What is a Sorter System?
Sorter Systems and Types
Automated sorter systems are used in courier centers, logistics
operations and order fulfillment activities in warehouses. Different
variations of sorter systems are widely preferred by third party
logistics companies (3PL) and in the E-commerce sector, where fast
and error-free operation is vital. These systems, which incorporate
multiple solutions, can easily take part in all order fulfillment
processes from start to finish.
These systems contain
different components depending on the type of data intended and
parse the packets according to predefined criteria. These are
usually packet type, destination, size, weight and transportation
priority. It is also an indispensable part of today's modern supply
chain operations, making it possible to automate the end-to-end
fulfillment and logistics operation, easily meeting the needs of
businesses of all sizes.
Components of a Sorter
System
Sorter systems consist of various components that can
vary depending on the type of system and its application. These are
the key components in a Sorter System:
Dimensioning
Devices (Cubiscan, Automated Parcel and Pallet
Dimensioner)
Automated dimensioning devices are one of the key
components of sorter systems. They focus on performing measurements
such as volume, weight, real volume and parcel dimensions. However,
dimensioners in sorter systems are often equipped with devices that
take care of other important stages of the operation, such as
barcode readers and label applicators.
Conveyor Systems
Conveyors are an important
component in almost all
sorter systems. It is the belt path on which the packs are picked up
and transported from the drop-off point to feed the sorter.
Sensors
These devices detect the size, weight
and orientation
of packages. The sensors are used to accurately route and accurately
sort the packages.
Control
Unit
This is the brain of the whole system and decides the
route each packet should follow. The control unit analyzes the data
to ensure the correct flow of packages. It is the component
responsible for the synchronized operation of the components,
ensuring that measurements and physical processes are accurate and
error-free.
What are the Types of Sorter
System?
Sorter systems can be of various types, depending on
the application and needs. Each type has its own unique components
and areas of application:
Cross-Belt
Sorters
In this type of system, packets are routed along a
belt. They are preferred in larger and faster operation
requirements. These systems are ideal to avoid manual fulfillment
errors.
Roller-Belt
Sorters
This sorter provides flexibility in sorting packets of
different types and sizes with moderate speed and accuracy. This
makes it suitable for both medium and small sorting operations.
Sliding-Shoe Sorter System
This type of
sorter uses sliding components to push the
parcels from the main conveyor onto designated paths. This allows
the sorter to handle the parcels gently, reducing the risk of damage
during sorting. It is therefore suitable for sorting fragile or
lightweight products in retail facilities and e-commerce
warehouses.
Pusher
Sorters
Pusher sorters use mechanical arms to push parcels from
the conveyor into sorting bins. With its simple design, it is
cost-effective for low to medium volume operations. Therefore, they
are commonly used in smaller plants or for sorting heavier
products.
Applications and Industries Where Sorter Systems
are Used
Sorter systems are crucial for high profitability and
flawless operations in different logistics processes. The diversity
of logistics operations has led to the diversification of sorter
systems. For this reason, sorter systems with many different types
of capabilities are used in different service areas.
Sorter
systems are widely used across various sectors and fields:
E-COMMERCE
With
the current state of online shopping, e-commerce
processes have significantly increased the importance of speed,
error-free operations and order fulfillment. Sorter systems are
vital for this cycle to run smoothly. It provides a wide range of
action areas to 3PL companies that provide services in the logistics
phase and accompanies the end-to-end processing and delivery of a
wide variety of packages and products. In doing so, it offers
advantages over traditional methods in terms of speed, product
safety, data processing and profitability.
Order
Accuracy: Sorter systems perform all the measurements of the packages and
products processed with its equipment with great speed and record
them in the database. Thus, it becomes possible to track the journey
of a product throughout the entire delivery period. In addition,
with the data obtained, money losses are prevented by ensuring
absolute efficiency in stages such as pricing, vehicle loading and
delivery.
Scalability: During
peak periods when you need to be fast and run uninterrupted
fulfillment operations, sorter systems are your most important
assistant. Thanks to its expandable modular design, companies can
scale up their sorter systems and increase their parcel sorting
performance per hour with additional components. Automated sorting
differs from manual sorting in this respect.
Inventory Management: Parcel sorting systems can
track operations and parcels in real
time thanks to integrated warehouse management software. This
provides accessible asset management data, clear inventory data,
measurable performance and high levels of efficiency. This data is
especially important for large-scale and large companies.
3PL (THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS)
SERVICES
3PL logistics companies are locations that serve
multiple customers, each requiring packaging and delivery schedules.
This diversity needs to be accommodated appropriately for customer
satisfaction. Sorter systems are lifesavers in terms of the
flexibility and performance they provide in these busy and
multi-requirement service areas.
Customization:Sorter systems can be customized to handle a variety
of packaging
types, from small parcels to large pallets, allowing 3PL providers
to offer tailored solutions to their clients.
Efficiency in Multi-Client Operations: In
facilities where multiple clients' products are processed,
sorter systems ensure that each client's items are accurately sorted
and routed, preventing mix-ups and ensuring timely deliveries.
Cost Management: By reducing manual handling errors
and increasing the speed of
processing, sorter systems help 3PL providers manage operational
costs more effectively. They also help in preventing insufficient
charges by ensuring that the correct shipping costs are applied
based on accurate parcel dimensions.
WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION
Sorter
systems in large warehouses play an important
role in coping with the volume and variety of packages being
handled. The automation systems used in these warehouses ensure that
the system operates efficiently by preventing problems such as
errors, losses and incorrect pricing through sorters.
High-Throughput: Sorter systems can process
thousands of items per hour, making them
ideal for warehouses with high throughput requirements. This allows
products to be processed and dispatched quickly, meeting tight
shipping deadlines.The ability of sorter systems to process
thousands of items per hour allows for free scale-up of the
business. This is essential for perfect customer satisfaction.
Easy API Integration: Sorter systems are often
integrated with other warehouse automation
technologies, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotic
pickers, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). This
integration creates a seamless, end-to-end automated solution that
reduces the need for human intervention and minimizes errors.
Space Optimization: By accurately measuring and
sorting items using devices like
dynamic dimensioning systems, sorter systems help warehouses
optimize storage space. This efficiency is crucial in maximizing
warehouse capacity and reducing the costs associated with space
utilization.
Minimizing Fulfilment
Errors: Warehouse automation systems equipped with sorter technologies help
significantly reduce manual fulfillment errors. These errors can
lead to costly issues such as package loss, incorrect shipments, or
delays, all of which can negatively impact customer satisfaction and
operational efficiency.
Our aim with BeeVision is to
eliminate measurement errors and, as we mentioned above, to get the
maximum benefit from both parties. With BeeHive, which facilitates
the storage and analysis of data, making the transportation and data
interpretation part very simple for you.
To review our
products and get detailed information about sorter systems,
dimensioners or warehouse automation management software; you can
check our
product page and you
can send an e-mail
to info@beevision.ai to reach us.