Like all aspects of material handling system design, solid and complete data will allow for the selection of the right technology for your needs. Types of packages, sizes, weights and rates are of course critical.
How do you operate today, and how would you like to operate now and in the future? Changes in package types and sizes, rate changes and potential business changes in the future should be discussed and defined as clearly as possible.
Many users have peak days or a peak season which will often drive the design of the sortation system if not most elements in the distribution center.
As an integrator, DCS has access to a wide range of technology from many leading worldwide manufacturers of sortation technology. As an integrator, we stay current with what is available and can apply the most cost-effective solution to your specific project.
The following are types of sorters that we see and use in our normal business working with retail, e-commerce, parcel and manufacturing clients.
Pushers for low-rate sortation u2013 40 to 60 CPM

Swing Arm Diverts u2013 included here are usually used when groups of products or packages are sent to one location such as feeding packaging or value-added lines.
Swing Arm Pushers u2013 simple and effective sortation for a wide range of package types. Typical in parcel and retail applications.
Pop-Up Wheel and Pop-Up Roller Sortation – 40 to 100 CPM

Low-cost case and tote sortation. Low to medium speeds.
Shoe Sorters

High-speed tote and case sortation. 60 to 400 CPM.
Tilt Tray and Cross-Belt Sortation

High-capacity sorters for soft goods, books, bundles, cases. Often used in order fulfillment operations to sort out batch-picked items or individual pieces into individual orders. Another capability is the ability to sort to both sides of the sorter and the ability to have sort locations densely packed.
Narrow-Belt Sorters
Narrow-belt sorters can be used effectively to feed cases and/or totes to pack stations, QA positions and even shipping lanes. Right-angle or angled diverts are possible with rates up to 100 CPM. Often used in manufacturing, distribution and warehousing applications.