately, and | | | | Yes, certified systems with two or more sensors can |
| process irregularly shaped (non-cuboid) items by | | | | detect flaws in parcels, such as holes or dents. This |
| calculating the smallest cube that will enclose them. | | | | enables operators to remove defective items |
| Modern distribution centres and post depots process | | | | immediately and send them for repair or disposal. |
| regularly and irregularly shaped parcels at the same | | | | Installation issues |
| time. In these cases, the system automatically | | | | The more room there is around the conveyor the |
| distinguishes cuboid and non-cuboid items before | | | | simpler the installation. However, suppliers are flexible |
| measuring them. | | | | and produce customised solutions suitable for |
| What are certified systems? | | | | applications with limited space. Indeed, it is possible to |
| Certified volume-measuring systems meet the | | | | direct laser beams onto parcels using a mirror. |
| requirements of European, Canadian and American | | | | Some companies choose to install volume-measuring |
| Approval Institutes, and companies can use the | | | | systems themselves. This is perfectly practical and |
| acquired data to produce legally binding invoices. | | | | comes at a low cost. Others prefer their supplier to |
| Certified systems are fast becoming standard in | | | | install the system for them. This is ideal for |
| today's logistics industry. | | | | businesses with time constraints. |
| Which conveyors are compatible? | | | | No matter who carries out the installation, an on-site |
| Modern volume-measuring systems are compatible | | | | test conducted by an official of the gauging office is |
| with most conveyors, cross belt sorters, and tilt tray | | | | required to certify a volume-measuring system. |
| sorters with wooden, asymmetric or black trays | | | | Conclusion |
| running at speeds of up to three metres per second. | | | | Most modern distribution centres and post depots |
| When operating above sorters, they identify the | | | | use automated volume measuring systems. They |
| type of tray and differentiate it from the parcel | | | | reduce the need to handle parcels manually, optimise |
| before calculating volume. | | | | and speed up deliveries, and simplify associated billing. |
| Previously, the shape of sorter trays confused | | | | This means postal services and logistics spend less, |
| volume-measuring systems. This meant every | | | | and can provide a better service to their customers. |