Weigh up the savings
February 1st 2006 Calculating the correct weight and volume of parcels is vital if companies want to avoid financial loss. Caljan Rite-Hite's modular data capture system, Cap Trak, is enabling Parcelforce Worldwide to stay on top of this tricky task
Discrepancies surrounding the weight and volume of parcels can result in major financial losses for parcel handling companies. Caljan Rite-Hite UK, manufacturer of unloading and loading solutions for materials handling, has the solution: The Cap Track. This is a modular data capture system, which weighs and measures parcels for correct invoicing of shipments. It is currently in operation at Parcelforce Worldwide.
The Cap Track is a conveyor machine consisting of four major parts: dimensioning, weighing, scanning and analysing. Incoming parcels are loaded on to the machine, where a unique barcode ID is captured. The parcel is then weighed, and the barcode scanned.
This data is analysed, and the information is stored on file within the machine, for verification of data collected at a later date.
It is also saved on to a specially designed web page, so the customer can see where their parcel is at any stage of the registration process, by typing in its barcode.
Throughput rates
The standard machine is a 2-belt unit for low to high capacity, which can be extended using additional conveyor lengths at the infeed and outfeed ends. Parcel throughput figures range from 800 parcels an hour to 3500 parcels an hour, based on the conveyor configuration. The machine can be supplied as a workstation requiring some operator intervention such as hand scanning of barcodes/entering of data, or as a fully automatic machine with full parcel registration.
The documenting of parcels in this way results in fair value for the customer, revenue protection against under declared size and weight, and correct invoicing of parcel shipments according to actual volume or weight. There is also improved security and space planning since all parcels are accurately and physically identified from inception.
Parcelforce Worldwide has invested in nine Cap Track machines, to weigh and document loads for aircraft at its International hub in Coventry. Malcolm Smith, technical support manager for Caljan products explains how the Cap Track is implemented at Parcel Force: "Within the parcel handling system at Parcelforce, there are nine 3-belt, fully automatic Cap Track machines. Seven are integrated into the conveyor lines prior to the induct feeds to the parcel sorter, and two are free standing units that can be moved around the system.
The machines are complete units and fitted with wheels, so they can be wheeled in place and then installed in a more permanent position.
The 3-belt units are able to process 2400 parcels an hour, capturing the weight, volume and a unique barcode ID, which is sent to the main Parcelforce host computer.
The machines are fully compliant with the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) and are therefore certified to be used for legal revenue collection."
£1.5m savings
Richard Willerton of Parcelforce Worldwide is full of praise for the data capture system.
"Caljan Rite-Hite UK's Cap Track has saved us an estimated £1.5m a year. The installation of the products was problemfree, and because they were all factory tested prior to delivery, we have had no trouble with the machines. Caljan Rite-Hite offers a competitive package and the service they provided was excellent. What's more, the rate of return on investment ratio on Cap Track has been impressive."
Malcolm added, "The machines have been in constant use at Parcelforce for a number of years and have given trouble free service with the minimum of attention with regard to regular maintenance." Parcelforce has been so pleased with the outcome that it plans to invest in further Cap Track equipment in the near future, which Richard anticipates will save the company an extra £0.5m a year.
In addition to the application at Parcelforce, GeoPost UK has also been supplied with a Cap Track machine, to assist the operation of its West Midlands hub.
Advanced automation and improved working conditions for operators are amongst the benefits the product has brought to GeoPost, the company behind Parceline and Interlink Express.
Mark Wilkes, general manager, engineering & premises at GeoPost UK explains further: "Caljan Rite-Hite continues to prove itself against all competition with its excellent reliability and support service.
This latest product is of superb quality, contributing to productivity and improved efficiency." More articles from Caljan Rite-Hite Limited: | 
