By design, automated parcel sorting systems are built to speed up the process of sorting parcels. The higher the belt speed of the system, the higher the throughput will be. Higher speeds are achieved by utilizing a range of different parcel sorting system technologies. It’s important to understand, however, that each system as a whole is likely designed to achieve a specific throughput rate. As a result, some or many features built into the machine are likely running at their full capacity, or close to max.
There are strategies you can employ to increase throughput on an existing machine, but eventually the machine itself will likely need to be upgraded to reach a higher goal. Let’s take a look at both options.
Taking steps to ensure you are properly utilizing the system to its fullest capacity may help you discover ways to achieve higher throughput on an existing machine at very little additional capital cost. For example, you always want to make sure the induction conveyor belt is full at all times. Missed feeding spaces on the conveyor will translate to the processing of fewer parcels per hour. To avoid this, you’ll want to ensure that your staff is consistently loading the conveyor and not being assigned tasks that take them off the belt. For example, having workers separating out packages by size at the induction phase will take their attention off of loading parcels and this will cause gaps. Also, not having packages and parcels readily available to the feeding operators will reduce their effectiveness at feeding.
If you are looking to process more parcels per day with an existing automated parcel sorting system, you might consider moving from one shift to two. Running the system for double the amount of time will allow you to sort more, however; you’ll want to consider the ancillary management and staffing requirements and costs that may be associated. Operating two shifts, for example, may require additional management coverage, additional recruiting and retention, and could lead to higher turnover at those shifts. The significant throughput and cost benefits, however, oftentimes outweigh those challenges.
If your current automated parcel sorting system is designed to achieve a specific throughput, and your processing demands are growing, it may be time to consider a new system that can facilitate higher speeds. Before you do, however, it’s important to consider your future requirements in addition to your existing throughput needs. It may make financial and logistical sense to design a system that can grow with the needs of your organization. Changing customer packaging methods, shipping distribution lanes or sorting container requirements may also require new parcel sorting techniques.
At ID Parcel and Mail Solutions we consult with our clients at the very beginning of the design phase to determine what their anticipated throughput requirements will be at installation , and three years out. Our Packet Parcel Sorting System is a modular solution that allows for specific components to be added on or swapped out at a later stage as requirements change.
There are numerous features that can be built into an automated parcel sorting system that will increase throughput. Some include barcode readers, dimensioning, inline weighing scales, automatic labeling, and sorters. Each of these technologies come in a range of types that each have different capabilities and costs. For example, vision tunnel barcode readers capture multiple views of a single package, some up to 6 sides of a parcel. This allows faster feeding during induction as well as using more automatic induction systems since the machine does not require that the barcode is always facing up or in a specific orientation to read it. Operators that are manually inducting no longer need to worry about facing the package, allowing them to feed faster and the system to process at higher rates. Vision tunnels with line scan cameras can also process at faster belt speeds, allowing even faster throughput.
When building an automated parcel sorting system that is designed to grow into the future, this type of technology may be the right choice. Although you may not utilize the maximum speed at this time, it may be necessary as throughput demand increases.
Increased throughput is a sign of a growing business, and a good problem to have. We understand, however, that growth also comes with its challenges. Now is the time to take a close look at your operation to see if any efficiencies can be realized with your existing automated parcel sorting system setup. When it comes time to upgrade, the ID Parcel and Mail Solutions’ Packet Parcel Sorting System (PPSS) can provide the flexibility and affordability to help accommodate growth into the future.
