Solving E-Commerce Order Fulfillment Challenges with Sortation:
StreamTech Engineering has extensive experience in implementing complex sortation automation installations for a wide variety of clients. Utilizing a combination of both our sortation hardware, and the StreamTech WCS software, we can provide very cost-effective, user-configurable sortation systems for a wide variety of applications.
Package Profile
Boxes, polybags, flats…
The types of packages make a big impact in the correct sort technology. There are certain sorters which are best suited for boxes, while others work well for bags, padded mailers, flat envelopes, or loose garments. There is no “one size fits all” sorter.
Size & Weight
Long, heavy or light items…
Understanding the length and width of each package will determine how large each sort location or lane needs to be, and how well each item will transfer. Weight data is important to specify the correct technology, for both conveyability and weight limits.
Sort Data
What info will we sort on?
Is the sortation data in the LPN barcode? If sorting by carrier, some customers choose to scan the shipping label after it has been applied. In other cases, sort data could be determined by dimensions, sorting by large/small or by package type.
Throughput
How fast should we target?
Throughput is often the data point customers focus on first. How many packages will need to be sorted in a given timeframe? Typically we measure daily or hourly package throughput. Each sorter technology has a maximum rate, so we’ll ensure your system is designed to meet your goal, using the appropriate technology.
Locations
How many sort locations?
The number of locations will typically be the data point used to determine how many individual sorters are necessary. For many technologies, one sorter can divert to two locations. There are some technologies that allow multiple locations on one belt.
Destination
Gaylords, docks, or trucks?
The type of destination will have an impact on how the system is designed. If sorting to gaylords or mail carts, it’s important to understand the volume of the bin, the throughput, and how fragile your items are. Items could also be sorted into a variety of lanes leading to dock doors.
Successful Sortation Requires A Combination of Robust Controls & Intelligent Software
Powerful WCS Sortation Software
In addition to monitoring exceptions, faults and verification in the WCS, StreamTech’s Sortation module allows customers to define their own Sort Codes, and assign them to each lane, using a drag-and-drop configuration. This allows ultimate flexibility to change and re-define the lanes as needed.
Powerful WCS Sortation Software
In addition to monitoring exceptions, faults and verification in the WCS, StreamTech’s Sortation module allows customers to define their own Sort Codes, and assign them to each lane, using a drag-and-drop configuration. This allows ultimate flexibility to change and re-define the lanes as needed.
Robust Controls Hardware
Machine control is provided by an Allen Bradley CompactLogix PLC, which is easily expandable to manage additional automation. Its open architecture means that end users are able to support themselves if desired.
Robust Controls Hardware
Machine control is provided by an Allen Bradley CompactLogix PLC, which is easily expandable to manage additional automation. Its open architecture means that end users are able to support themselves if desired.