AUTOMATION: INNOVATIONS SORT SMALL PARCELS EFFICIENTLY WITH AUTOMATED POUCH SYSTEMS Small parcels can cause big problems for CEP companies. Ranging in size from 50 x 50 x 1mm (or 20g in weight) to 450 x 300 x 200mm (or 5kg in weight), small parcels are often irregular in shape and move unpredictably, creating jams and blockages in the sortation system. Many distribution centers struggle to optimize their processes and face having to handle small parcels manually. The BG Pouch System from Beumer offers an efficient alternative solution. Pouch systems have a proven track record within the fashion industry. An item is placed in an individual pouch or bag in an overhead conveying system and can be conveyed anywhere in the facility. Being an enclosed conveying system, pouch technology is particularly suitable for difficult small parcels and can be implemented to fully support traditional cross-dock sorting. The BG Pouch System offers many advantages to CEP operators looking for more efficient ways of sorting and handling small and difficult parcels. It offers improved reliability because each small parcel is contained within a pouch and an RFID tag attached to the pouch offers total traceability, so there is no risk of losing an item during the sortation process. Built-in buffer functionality offers greater flexibility because users can leverage the arrival and departure profiles of the parcel mix, separating them both physically and in time to optimize operations. There is also the ability to sort and sequence parcels for the last mile. The BG Pouch System even caters for cut-off times or other planning criteria and can interface with the operator’s route planning system. This pouch system is simple to deploy. It integrates easily with traditional sortation systems at mechanical, electrical and software levels to complement existing crossbelts and line sorters. Adding it to a CEP operation dramatically reduces system stoppages and associated downtime that traditional equipment typically experiences when handling small parcels – improving equipment uptime, optimizing efficiency and reducing manpower costs. THE IMPACT OF UFOs ON CROSSBELT CAPACITY The egg-shaped ones, the round ones, the cones, the little flat ones, the bags and the tubes. In short: the unusual shapes, the ‘unintended flying objects’. Postal distribution centers are confronted with an increasing number of mixed mail in odd shapes, clogging up the crossbelt sorter. No problem, the crossbelt will sort it, but this compromises sorting efficiency and slows down the process. A sorter specially designed to handle mixed mail can bring operations back up to speed. This means less strain on crossbelt capacity, no drop-offs, no sticking magnets, no extra time hand sorting afterward. Furthermore, the Split Tray sorter from EuroSort offers the same throughput and number of exits on a smaller footprint. This means that it will fit in almost any existing brownfield, making it ideal for any crossbelt sorter. The EuroSort Split Tray sorter has a patented tray system that will sort packages in all shapes and materials. Items will stay in place, even in bends. This tested and proven technology is successfully up and running with the biggest names in the business, both in Europe and the USA. The EuroSort Split Tray sorter has an excellent track record in the parcel and postal sector and is known for its high efficiency, healthy ROI, 24/7 high throughput, low TCO, low noise and DIY maintenance. Beumer Group To find out more, scan the QR code or visit www.beumergroup.com EuroSort To find out more, scan the QR code or visit www.eurosort.com 30 www.ParcelandPostalTechnologyInternational.com March 2024