BONN: DHL Supply Chain is using AI-based software to save its commercial and e-seller customers money and emissions for their box and parcel shipments.

DHL says its OptiCarton app is a response to the current shortage in cardboard and packaging materials by optimising boxes from an existing, pre-configured set of cartons or by splitting an order into several consignments.

The Deutsche Post division says the new service can save up to 50 percent in unused box space and 15 - 35 percent in shipping costs – particularly attractive to on-line retail customers with large volumes.

“Even though this kind of solution might sound relatively simple at first, providing packing instructions for individual e-commerce shipments in real time is actually quite complex,” noted Dietmar Steins, EVP Global Solutions Design. “Based on the products, volumes and sizes in question, the software not only suggests the optimal size of the outer packaging, it also provides individual, visual instructions on how to ideally utilize the space inside the box.

“It’s highly intuitive – and not unlike the well-known computer game Tetris. It may be a simple piece of software in application terms, but it certainly delivers major savings,” he added.