Nothing but Net: 5 Benefits of SLAM Systems in your eCommerce Warehouse

Nothing but Net: 5 Benefits of SLAM Systems in your eCommerce Warehouse

Did you know labor costs constitute, on average, 65% of most warehouse facilities’ operating budgets? SLAM systems, or SCAN, LABEL, APPLY, MANIFEST systems, offer eCommerce order fulfillment centers and warehouses a means to reduce labor costs (in addition to several other benefits).

Located in the last 100 feet of the order fulfillment process, a SLAM line can offer a variety of benefits to an eCommerce and order fulfillment center, warehouse or B2B shipping facility (including some that positively affect your bottom line or net profits!).

Increased Package Throughput

One of the main benefits of a SLAM system is that it can drive accuracy and speed, ultimately leading to higher package throughput. With a SLAM system in place, order accuracy is built into the process. SLAM lines feature quality checks throughout the process such as scanning an LPN (license plate number) barcode on the carton or package to ensure that it is attached directly to the proper package. Once the Print and Apply label is attached, the LPN barcode and shipping label are scanned to verify the correct package is going to the correct customer.

Additional options that can be included in the SLAM line include a scale or a scale and DIM system that provides rate shopping to save on shipping cost (e.g., comparing the actual parcel weight with the expected weight) and sortation systems that route packages to the correct shipping carrier chute according to the information contained in the package barcode. This all can be done at a rate of 15 – 25 packages per minute with accuracy.

Cost Reduction

SLAM systems can also help reduce shipping costs by having the correct weight and DIM of the box packaging or bag. Fast rate-shopping software by carrier and service level helps to optimize order fulfillment all while reducing shipping costs. Additionally, right-sized automated packaging equipment, such as Tension’s HPS-300 variable length packaging system, can reduce excess package waste and help reduce shipping costs by up to 18% when the package is rate shopped on your SLAM line. With the option of adding sortation to your line, this reduces labor costs when compared to manual package sorting to different carriers and service levels.

Consolidated Workstations

Another benefit of SLAM systems is that they can help consolidate shipping workstations. With a SLAM system in place, there is no need for multiple shipping stations by carrier. Instead, all orders can be sorted at the end of the fulfillment process and then shipped out from one central location. This consolidation can lead to a 50% reduction in shipping stations, freeing up more space in the warehouse for production and inventory storage.

Labor Optimization

A SLAM line can help optimize labor in your warehouse by automating many of the tasks associated with order fulfillment. By automating repetitive labor tasks, your labor force is free to do job tasks that may be of greater interest to them – improving associate satisfaction and potentially team dynamics. From a cost perspective, task automation can lead to reduced labor costs by a factor of four!

Improved Safety

Automation can help improve safety in order fulfillment operations just by automating some of the repetitive tasks that pose a risk to workers. This is a no-brainer when you consider the numbers:

• The warehouse and transportation industry sees costs in excess of a whopping $84 billion per week due to serious, non-fatal injuries.
• In 2020, there were approximately five workplace injuries for every one hundred full-time workers in the warehouse/storage industry.

A Positive Ratio: Along with improved safety comes improved associate satisfaction – a win-win for all involved in your operations of order fulfillment services.

Contact Tension Packaging & Automation

From increased throughput to reduced labor costs, SLAM systems can offer a multitude of advantages to an eCommerce fulfillment services or warehouse operation. Looking for ways to improve your operational efficiency and net profits? Consider investing in a system that is sure to be a SLAM dunk for your organization. Tension offers a full suite of automated packaging equipment including automated bagging machines, conveyor systems, sorters, print and apply labelers and more. Contact an expert at Tension to discuss today.