| Used in automated parcel sorting, scanning tunnels | | | | can be entered in time for the sorter to process the |
| conveniently integrate multiple functions to capture | | | | parcel and send it to its correct destination. Offline |
| detailed package related data, which allows | | | | video coding is where the images are stored and the |
| companies to reduce costs, increase efficiency and | | | | data input later. |
| improve customer satisfaction. | | | | Automatic volume measurement |
| Parcels flow into the tunnel on a conveyor or sorter, | | | | Scanning tunnels often incorporate volume-measuring |
| where different units automatically identify, measure | | | | devices, which use lasers to determine parcel |
| and label them. Users can achieve high levels of | | | | dimensions. Used to automate invoicing, this data |
| automation, reducing the need for manual handling. | | | | reduces labour costs and speeds up dispatches. |
| Scanning tunnels are convenient, cost effective and | | | | Volume measuring allows the system to calculate the |
| increasingly popular with post, mail order and | | | | smallest possible cube that will enclose an item, |
| distribution companies. Available in modular form, they | | | | ensuring efficient use of transit space during vehicle |
| are flexible and users can select features specific to | | | | loading. |
| their operational requirements. | | | | In-motion weighing |
| In a scanning tunnel, identifying addresses and codes | | | | Used in scanning tunnels to weigh parcels, in-motion |
| correctly is essential. This ensures the quick, accurate | | | | scales provide data that helps automate invoicing. |
| routing of parcels and means individual items are | | | | The process does not interrupt material flow or limit |
| traceable. This leads to a speedy, effective service | | | | throughput speed. Dual scale arrangements, which |
| and allows customers to check the status of their | | | | combine two weighing surfaces, allow the processing |
| orders at any time. Traditionally, scanning tunnels | | | | of a wider array of parcel lengths while maintaining a |
| have relied on laser barcode scanners to identify | | | | high throughput. |
| parcels, but recently introduced camera technology is | | | | Data storage units |
| proving highly advantageous. | | | | Equipping scanning tunnels with data storage units |
| Camera-based identification systems | | | | allows the swift, simple resolution of demanding |
| Camera based systems operate up to thirty times | | | | customer inquiries. Accumulated data such as volume, |
| faster than laser scanners and produce excellent read | | | | weight and address information is available for |
| rates. High-resolution, line-scan cameras capture | | | | immediate recall and stored images prove shipping |
| photographic images of parcel labels. The system | | | | times and product condition. The information is safe, |
| interprets these images using powerful digital imaging | | | | secure and cannot be manipulated, which reassures |
| techniques, computer algorithms and optical character | | | | users and their customers. |
| recognition (OCR) software. | | | | Clear spot detection |
| Unlike laser scanners, camera based systems identify | | | | Another advantage of using cameras in scanning |
| labels that are dirty, damaged or even written by | | | | tunnels is clear spot detection. The system checks |
| hand. Cameras even recognize customer specific | | | | the captured image for clear areas on the parcel and |
| codes and characters behind soiled, uneven or | | | | sends the co-ordinates to an automated labelling |
| reflective plastic. In scanning tunnels, multiple cameras | | | | device. It ensures new labels do not obscure existing |
| can be set up with LED illumination to read all six | | | | information. Clear spot detection is useful in |
| sides of a parcel. | | | | applications where users wish to apply a new label to |
| Video coding | | | | their parcels prior to dispatch. |
| Video coding is a facility that allows the manual input | | | | Interface with sorter control systems |
| of non-readable labels. When used in conjunction with | | | | Scanning tunnels interface easily with a wide range of |
| a camera based recognition system, identification | | | | sorter control systems. This makes them versatile |
| rates approaching 100% are achievable. The system | | | | and suitable for integration into existing applications. |
| sends images of incomplete or unidentifiable | | | | Built in modems allow remote diagnostics for |
| addresses or sort codes to video coding stations via | | | | faultfinding and software downloads should updates |
| a quick, intelligent network. Here, operators enter the | | | | be required. |
| information. | | | | The last few years has seen hundreds of scanning |
| Scanning tunnels support two types of video coding. | | | | tunnels sold to warehouses, parcel and mail |
| Online video coding means the information is input | | | | processors worldwide. They reduce costs, increase |
| immediately. As the image arrives at the terminal in | | | | efficiency and improve service levels. Scanning tunnels |
| less than 300ms after it is captured, address details | | | | are a realistic, cost effective option. |