28 November 2021 Discover the order classification system that allows you to make quick and precise deliveries. It’s no surprise that automation in logistics warehouses is rapidly expanding. The strengthening of e-commerce has put supply chain organizations under pressure in their quest to offer the best customer experience, generating various challenges to meet the ever-evolving market. As customer expectations increase, they must strive to meet all their desires, which include fast, accurate, and same-day delivery. Therefore, relying on technology is essential. In addition to software like WMS and OMS, which help manage orders, control inventory, and execute tasks, companies have also invested in picking and packing systems to speed up the picking and packing process. There is also a growing demand for systems that assist in order distribution, such as the sorter (or sorting system). What is a sorter? The sorter is an automatic order sorting system, executed based on the destination. Once separated, the orders are sent to this system, which handles distributing each box/package to different packing stations or parcel transport ports. The classification parameters depend on the type of company or application in the supply chain. Postal offices and couriers often sort based on routes or postal codes. Retail companies tend to sort by store. Regardless of the parameter used, the goal in classifying products based on their destination is to facilitate the collection work by carriers, so that delivery occurs with agility and precision. For sorting and to be able to perform automatic classification, through barcode scanners and other sensors, it must be integrated into the WMS system, which is responsible for sending information for each order, allowing the lottery to direct the channels. Types of sorters There are different types of sorters, such as cross belt sorter, paddle sorter, pop-up sorter, tilt tray sorter, shoe sorter, flat sorter, vertical sorter, pusher sorter, cross-track sorter, among others. Each of them has specific mechanisms to move orders between channels. There are sorters that sort from 30 orders per minute up to the state of the art, capable of sorting up to 450 items per minute. Each solution serves a specific type of operation, considering factors such as the type of picking, the variety of products handled, the volume of orders and products per order, and also the number of destinations to serve in a given period of time. Benefits of the sorter Among the advantages provided by the sorter are: Reduced labor costs Using the automatic order classification system reduces labor costs for performing this type of work. A job that would take hours to complete manually can be done in minutes with a sorter. In the end, the company can do more with less. Greater control of the operation One of the great advantages of automating processes in the warehouse is the ability to track all data that directly impacts the business. With the sorter, the manager knows exactly the exact number of orders served per day, evaluating whether the operation meets the volume of requests or needs improvement. With the information at hand, it’s easier to make the necessary changes to qualify the customer experience. Greater efficiency and error reduction Sorters help you achieve double efficiency in the classification request process and significantly reduce errors, which can affect delivery times and customer satisfaction, vital factors for a company’s success. Optimization of traceability Automation allows for better traceability so that customers can track where their orders are. Data can be collected to provide customers with a forecast of when products will arrive in their hands. Additionally, it prevents the occurrence of unsent orders. With greater efficiency and precision, the company can offer more quality in meeting customer demands, paving the way for increased sales. Should I implement a sorter in my company? This question deserves a detailed assessment as it is necessary to consider your operational objectives, current and expected growth level, economic cycle, and the level of capital available for investments. Relying on the assistance of a WMS provider can be of great help in defining the automation that will bring the greatest gains for your business. But don’t forget that you need to evolve! Innovations exist to keep your company competitive in the market, as well as to reduce your efforts, allowing you to focus on what is truly important: strategies, customers, and managing your business. And not only that: with technology, new markets even open up! So, prepare an innovation plan for your operation and get ready for Logistics 4.0! How does the sorter or selector work? Deagor WMS per ecommerce può aiutarti!