The material flow control relies on multiple item tracking methods, which ensures precise sortation, and spans various sorting systems such as tilt tray sorters, cross belt sorters, and pouch systems, along with conveyors equipped with merge and split capabilities. Additionally, the BEUMER Group material flow control effortlessly integrates with machinery such as robots, AS/RS systems, and third-party sortation systems.
The material flow control efficiently manages various tasks at each decision point. It instructs the machinery, ensuring that items are directed to their designated final sort position, and it also handles load balancing in the system.
optimised batch Sortation Strategy
When an item is inducted to a sortation system, the material flow control system actively executes the designated batch sortation strategy, such as considering the departure time of an order, when multiple orders are requesting the same SKU item.
As soon as an order can be activated, all of its assigned SKUs will take the fastest possible path through the required automation modules, with least possible buffering times, to reach the designated packing station.
There, the required SKU items for the order get containerized for shipping either automatically or manually, both with possibility to be guided by the Warehouse Control System.
Finally, the system securely stores the sort data for each item and order, and transmits comprehensive manifests to the WMS.
Exception Handling
All exceptions, including items with unreadable barcodes, oversized items, and lost items, are swiftly identified and logged, ensuring timely resolution and directing them to designated destinations for manual handling. To enhance efficiency and optimize the workflow for operators, a dedicated sort position can be allocated for such exceptions. By leveraging these capabilities, W&D operators benefit from streamlined containerization, accurate inventory tracking, enhanced data management, and optimized exception handling.
