We recently installed the newest version of our Packet Parcel Sorting System (PPSS) at the Lawrenceville, GA location of Staci Americas. They are a national network of omnichannel fulfillment centers that spans 16 warehouses across the U.S. They operate 79 warehouses around the world and process over 50 million orders per year.
Staci came to ID Parcel & Mail Solutions with a unique challenge. As a fulfillment center, they stock, pick, pack and ship products for ecommerce companies. After incurring unexpected shipping surcharges on certain orders, they needed a better solution for capturing completed package dimensions, weights, and the shipping tracking number to have data for investigating reasons for surcharges and dispute those charges that were not correct.
ID’s semi-automated Packet Parcel Sorting System (PPSS) was a perfect fit to help them solve their issue. They installed the machine at the end of their assembly line to check the accuracy of the provided data with the goal of reducing the surcharges they were incurring. The PPSS processes mixed streams of small packets and medium parcels. If the weight and dimensions matched the provided data, the packages are processed. If they failed the check, Staci verifies the weight and measurements to confirm the volumetric accuracy and corrects the data for the carrier.
Staci’s machine has been designed specifically for the tasks at hand. Since the critical goal was to capture and validate data, they did not need a large system with high throughput or features that would not aid the end goal. The system is built with just enough technology for performing the desired task.
The PPSS includes a one-person manual induction feeding area with a barcode scanner. It is designed for one operator to feed compatible packets and parcels at speeds up to 1,200 pieces per hour. It comes with conveyors to transport packets and parcels through each processing stage. This simpler version of the PPSS includes three small conveyors for 1) induction/scanning/dimensioning 2) inline weighing, and 3) sorting.
The design is modular. As a result, the system will support future enhancements that can expand the number and size of the conveyors for higher throughput processing and more sorting outlets. With future enhancements including the addition of a larger induction conveyor and a conveyor between the inline scale and sorting conveyor, this system could run continuously for a faster throughput up to a maximum of 3,000 packages per hour. After running the machine for the last two months, Staci is very pleased with the results and looking to expand the use of this solution.
At ID Parcel and Mail Solutions our commitment to the job does not end after installation. For Staci, we commissioned the machine and trained the staff members responsible for operating the system. We also maintained close communications with their team as the system became operational to ensure everything was running properly. And we are providing ongoing support and maintenance as needed.
