Once a relatively unknown technical term, dimensional weight has become an increasingly important measurement in modern business practice. Whether items are being shipped to customers or stored in a warehousing environment, the volume of space required is equally important as the gross weight.
Dimensional scales are precision instruments that rapidly calculate the weight and volume of an item, object, or parcel. They commonly utilize industrial-grade sensing technology to determine the cubic dimensions of the item. They also incorporate a precision scale that produces accurate weight readings. The best dimensional scales are precision instruments built to operate for many years in various industrial applications.
Dimensional Scale Weight vs. Actual Weight
Actual weight is a measurement that most people know well: It is exactly what an item or product weighs. In business operations, the actual weight also includes the packaging used in shipping the item.
Dimensional weight is essential in transporting items. The term includes an item’s physical weight and accounts for the three-dimensional space, also known as the spatial volume, that a packaged item occupies.
Why Is Dimension Weight Important?
Dimensional weight is significant for businesses. It improves operational efficiency and helps manufacturers and suppliers save on transportation costs. For both air and ground shipping companies, it optimizes logistics, reduces fuel expenses, and streamlines delivery operations, making it a cost-effective solution for the shipping industry.
Incorporating precision dimensional scales into your business’s workflow will significantly improve operational efficiency. In particular, you will automate obtaining accurate and repeated dimensional weighings of your product line and shipping outflows.
When looking to use or buy a dimensional scale, it may be helpful to keep in mind a few considerations:
- How rapidly does the dimensional scale take measurements?
- Is it easily integrated into your company’s existing workflow?
- Does it integrate with any third-party software that you currently use?
- Does the manufacturer custom-build and provide continuing support?
How Is Dimensional Weight Calculated?
Calculating dimensional weight is pretty straightforward. First, measure an item’s length, width, and height, also known as its cubed dimensions. If the item is packaged, do this step after the packaging is finished. Next, weigh the item as accurately as possible. A precision dimensional scale can do all these steps automatically and quickly.
If you are a manufacturer or supplier, here are a few tips in preparing your items for shipment:
- Right-size your shipment by using packages that match the dimensions of your items
- Do not over-utilize heavy packaging materials
- Use a dimensional scale when preparing your outgoing shipments
Contact Worcester Scale
Worcester Scale has been in the calibration business since 1948, serving various industries. The company offers a complete line of electronic and mechanical scales and peripherals, flexible systems and software, and custom-designed industrial scales. Worcester’s scales are designed and manufactured to provide effective and affordable solutions to any company’s weighing and dimensioning concerns.
Let us know how we at Worcester Scale can help you streamline your business operations. We collaborate with our customers to help them achieve their goals. Contact us with any questions or concerns.
Leave a Reply