MultiMix calculates the optimal shipping box
In e-commerce, two MultiMix optimization modules are used to determine the optimal shipping box for each order: MultiMix GreenPack and MultiMix Shipping Box Selection. For every shipping order, MultiMix GreenPack optimisation algorithms individually and reliably calculate the dimensions of the smallest-volume shipping box possible and optionally generate the control files for the machines you use to produce custom shipping packaging from bales of corrugated fanfold. You get perfect dimensioned packaging for every customer order just in time. If the online retailer stocks an assortment of differently sized shipping packaging, the optimization algorithms of the module MultiMix Shipping Box Selection used by our customers since 1987 determine for each order the smallest shipping box in terms of volume from the existing stock.
If everybody downsized shipping packaging to just the absolute necessary volume, this would not only save billions of dollars. It would also slash pointless, massive environmental damage, as shipping air is a waste of resources.
Example: Online retailing
- Almost every e-com packaging is oversized.
- In 60% of cases, the void space makes up more than a quarter of the volume.
- Oversized boxes result in material waste, inefficient transport and climate damage.
- Usually, the void is filled with air pillows, paper fillers or polystyrene.
- The production, use and disposal of oversized shipping packaging as well as filling material always have a negative environmental impact.
Source: Forbesinsights, 2018
MultiMix GreenPack
- reliably optimises the dimensions of the tailor-made shipping box with the smallest possible volume for every shipping order, every time
- significantly reduces the dimensional weight of the shipping package as well as its material costs and furthermore increases sustainability and customer satisfaction
- minimises the number of shipping boxes needed for larger orders, optimises their dimensions and generates separate itemized packing lists
- creates the files for controlling the manufacturing system used to produce tailor-made boxes from easy-to-stack bales of corrugated fanfold
- takes account of the maximum width of the corrugated fanfold the box-making machine can handle. This ensures you get the FEFCO-code shipping package you want with the optimal dimensions your machine is capable of
- takes account of the weight and size restrictions according to the delivery service provider’s price list, e.g. maximum length, width and height, maximum girth, maximum total weight
- offers users added value with extra custom functions.
MultiMix GreenPack in practice
To see exactly how MultiMix GreenPack works, take a look at the following example. It uses order data from a logistics service provider that manufactures tailor-made shipping boxes just in time on Packsize® machines.
To ensure the packaging for every shipping order perfectly matches the required size without any unnecessary voids; this customer no longer uses the Packsize On Demand Packaging® software, but has switched to the optimisation software MultiMix. For every shipping order, MultiMix GreenPack calculates the perfectly dimensioned packaging and generates the files for controlling the machines used by the customer.
Of course, this optimisation software can be used successfully as well for just-in-time right-sized box production on systems from other manufacturers.
Immediately before order processing, the user’s custom box-making machine then produces just in time the optimal shipping box and delivers it ready for picking and placing. If required, MultiMix GreenPack visualises the correct packing process in 3D for screen-supported picking and placing. This ensures that all order items are accommodated in the tailor-made shipping box every time.
Watch the packing process on-screen
Move the controller to watch the sequence. If unavoidable gaps need to be filled with filling material, the system can also visualise this.
Large shipping orders perfectly splitted up
Shipping orders are frequently so large that they require several shipping boxes. This may be because it is not possible to produce a suitable box using the width of corrugated cardboard available, or a larger package would exceed the shipping service provider’s weight and size restrictions. In this case, MultiMix GreenPack calculates the minimum number of customized shipping boxes.
In the following example, the maximum width of the continuous corrugated cardboard was 1,100 mm. For this reason, the order had to be delivered in three custom-made boxes of type FEFCO code 0201. MultiMix GreenPack distributes the order items in such a way that they fit into three perfectly dimensioned shipping boxes. A separate packing list is issued for every shipping box.
Do you have any questions? Do you want to try out MultiMix GreenPack? Simply contact us using the contact form or by e-mail to info@multiscience.de. We’ll be happy to help you.
Tailor-made assortment boxes
Many food and non-food companies supply retailers with a mix of different articles in fixed quantities in assortment boxes. These can be for special campaigns or for regular shelf filling. The custom assortment boxes with dimensions optimized by MultiMix are perfectly tailored not only to the differently sized articles, but also to the specific load carriers used, e.g. pallets.
The following figures were generated using the data from one of our customers in the cosmetics industry. Three assortments from the fragrance and personal care sectors are packed in custom, palletisable assortment boxes for regular shelf filling.
Do you have any questions? Do you want to try out MultiMix to see how it can optimise your assortment boxes? Simply contact us using the contact form or by e-mail to info@multiscience.de. We’ll be happy to help you.
MultiMix shipping box selection
Typically, suppliers keep suitable numbers of variously dimensioned shipping boxes in stock for customer deliveries. Before order processing, the MultiMix Shipping Box Selection module selects the smallest-volume shipping box for each order from the available stock. In case of larger orders, it selects the minimum number of optimal shipping boxes available. No more guesswork about the best box size. With this effective software support, goods are no longer forwarded in boxes that are too large, with all the extra costs and environmental harm that involves.
Our customers in retailing and shipping have been using this optimisation software successfully since 1987.
For every shipping box selected, the MultiMix Shipping Box Selection module generates an packing list and, if required, visualises the correct packing process and the required filling material. This is illustrated step by step and using 3D graphics, as you can see in the graphic below.
Do you have a shipping order that is too large for just one shipping box? No problem! The MultiMix Shipping Box Selection module distributes the order items between a minimum number of shipping boxes.
In this situation, many online retailers want a shipping packaging combination that distributes the volumes per carton as evenly as possible, as shown in the graphic below.
The MultiMix Shipping Box Selection module comes with the option of adding customized functions to meet your specific requirements. The available options include e.g. interfaces to existing systems, or provision for the special requirements of temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals or food. What additional functions of this optimisation software would create an attractive added value for you?
Do you have any questions or want to try out the MultiMix Shipping Box Selection module? Simply contact us using the contact form or by e-mail to info@multiscience.de. We’ll be happy to help you.