How do we choose the right sorting line for express logistics?

Choosing the right express logistics sorting line needs to integrate many factors. The following are some suggestions:

Sorting demand and business volume

Average daily business volume: if the business volume is small, such as thousands of packages per day, a small semi-automatic sorting line or manual sorting auxiliary equipment may be enough; If the daily average business volume reaches tens of thousands or more, such as a large express transshipment center, an efficient automatic sorting line is needed to meet the processing needs and ensure the timely sorting and distribution of parcels.

Peak business volume: Considering the package handling capacity during peak business hours, for example, during e-commerce promotion activities such as "double 11" and "618", the business volume may be several times or even more than usual. It is necessary to ensure that the sorting line can run stably during the peak period and there will be no backlog of parcels. For example, some large express delivery companies will upgrade or expand the sorting line before the event to cope with the sharp increase in business volume in the short term.

Package type and size

Parcel types: There are various types of express parcels, including document bags, small packaging boxes, medium-sized cartons and large parcels. If it is mainly documents or small packages, choose a sorting line that can accurately handle small items, such as cross-belt sorting system; If there are many large and heavy packages, such as furniture and household appliances, it may be necessary to have sorting equipment with strong bearing capacity and suitable for large-size package transportation, such as belt conveyor.

Package size range: know the maximum and minimum size of the package, and ensure that the conveying channel and sorting grid of the sorting line can adapt to the change of package size. For example, some sorting lines have restrictions on the size of packages, and if they exceed the scope, they may cause cards or fail to sort normally. For express delivery services with large size differences, attention should be paid to their size compatibility when selecting sorting lines.

Sorting efficiency and accuracy requirements

Sorting efficiency: determine the required sorting efficiency according to business requirements. Measured by the number of packages handled per hour, the automatic sorting line is efficient, for example, it can handle tens of thousands or more pieces per hour; Manual sorting efficiency is relatively low. If there is a high demand for sorting speed, priority should be given to sorting lines with high automation and advanced technology, such as high-speed cross-belt sorting system and intelligent robot sorting system, which can handle a large number of parcels in a short time, reduce the residence time of parcels in sorting links and speed up the logistics flow.

Sorting accuracy: For some businesses that require high sorting accuracy, such as express delivery of high-value goods and important documents, it is necessary to choose a sorting line with high-precision identification and sorting technology. The advanced sorting system is equipped with accurate scanning equipment, intelligent identification technology and stable control system, which can effectively reduce the sorting error rate, avoid the situation of wrong delivery and missing delivery of packages, and ensure the accurate delivery of packages to their destinations.

Site conditions and spatial layout

Site area: Measure the available site space, including length, width and height. If the space is limited, the sorting line with small floor space and compact layout should be selected, such as multi-layer sorting equipment or flexible modular sorting system; If the site area is sufficient, large-scale and linear sorting lines can be considered, which usually have higher processing capacity and simpler layout, but occupy relatively large space.

Space limitation: pay attention to the limiting factors such as columns, obstacles and passages in the site to ensure the smooth installation and operation of the sorting line and not hinder other operation processes. For example, there are low beams or narrow passages in some sites, which limits the height of the sorting line or the path of the conveying line, and it is necessary to choose suitable equipment or properly transform the site.

Rationality of layout: According to the shape of the site and the logistics process, the layout of the sorting line is planned to make the package flow smoothly in all links and reduce circuitous and cross-handling. For example, the inlet of the sorting line is close to the parcel receiving area and the outlet is close to the delivery area, which is convenient for parcels to enter and leave the sorting system quickly and improve the overall logistics efficiency.

Equipment cost and budget

Equipment purchase cost: the prices of different types and functions of sorting lines are quite different. Automatic sorting line is usually expensive, but it can bring long-term efficiency improvement and cost saving; Manual sorting or semi-automatic sorting equipment is relatively low in cost, but it may not be able to meet the needs of large-scale and efficient sorting. Within the budget, considering the performance, quality and price of the equipment comprehensively, choose the scheme with higher price.

Operation and maintenance cost: In addition to the purchase cost, we should also consider the operation cost of the equipment, such as energy consumption, replacement of wearing parts, maintenance costs, etc. Some advanced sorting lines may have low energy consumption, but the technical requirements for maintenance personnel are higher, and the maintenance cost increases accordingly; Simple equipment may have lower operating cost, but its efficiency and stability may be poor. Understanding the long-term operating cost of equipment is helpful to comprehensively evaluate the return on investment.

Potential cost savings: Efficient sorting line can reduce labor demand, reduce package damage rate and improve space utilization rate, thus bringing potential cost savings. For example, the automatic sorting line can reduce a large number of manual sorting jobs, reduce labor costs, improve sorting accuracy, and reduce the cost of repeated work and customer complaints caused by wrong sorting.

Technical reliability and stability

Equipment quality: Understand the reputation, reputation and product quality of sorting line manufacturers. You can check the manufacturer's qualification certificate, customer evaluation, and inspect its production process and quality control system. Reliable equipment can reduce the frequency of failure, ensure long-term stable operation, and reduce the risk of business interruption caused by equipment failure.

Technical maturity: Choose sorting lines with mature technologies, and avoid using technologies that are too novel but not fully verified, so as to avoid technical problems or instability in actual operation. For example, after years of practice and improvement, some traditional sorting technologies have stable and reliable performance; The new technology may have advantages in innovation, but it may take some time to improve and optimize.

Fault handling ability: understand the after-sales service system of equipment manufacturers, including fault response speed, maintenance technical support, spare parts supply and so on. When the equipment breaks down, it can get effective technical support and maintenance services in time to reduce the impact of downtime on business.

Extensibility and compatibility

Business growth demand: considering the future business development trend and growth space, choose a sorting line with good expansibility. For example, some sorting systems can improve their processing capacity by adding modules and upgrading software to adapt to the increase of business volume; Or it can be easily integrated with other logistics equipment and systems, such as seamless docking with warehouse management system and transportation management system, so as to meet the needs of enterprise's future logistics process optimization and expansion.

Compatibility: Ensure that the sorting line can be compatible with the existing logistics equipment and information technology systems, and avoid the problems that the equipment cannot work together or the data cannot be shared. If an enterprise already has a certain logistics infrastructure and information system, its compatibility should be considered when selecting sorting lines in order to realize the efficient operation of the whole logistics system.