Product dimensions and weight are often copied directly from the supplier—if you’re lucky enough to have that information available. However, these dimensions often differ from reality: are they referring to the product itself or its packaging? And what happens if the packaging or product changes? Do you still have the correct data in your system?
Accurate product information is not only essential for the end customer but also crucial when optimizing your warehouse. That’s why at Webship, we immediately measure and weigh every product that arrives. Of course, we don’t do this manually for every item—it’s too time-consuming and increases the risk of errors. So, how do we handle this? Read on in this blog post!
The Tricolops Dimensioner
After extensive research and evaluating various systems, we found that an automatic dimensioning device—which scans product dimensions—costs anywhere between €20,000 and €30,000. These devices are highly accurate and come with advanced software. However, their manufacturers target large warehouses and production companies where even the smallest objects, such as paper clips, need to be measured with micrometer precision. For a smaller business like ours, the investment was simply too high compared to the potential added value.
Through industry connections, we discovered a Canadian system called Tricolops, which had recently launched an affordable dimensioning device. After productive discussions with the company’s CEO, we can sum up the story as follows: since 2019, Webship has been a user and distributor of the Tricolops Dimensioner for Western Europe! You can have a working tabletop model in your warehouse for just €4,000.
How Webship Uses the Tricolops Dimensioner
First and foremost, we have integrated the Tricolops Dimensioner with our inventory management system, Webship Online. All data is transferred through the Tricolops app and imported into our cloud application with just one click.
We use the Tricolops Dimensioner in several ways:
- New product arrivals – When new products arrive, we immediately scan and weigh them. The data is then imported into Webship Online.
- Data updates – If a supplier changes product packaging or modifications are made, we update the product details by scanning it again.
- Efficient packaging – The data allows us to calculate the total package volume, helping us select the most suitable shipping box. This minimizes wasted space and avoids unnecessary transportation of air.
- Warehouse optimization – By assigning maximum volume and weight limits to warehouse locations, our system suggests the best placement for new stock, saving time and maximizing space.
- Quality control before shipping – Before dispatch, we scan packed orders to verify if the measured volume matches expectations. If there’s a discrepancy, it serves as a trigger to inspect the package contents.
Which Tricolops Dimensioner Does Webship Use?
Currently, we use the Tricolops Dimensioner 140, the largest model.
Specifications:
- Camera distance to surface: 1.4 meters
- Max object size: ±0.30m³
- Min object size: 2 x 2 x 2 cm
- Accuracy: 5mm (rectangular objects), 10mm (irregular objects)
System Requirements:
- OS: Windows 7 or later, Ubuntu 14 or later
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or higher
- Memory: 150MB free space
- Interface & Power: USB 2.0
- Temperature range: 5 – 35°C
Capabilities & Limitations:
- Measurement speed: 0.1 – 0.2 seconds
- Compatible objects: Boxes, shipping tubes, mailing bags, irregular shapes
- Not suitable for: Soft materials (fabric, clothing), transparent or reflective objects, fine-structured objects, and metals
Final Thoughts
The Tricolops Dimensioner has become indispensable at Webship. We highly recommend the product, and you can purchase it through Webship!
