There is no doubt that the parcel industry continues to experience volume levels above pre-pandemic rates – and although it will not be at the same rate as before, further growth is expected over the next five years. At the same time, staff shortages continue to be an issue for the courier, express and parcel market in many parts of the world. In addition, we have seen record demand for logistics space, which has a knock-on effect on a sector that needs to do more on a limited footprint.
At Vanderlande, we are developing solutions to automate the processing of smalls and help sorting centres tackle both labour scarcity and space issues. For example, our recently launched Auto Induct solution utilises robotics to automate the singulation of small parcels from a bulk flow, making them ready for the sortation process.
This was developed in collaboration with AWL, whose expertise in vision systems and gripper technology combines with our deep knowledge of systems integration.
Auto Induct promises to be a perfect replacement for current processes that are heavily dependent on manual resources.
Robotic solutions currently require more footprint than a manual operation. However, these technologies are developing at an incredibly fast rate and the limitations we see today will dissipate rapidly as they continue to advance. Our development roadmap for Auto Induct tackles space and labour issues head-on as we target increased automation and productivity per square metre.
We also expect the parcel sector to borrow concepts already used in the warehousing industry, such as “Auto Bagging”. This uses proven technologies to completely automate the bagging, sealing and labelling segments of the smalls handling process. The system automatically routes empty, reusable bags underneath the smalls sorter to collect the parcels and determine when the bag is full. The full bag is then sent to be zipped and labelled, and is replaced with an empty bag.
This solution will significantly reduce the number of operators required for the processing of smalls. And in the longer term, Auto Bagging could enable a reduction in the required operational footprint, as space will no longer be required for operators to work in.
We’re well aware that combining automation flows could further compound issues relating to a lack of space. This is why our long-term focus is on amalgamating the increased diversity of parcels into a single automation flow.
We’re well aware that combining automation flows could further compound issues relating to a lack of space. This is why our long-term focus is on amalgamating the increased diversity of parcels into a single automation flow.
Our solutions are not limited to hardware – our smart software can also make a real operational difference! In fact, connecting new automation solutions with existing infrastructure will be essential to creating a sophisticated and efficient parcel handling system.
In addition, we recently launched our PACE Digital Suite, which brings together parcel sortation control software, tracking, equipment control, data analytics and reporting. This provides a holistic connection from the equipment level, through to high-level control software applications and the customer’s host system.
PACE includes a range of features to help sorting hubs make better operational decisions. For example, they can expect to see increased performance through near real-time detection of anomalies and inefficiencies.
Overall, dealing with small parcels with limited space and labour needn’t be a long-term problem. This is because we already have automation and software solutions that will help you to cope with all that extra demand and meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Every parcel company and market are different. This is reflected by the various layouts of depots and sortation centres. Our experts are available to offer help and advice in every respect.