SLAM system: what is it and why is it on the rise?
Do you know what the SLAM (Scan, Label, Apply and Manifest) system is? And why is it on the rise in the logistics sector?
There’s been a lot of talk about “the last 100 feet after packaging”, which for us is the last 30.5 m (on a metric scale). Much because they are the last steps before leaving the distribution center, which are very important to ensure the efficiency of a delivery.
But why has this issue taken the spotlight lately?
We help you understand in a very simple way.
When you buy an item online, your only interaction with the company is the packaging. According to the Global Consumer Report: Current and Future Buying Trends (2022), 72% of consumers are more likely to be loyal to a brand if it offers a personalized experience.
And what does the SLAM system have to do with it? It takes care precisely of the last 30.5 m between packaging and shipping to the consumer, which generates an extremely positive ROI on investments in automation.
SLAM and B2B Commerce
For you who have a B2B company, you must be thinking: Ok, I understand, but this does not influence my business!
That’s where you’re wrong. Mainly for the cases of 3PLs, also known as logistics operators, who process hundreds of unique customer packages. The probability of error increases greatly if your system is not automated.
As the burden of returning the product falls on the logistics operator, reducing errors and possible chargebacks helps a lot financially.
How does the SLAM system work?
The SLAM system then arrives to optimize this part of the distribution center, since all products need Scan (verification), Label (identification label), Apply (label placement) and Manifest (sending information to the carriers that will perform the delivery).
Regardless of whether the process is manual or automatic, there will always be a scanner involved. And there are several scanner options:
- 1D: reads barcode;
- 2D: reads geometric codes such as QR Codes;
- RFID : uses radio frequency waves;
- OCR: converts an image into an editable text or dataset.
After reading the sp00 label, the package needs to be measured and weighed so that its data can be sent to the carriers. Sizing can be done by a sensor system that measures the height, length and width of the package and a dynamic scale that validates the weight of the item. This ensures that the amounts paid to carriers are as fair as possible.
After this process, the package needs a label to guide it to its final destination. It is important to mention that, nowadays, the labels can contain information about the contents of the package and not only the destination and origin addresses, and dimensions.
To apply the label, there are several automated solutions. You can also count on several components that help ensure that the label is stuck in the correct place, with the help of sensors or vision systems.
Process automation
The process so far is worthless if the package is not in the correct location for shipment. The correct sorter system will ensure that the volume is directed where it needs to go.
And how to make the system work correctly and smoothly? Through a software.
Investing in a solution that helps organize the flow of your operation will ensure that your customer’s expectations are met and will give you a competitive advantage.
If you’re going to automate your operation, you can’t help but look at this area of the process that helps reduce costs and increases efficiency and accuracy, making the operation fast, efficient and reliable.
Águia Sistemas develops, designs, produces, integrates and implements solutions in material handling and storage, optimizing spaces and guaranteeing the best performance according to the requirements of each client. Discover our automation and systems integration solutions that guarantee high performance for your warehouse.