The Sprinter™ Shipping System is an integrated print and apply shipping system designed to automate the final stages of order fulfillment. By combining dimensioning, weighing, scanning, and labeling, Sprinter streamlines the pack and ship process while improving accuracy and throughput.
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Many fulfillment and e-commerce operations face similar challenges: labor shortages, carrier pressure, rising shipping costs, and increasing expectations for speed and accuracy. Automating the shipping process with a print and apply labeling system can help overcome these obstacles.
Sprinter is a pre-engineered, configurable fulfillment automation system that integrates multiple shipping technologies into one cohesive solution.
A Fully Integrated Print and Apply Shipping System
The Sprinter system is not simply several machines connected together. It is an integrated print and apply shipping system with its own controls and software.
Built on experience from over 100 installations across the United States and Canada, Sprinter incorporates operational knowledge gathered from real-world fulfillment environments.
With Sprinter, operations can:
- Reduce manual labor
- Meet carrier cutoff times
- Control dim weight charges
- Rate shop carriers in real time
- Improve shipping accuracy and speed
When paired with a multi-carrier shipping platform, Sprinter becomes a powerful SLAM system (Scan, Label, Apply, Manifest) capable of automating key shipping decisions.
How the Sprinter Shipping System Works
The Sprinter system performs multiple steps simultaneously. As a package moves through the system, it is:
- Identified
- Weighed
- Dimensioned
- Labeled
- Verified
- Sorted
This process allows fulfillment operations to automate the entire shipping workflow in a single system.
Package Identification with License Plate Numbers (LPNs)
Each package entering the Sprinter system must first receive an identification label. These labels contain License Plate Numbers (LPNs) or package IDs that associate the package with an order in the warehouse management system. Once the label is applied, the Sprinter system can track and verify the package throughout every step of the process.
Typical label placement includes:
- Side placement for cartons
- Top placement for padded mailers
For more complex scanning environments, StreamTech can also provide custom scanning solutions.
Dimensional Weighing and Package Scanning
Next, the package enters the dim, weigh, scan stage of the process.
During this stage:
- The system captures package weight
- Cameras or laser-based sensors capture package dimensions using lidar
- The system verifies the package ID
These steps occur simultaneously to maintain high throughput.
The dimensioning system accurately measures both:
- Standard cartons
- Irregular items such as padded mailers or bags
This data is aggregated and communicated to the warehouse management system (WMS) or multi-carrier shipping system.
High-Speed Weighing and Throughput Options
The standard Sprinter includes and integrated conveyor scale capable of processing approximately 15 cartons per minute. For higher throughput operations, the system can be upgraded with an in-motion scale capable of processing faster.
Carrier Label Printing and Application
Once the package reaches the printer applicator, the Sprinter system applies a carrier-compliant shipping label. StreamTech’s software includes intelligent algorithms that help manage system response times, allowing high-speed label application even in demanding environments. If an exception occurs, the system provides clear operator instructions and logs all events for review.
Built-In Verification and System Monitoring
The Sprinter system continuously monitors the entire shipping process.
Verification checks occur from:
- Printer applicator
- Control software
- Scanning equipment
- Carrier interfaces
Operators also have access to built-in testing tools that help maintain system health and troubleshoot issues quickly.
The system dashboard provides:
- Real-time status monitoring
- Error messaging
- Configurable log retention
- Printer and scanner health statistics
Flexible Sortation Options
Although sortation is optional for this system, Sprinter can be expanded with several option.
Common upgrades include:
- Right-angle UDT sorters
- All-electric divert systems
- ModSort for flexible parcel routing
- Cross belt sorters
- Narrow belt sorters
- SoftSort™ Sweep Sorter for lightweight goods
These upgrades allow packages to be diverted left, right, or straight through, supporting a wide range of fulfillment workflows.
Custom Automation for Unique Operations
Every fulfillment operation is different. StreamTech frequently customizes Sprinter systems to accommodate specialized workflows.
Examples include:
- Manifesting open cartons
- Shrink-bundled product identification
- Side-applied carrier labels
- Large product handling
- Small product label application
- Automated receiving
- Bagged parcel processing
- Multi-box orders
Benefits of the Sprinter Print and Apply System
The Sprinter system provides several operational benefits for fulfillment companies.
Key advantages include:
- Reduced manual labor
- Increased shipping throughput
- Elimination of data entry errors
- Improved carrier compliance
- Better control over dimensional weight charges
- Accurate order verification
Sprinter delivers these capabilities in a standardized, pre-engineered system designed to support a wide variety of fulfillment operations.
Fast Deployment and Support
Sprinter systems are preassembled and tested before shipment, allowing installations to go live days instead of weeks. Every system includes one full year of technical support, and remote diagnostics allow StreamTech engineers to quickly troubleshoot issues and keep operations running smoothly.
Automation Your Shipping with the Sprinter
The Sprinter™ Print and Apply Shipping System simplifies order fulfillment by combining scanning, weighing, dimensioning, labeling, and verification into one intelligent system.
By automating the shipping process, fulfillment operations can:
- Increase efficiency
- Improve accuracy
- Reduce labor costs
- Control shipping expenses
- Scale operations as demand grows
If you want to learn more about how the Sprinter system can support your operation, contact the StreamTech team or explore additional resources on our website.
