Altura Blog

More Unique Features of the Cube-IQ Load Planning Software (Part Two)

Product Configurations

Cube-IQ allows the user to define multiple ‘configurations’ for a given product, so that the system can select automatically between, for example, loading loose units, boxes of ten units, or pallets of two hundred. Each configuration can even be given a priority/preference.

Rolls, Cylinders and Tubes

One of the most challenging loading scenarios is that of loading cylinders, rolls or tubes on their side. They settle, roll away, or just don’t ever seem to want to fit!

Detail: Cube-IQ's sophisticated roll / cylinder / tube handling.

Balance, interleaving and stability all play a key role in the success and above all safety of this type of load. The loading algorithm can be tuned for paper rolls, drums, and many other cylindrical products. And of course rolls can be loaded with true interleaving to maximise volume utilization.

L Shapes, T Shapes, U Shapes

Originally developed specifically for the furniture industry, this module understands how to pack challenging shapes such as sofas and chairs to minimize dead space.

Figure 9. Mixed furniture load showing grouping, load balancing and interlocking sofa shapes.

This concept has been extended to allow for definition of complex shapes by utilizing our unique “object configuration” interface, covering requirements such as nesting, interlocking and grouped items.

Trapezoidal Shapes

The latest implementation of the shape-hanling algorithm now also loads trapezoidal or pyramid shaped objects. A good example of this is the packing used for shipping guitars and other stringed instruments. Watch this space for a screenshot. It's quite something!