Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

inbound

Sortation systems: Not just for shipping anymore

They're usually associated with outbound shipping, but sortation systems can also be a smart choice for multi-SKU receiving, consultant says.

For most people, sortation systems are strongly associated with sorting outbound orders for shipping. But they can also be a smart choice for other purposes, according to Bob Babel, vice president and executive consultant for engineering consulting firm and systems integrator Forté.

Take receiving, for example. Companies that are involved in omnichannel fulfillment and just-in-time replenishment often receive cartons and pallets with mixed stock-keeping units (SKUs). These typically are manually broken down and the contents sorted by SKU for putaway. With automation, however, workers can place the items on a conveyor in whatever order they come off the pallet or out of the carton, and the sortation system will sort them by SKU and deliver them for putaway. The items can then be picked off the conveyor and into a cart, or possibly right into the pick face or a "ready reserve" area, Babel said in an interview. Rebuilt pallets with single or multiple SKUs could go into racks for longer-term storage.


This application could make sense for DCs that receive a variety of items from many suppliers, such as automotive aftermarket parts and office supplies. "Receiving systems can be a bit difficult to justify on labor alone, because you are still touching the product a certain number of times, depending on the industry," Babel said. "But generally, you get a big improvement on the receiving dock, and you're getting items into the pick face faster so they're available for sale sooner."

Other "soft" benefits of using sortation systems in receiving include ergonomic advantages when breaking down pallets and cartons, and the ability to collect packaging trash and dunnage at a centralized location near receiving rather than at the pick face, Babel said.

The Latest

More Stories

graphic of coverage areas for US DOT

Trump nominates former Wisconsin Congressman Duffy for DOT

President-elect Donald Trump today picked Sean Duffy as his nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the next four years, choosing a former Republican U.S. Rep. for Wisconsin and current Fox News television host, according to published reports.

Duffy served in the U.S. House for nearly nine years after he found fame as a reality TV show cast member on a spinoff show from the MTV hit series “The Real World” and then as district attorney for a county in Wisconsin. As he named his choice for the potential cabinet slot, Trump noted that Duffy also met his wife on that television series, marrying a fellow actor who also went on to become a Fox News TV personality.

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

retail store tech AI zebra

Retailers plan tech investments to stop theft and loss

Eight in 10 retail associates are concerned about the lack of technology deployed to spot safety threats or criminal activity on the job, according to a report from Zebra Technologies Corp.

That challenge is one of the reasons that fewer shoppers overall are satisfied with their shopping experiences lately, Lincolnshire, Illinois-based Zebra said in its “17th Annual Global Shopper Study.”th Annual Global Shopper Study.” While 85% of shoppers last year were satisfied with both the in-store and online experiences, only 81% in 2024 are satisfied with the in-store experience and just 79% with online shopping.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mobile robots, drones move beyond the hype

Mobile robots, drones move beyond the hype

Supply chains are poised for accelerated adoption of mobile robots and drones as those technologies mature and companies focus on implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation across their logistics operations.

That’s according to data from Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Mobile Robots and Drones, released this week. The report shows that several mobile robotics technologies will mature over the next two to five years, and also identifies breakthrough and rising technologies set to have an impact further out.

Keep ReadingShow less
warehouse automation systems

Cimcorp's new CEO sees growth in grocery and tire segments

Logistics automation systems integrator Cimcorp today named company insider Veli-Matti Hakala as its new CEO, saying he will cultivate growth in both the company and its clientele, specifically in the grocery retail and tire plant logistics sectors.

An eight-year veteran of the Georgia company, Hakala will begin his new role on January 1, when the current CEO, Tero Peltomäki, will retire after a long and noteworthy career, continuing as a member of the board of directors, Cimcorp said.

Keep ReadingShow less

Securing the last mile

Although many shoppers will return to physical stores this holiday season, online shopping remains a driving force behind peak-season shipping challenges, especially when it comes to the last mile. Consumers still want fast, free shipping if they can get it—without any delays or disruptions to their holiday deliveries.

One disruptor that gets a lot of headlines this time of year is package theft—committed by so-called “porch pirates.” These are thieves who snatch parcels from front stairs, side porches, and driveways in neighborhoods across the country. The problem adds up to billions of dollars in stolen merchandise each year—not to mention headaches for shippers, parcel delivery companies, and, of course, consumers.

Keep ReadingShow less