In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, where precision and efficiency reign supreme, weight discrepancies pose a notable hurdle. These subtle imbalances may seem harmless and part of the process at first glance, but for your operations, they represent a tough time.
The ripple effect of these calculations can lead to you spending a lot of time sorting this out. In a world where every gram counts, these discrepancies impact your bottom line in the long run.
What Is Weight discrepancy?
So, let’s first address the elephant in the room – what is a weight discrepancy? Weight discrepancies refer to variations or inconsistencies in the recorded or expected weight of items, particularly in the context of shipping, logistics, or commerce.
Let’s understand this with a real-life example – suppose you are creating a shipment online and enter its weight as A (in kg). Following the order creation, you hand over the said parcel to the assigned courier partner. Now, the courier partner weighs the parcel, and it turns out to be B (in kg). If A does not equal B, it is a case of a weight discrepancy
These differences can arise due to inaccuracies in measurement, calibration issues or errors in recording weights during various stages of the supply chain.
This becomes particularly crucial when it comes to eCommerce. Here, precise weight measurements are important for determining shipping costs among other aspects. Weight discrepancies can lead to several challenges, such as incorrect shipping charges, logistical inefficiencies and strained transactions with service providers.
Prevailing Weight Discrepancy Conditions In The Logistics Market
The logistics market is currently facing several challenges and inefficiencies when it comes to weight discrepancies. Here are some of the key issues.
Inaccurate Weight Measurements
Problem
Inaccuracies in weight measurements occur when a parcel reaches the courier facility and goes through the weighing machinery. Weight discrepancies are marked against the said packet if its scanned weight varies from the one mentioned during shipment creation.
Impact
- Miscalculations in shipping costs
- Imprecise load distribution
- Possible safety concerns
Manual Data Entry Errors
Problem
Some logistics operations still rely on manual data entry for recording weights, increasing the likelihood of human errors.
Impact
- Shipping delays
- financial discrepancies
- Disputes between parties
Limited Adoption Of Technology
Problem
Some logistics companies lag behind in adopting advanced technologies, such as automated weighing systems and real-time tracking solutions.
Impact
- Reduced efficiency
- Challenges in monitoring
Inadequate Communication And Collaboration
Problem
Insufficient communication and collaboration among stakeholders can leads to a lack of transparency regarding weight-related information.
Impact
- Supply chain disruption
- Stockouts and increased lead times
Inefficient Dispute Resolution
Problem
Disputes arising from weight discrepancies are often handled inefficiently, leading to prolonged resolution times.
Impact
- Strained relationships between logistics partners
- Financial losses and negative impact on the reputation
Lack of Standardisation
Problem
The absence of standardised procedures for weight measurements and reporting creates inconsistencies across the industry.
Impact
- Uncertain decision making
- Reduced overall efficiency and accuracy
How Is Shiprocket Erasing Weight Discrepancies?
Weight discrepancy affects primary stakeholders – eCommerce businesses, courier partners, and eCommerce enablement platforms like Shiprocket, and in some cases, customers too. Shiprocket has been doing its bit to make sure weight discrepancies are kept at bay, allowing Indian eCommerce to grow at a record pace.
Shiprocket’s seamless and multilayered approach ensures the weight is spot-on by carefully checking and adjusting the weight. Also, if there are issues, the efficient and easy dispute resolution system comes into the rescue.
Here’s How It Works
The dedicated Shiprocket team has created a video to help you overcome weight discrepancies with ease, relying on a smooth and comprehensive approach. Watch the video and take steps to defeat weight discrepancies.
Submission Of Shipment Details
- Every time you create a shipment, Shiprocket requests the dead weight of the parcel.
- You are also prompted to input the parcel’s dimensions, allowing the system to calculate its volumetric weight.
- The higher of the two weights becomes the applied weight, transmitted to the courier partner.
Multiple Sourcing Options
- The weight information can be sourced in multiple ways – from your catalogue, channel, API, bulk upload, or manual entry.
- Ensuring accurate weight in your catalogue at the outset can prevent discrepancies.
- Upload your catalogue directly to Shiprocket or integrate your order management system for seamless data synchronisation.
Courier Hub Scanning And Final Weight
- The courier partner scans your shipment at their hub, providing the final weight to Shiprocket.
Data-driven Checks
Shiprocket’s team conducts five data-backed checks to verify the weight.
- We match images with their respective AWBs
- Sample images are checked for similar products
- Historical weights are validated for similar products
- We ensure that the charged weight aligns with the product’s category and content
Corrective Measures
- If the weight doesn’t align with these metrics, Shiprocket collaborates with the courier partner to rectify it.
- If the courier partner provides an image, Shiprocket promptly notifies you of the discrepancy.
Dispute Resolution
- You have the option to accept the discrepancy, allow it to auto-approve, or raise a dispute if you disagree.
- Shiprocket’s team aims to resolve disputes within 5 days.
- If dissatisfied, you can reopen the dispute for a thorough reevaluation.
Prevent Weight Discrepancies Through Weight Freezing
- Head to the weight panel and freeze the weight and dimensions for a specific SKU.
- Alternatively, freeze the dimensions of your package.
Weight Assurance Program
- For total peace of mind, consider joining Shiprocket’s Weight Assurance Program. You can simply contact your key account manager (KAM) or email Shiprocket’s support team to benefit from zero weight discrepancies assurance.
- With Shiprocket’s easy-to-adopt process and commitment to customer satisfaction, managing weight discrepancies becomes a streamlined and customer-centric experience.
Conclusion
Overcoming weight discrepancies is vital in the eCommerce landscape to ensure precision and operational efficiency. The challenges presented by inaccuracies, manual errors and technology limitations in logistics are significant.
Yet, Shiprocket stands out as a solution, employing a comprehensive approach to address these issues. From precise weight measurements to a robust dispute resolution system, Shiprocket’s thorough process contributes to a streamlined and seller-centric experience, offering a much-needed solution for the eCommerce industry.
