SLAM (Scan Label Apply Manifest)

StreamTech Engineering was invited to provide leadership for the newest MHI industry group called SLAM (Scan Label Apply Manifest).

What Is A SLAM System?

The SLAM (Scan Label Apply Manifest) term is a shorthand acronym to describe shipping automation in large fulfillment centers. As the term describes, the SLAM line identifies parcels, interrogates their weights and dimensions, manifests them with the preferred carrier, and prints-applies and verifies the readability and accuracy of the labels. As an integrator and designer of SLAM systems, StreamTech is excited to be able to contribute to the group, as well as learn from others and help establish best practices.

What Are The Components Of A SLAM System?

StreamTech’s SLAM systems have the equipment necessary to identify packages, weigh, dimension, convey, print, and apply shipping labels, scan verify them for accuracy, manifest them with the multi-carrier system and ERP, and handle sortation routing. Our software system manages other functions such as order tracking, label templates, errors, and maintenance notifications.

Additional Features That A SLAM Line May Include:

Thin-package and polybag customization, such as special sensors
Random order association for singles items
Box inspection systems
Additional use of scale to check the order for quality control
Multiple Labelers (for increased throughput)
Semi or fully automatic bagging or box erecting and closing
DOT, retailer, and other compliance labeling
Packing Slip Printer and Inserters
Sortation Add-on

Who Should Consider A SLAM System?

SLAM systems can be remarkably cost-effective and efficient. A pre-engineered, pre-configured Sprinter™ can automate the manifesting of up to 1,000 cartons per hour and can pay for itself in as little as three months. Incorporating a SLAM system is a great way of consolidating multiple shipping stations into one, so if there is more than one shipping station, or more than 2 employees spend their day standing at scale weighing boxes, that would be a great time to begin considering a SLAM line. If you are manually dimensioning your parcel shipments, you’ll save a lot of mistakes.

SLAM lines can range from 15 CPM (cases per minute) to over 80 CPM, depending on the speed and the number of labelers. Incorporating a SLAM line can be a much-needed increase in throughput for 3PL’s or other e-commerce fulfillment operations as they grow.