Ship Sorter Induction

Improve traceability, increase throughput and reduce loss through your ship sorter

After an order is packed and prepared for shipment, it enters the induction process which introduces parcels and envelopes to the sorting system to be routed to the correct shipping lane/zone. Distribution, fulfillment, and parcel processing facilities often struggle with lost or mis-directed parcels as part of this process which causes several issues, including cost and time in locating the missing parcel as well as diminished customer delivery expectations. Some parcels are lost entirely which also increases cost. Part of the problem is that there is often minimal or no traceability as part of this process. Packages may fall off the belt or a code may not be read properly.

Companies are implementing strategic initiatives to reduce loss through the system. They are looking to either introduce traceability or enhance it throughout their facility, so it is much easier to locate a missing package from where it was last scanned. In addition, operational metrics dictate efficiency and feeding the sorting systems as fast as possible to maintain throughput. Handheld scanners are often used to perform this task but are inefficient due to an operator having to pick up a parcel with one hand and scan with the other. In the case of heavier items, this inefficiency increases as the scanner must be put down to lift the box onto the induction platform. Many handheld scanners must have the code aligned a certain way to be read, which means more handling and decreased efficiency.

Careful optimization of technology and labor is essential in today’s distribution, ecommerce, and parcel processing facilities. There are a few ways Cognex solves induction scanning challenges. Solutions are based on factors such as throughput requirements and determining the right mix of operators manual touch points.