The world of ecommerce is in constant flux, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Driven by the proliferation of online ordering and increasing consumer demands, ecommerce fulfillment services are estimated to increase by nearly 14% through 2030*. In this evolving landscape, dimensioning stands out as a potent tool that businesses can harness to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction. From storage and picking to shipping and returns, dimensioning plays a pivotal role in boosting the efficiency and accuracy of e-commerce fulfillment.
Optimize Storage Space and Picking Efficiency
Any efficient ecommerce fulfillment operation knows the importance of storing inventory by velocity, meaning how frequently it is being picked. The faster an item’s velocity, the closer it should be to receiving and shipping areas and easy to grab. Dimensioning enables storing as many high velocity items in easily accessible areas as possible. Precise dimensional data enables products to be slotted in the most efficient way possible, decreasing pick times so customers can receive their items faster than ever. Further, proper slotting maximizes existing space, helping to delay or prevent the costly investment of adding additional space.
Accurate Shipping Calculations
The shipping landscape has undergone a transformative shift, with carriers now opting to charge based on a package’s dimensional (DIM) weight rather than its actual weight. This shift reflects a pricing model that takes into account the space a package occupies during transit. Armed with precise dimensional data, businesses are in a prime position to provide accurate shipping cost estimations to both carriers and customers, effectively sidestepping any unexpected surcharges or fees. This transparency and accuracy are key in building carrier trust and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Streamlining Reverse Logistics
Returns are an inevitable part of ecommerce and can account for a significant amount of lost revenue. The National Retail Federation reports that for every $1 billion in sales, the average retailer incurs $165 million in merchandise returns, so managing this process efficiently is crucial for both profitability and customer satisfaction. Dimensioning helps in automating the returns process by quickly capturing the dimensions and weight of returned items at the point of receiving, ensuring they are processed swiftly and accurately.
Embracing Dimensioning
Dimensioning is not just a trend; it's an integral component of modern e-commerce fulfillment. By embracing and integrating mobile dimensioning into operations, businesses can optimize their processes, reduce costs, and provide an unparalleled customer experience. As e-commerce continues its upward trajectory, dimensioning will undoubtedly be at the forefront of its success.
*E-commerce Fulfillment Services Market Report, 2030. **NRF 2022 Retail Returns Rate Remains Flat at $816 Billion.