Part II in automation in sorting centre serie
Automation in sorting centres can revolutionize the parcel and mail delivery industry by speeding up processes, increasing efficiency, and cutting costs. However, several parameters must be carefully considered during the planning phase to achieve optimal automation. Below are the critical characteristics that should guide the selection of an appropriate automation solution for sorting centres.
- The base for Required System Capacity:The backbone of any sorting centre is its ability to handle the volume. You should factor in various volumes, sizes, weights, morning and evening peaks, the maximum volumes during peak days, and variations during seasonal changes.
- Volume Coefficients:Different types of shipments, such as express versus standard, have different requirements. Understand the proportion of each shipment type to tailor the system accurately.
- Sorting Window Time:Depending on the type of shipment (express, standard, etc.), the processing hours might differ. This factor determines the time frame within which sorting needs to be completed.
- Volume Availability in Sorting Window:It's essential to understand the distribution of volume during the sorting window. Factor in the number of available unloading and loading gates to ensure smooth operations.
- PPH Efficiency:PPH, or Parcels Per Person Per Hour, is a vital efficiency metric. It's necessary to determine the PPH for both manual and automated types of sorting to gauge the effectiveness of potential automation solutions.
- Average Salary Levels:Evaluate the remuneration levels for employees involved in the sorting process, both directly and indirectly. Automation can offset some of these costs in the long run.
- Sorters/Sorting Systems Specification:Familiarize yourself with the various sorter systems available in the market. Delve into their specifications to determine the most suitable options for your sorting centre.
- Depreciation Parameters:Automation involves significant capital expenditure. Understand the depreciation rates and time frames to determine the ROI and lifecycle of the automation equipment.
- Available Surface Area:The physical space required to install the automation equipment is paramount. Ensure that the sorting centre has adequate room to accommodate the chosen systems.
- Renting Cost:If the sorting centre doesn't own the premises, factor in the cost of renting the necessary warehouse space. This cost can be a recurring expense that affects the overall economics of the automation project.
Automation of sorting centres holds tremendous potential for the parcel and mail delivery industry. By diligently considering the above parameters, businesses can make informed decisions, ensuring a smooth transition to automation and reaping its benefits.
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5 个月Insightful! Thanks for sharing!
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1 年Thank you Greg Urban for the interesting insights for automation on sorting centres. I just want to add something based on my experience. Without any doubt, automation can help reduce labor costs in the long term, which can be beneficial from an economic perspective. However, the resistance of workers to assume new technologies as productive tools rather than replacements, it is an important investment parameter to consider as well. Therefore, it is essential to highlight that automation should not be seen as a complete replacement for workers. Instead, training and role redesign are critical aspects to consider. Workers can adapt and collaborate more effectively with automated systems if they are provided with the proper training. Thank you again for sharing this relevant topic article on automation planning and productivity impact.
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1 年Hi Greg Urban I think this analysis has 3 different perspectives, depending on who is the owner of the SC : 1?? Carrier 2?? Retailer 3?? 3PL Each one will focus differently on characteristics you mentioned. I think that the way they collaborate is higher than in the past, but it's not enough. I don't want to elaborate too much or steer the conversation, but the more they integrate the more they'll save money, improve processes, ... Anyway, if I'm a Carrier or a Shippers, I would plan my SC through a real time overview of Orders/Shipments to be managed : once I'm able to know where to ship, I'll be able to work on waves per geography/weight so to pre-sort my shipments.
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1 年I agree with what is in the article. All of these parameters are crucial for efficient automation. I would just add that for automation to be efficient, an efficient optimization algorithm is needed, one that globally controls this process. An algorithm that takes all the parameters mentioned in the article as input for optimization and dynamically responds to changes. An algorithm that manages the entire end-to-end process globally.
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1 年Thank you Greg Urban for the comprehensive overview of sorting automation planning. Almost everything essential has been addressed here. However, I'd like to offer two insights from my hands-on experience. Firstly, avoid relying on average volume numbers for your throughput calculations. Instead, consider the volumes from peak seasons, like December, as your foundation. Then, incorporate the e-commerce growth coefficient from your business plan to get the peak volume in 10 years' time or so. This approach will bring you closer to the actual requirements of your sorting center. Secondly, when it comes to floor planning, use the same data as mentioned earlier to determine the necessary service area for both inbound and outbound terminals. While ignoring this method might initially seem cost-effective (you need less space), it can lead to space constraints in the long run.