Automated Shipping System solutions are transforming how fulfillment centers operate. From large scale retail operations to small fulfillment companies, work doesn’t stop when an order is produced or picked. The shipping process is the key to keeping customers happy. An automated shipping system improves the fulfillment process through technology like conveyors that move finished goods, print-and-apply labelers that automate shipping and compliance labeling, and in-motion manifests that collect and manage shipping data.
Whether you’re a just-in-time manufacturer or a distribution center packing orders for same-day shipping, there’s never been more pressure for fast order fulfillment and delivery. If you’re relying on manual processes to prep and ship orders, you’re at risk of falling behind your competitors and slowing down the supply chain right where it most needs smart automation.
Damaged products, incorrect labeling, inefficient use of materials, products that don’t pass QC — there’s no shortage of costly mistakes that can stem from a shipping system built on manual processes. An automated shipping system keeps accuracy high and fulfillment fast. Conveyors move products to shipping stations, packaging solutions ensure you’re using the right materials, and in-motion manifesting, weighing, and scanning, validate processes and accuracy and eliminates redundant and costly labor.
A modern shipping solution supports all the work you’ve done to streamline how you produce and prepare orders. It’s the final step in the automation process, allowing you to exceed customer expectations around speed and accuracy. Working with ISD on your shipping solution means you’ll get the exact right-sized system for what your operations need in order to provide exceptional levels of customer service.
Meeting the demands of just-in-time manufacturing requires smart systems design that moves product quickly and accurately. When those car seats or instrument panels are completed, you need to get them off the line, onto a conveyor, and through an efficient, automated shipping system and out to customers. We’ve done hundreds of projects to automate shipping systems, at all sizes and complexities. We tailor the solution to your operation and use a range of technology along the way, including:
Conveyors: accumulation conveyors, sortation conveyors, merge conveyors, and more — we use a mix of customized conveyor systems to get your goods ready to ship.
Print and apply labeling: these do on-demand printing of labels, bar codes, RFID, and other identification and shipping labels to containers, from boxes to pallets.
Document inserters: these automatically print, fold and insert documents, including packing slips, invoices, instructions, and promotional materials into a mix of carton sizes
In motion manifests: these collect and validate orders as they go off the line and into pallets for shipping.
ISD designs shipping solutions that help you deliver on what you’ve promised.
Automated scales / cube: by integrating in-motion scales and cubic measuring technologies, automated systems can validate order accuracy, determine actual shipping weight, and even help calculate dimensional weight charges.
Print-and-apply systems: this combination of software and hardware allows shipping and compliance labels to be generated and applied to almost any style and size of shipping carton, with complete validation and incredibly high speeds.
Transportation management system (TMS): this software looks at things like package size and weight, distance to customer, carrier options, cost, and time in transit, to automatically determine the best methods of shipping.
Shipping is usually one of the highest cost centers for a distribution business. But an automated shipping system can reduce that dramatically by reducing or eliminating labor costs, using dimensional packaging and employing a TMS (transportation management system) to choose the cheapest carriers and avoid fees. This is especially important for rush days and holiday peaks, so you can meet higher demand without having to pay higher costs.
When it comes to automated shipping systems that keep things moving, ISD has the experience you need. We’re big enough to do a good job, and small enough to do it affordably, with trusted partners and proven resources so things go smoothly from the start.
