Logistics automation

Automated sorting can reach up to more than 30,000 units per hour. The final sorting volumes depend on the type of products, size, weight, and shape. There is no one-size-fits-all sorter, but there are versatile systems, such as a Cross Tray sorter or a Split Tray sorter, that can handle a wide variety of products. In all cases, a thorough assessment must be made between requirements and possibilities. Product weight, shape, and size are often decisive factors in choosing the right sorter, as is the available space.

The picking process becomes simpler, shifting from picking single items to batch picking. Multiple orders are combined in this process. So instead of picking a single product 50 times, multiple SKUs are picked as a batch and sorted into individual orders. Packaging for shipping also becomes faster. Mail and parcels, for example, can be sorted directly into mailbags (see also outbound).

The right product always goes to the right destination, and the system ensures accurate distribution. The sorter can also divide items based on color, type, size, title, and so on. Anything that is overloaded or incorrectly loaded is automatically returned. Underloaded items are automatically detected and can still be added.

With the same number of people, many more products can be processed. Instead of 10 people each picking 50 orders, now 500 orders for a single product are picked at once by one employee. This significantly reduces the number of actions in the picking process. As a result, the number of orders per FTE per hour automatically increases, or the existing production can be maintained with fewer FTEs.

Goods are counted immediately and sorted into the desired categories. Manual sorting becomes a thing of the past. A delivery containing various products is automatically sorted into units that fit within your own WMS. An additional advantage is that it becomes immediately clear whether all orders have actually been delivered (in the correct quantities, colors, sizes, etc.). Excess quantities of a particular item are instantly visible, while shortages can be found in the overview.

This involves goods that have been sold or are going to (own) retail. Outbound sorting is simplified because the picking process changes. All orders for a specific product can now be picked at once (batch picking). This saves time, labor, and potentially space. Anything that is overloaded is not sorted and automatically returns to the starting point. The sorter shows what is going out, how much, and to whom. Additionally, it is possible to generate transport lists, address labels, and more using this information.

Returns are all items sent back from stores, customers, or consumers. Return shipments can also be automatically sorted. The sorter offers three options:

1. Returned products can be directly reintegrated into sales (cross-selling/cross-docking).
   
2. Returns are offloaded to a third party.
   
3. Returns are put back into stock.

In the last case, this can be done during less busy times. For cross-selling, so-called VAS (Value Added Services) stations can be added. Returned goods are manually inspected here and, where possible, immediately prepared for resale. It can also be determined whether a product is still sellable and can be returned to stock.

One of the most frequently asked questions is: "Can my WMS communicate with a DistriSort sorting solution?" The short answer is always: YES! And the responsibility for this lies with DistriSort. DistriSort ensures flawless integration of an existing WMS with a new sorting solution.

In the Netherlands, we develop software that is tailor-made to match the WMS system you use. The supplier does not matter. We make sure the different systems can communicate with each other. Whether it’s a full turnkey sorting solution or an addition to an existing sorting system, it works.