The logistics industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. With the rise of e-commerce, the traditional supply chain model has been turned on its head, as consumers increasingly demand goods to be delivered faster and more accurately than ever before. In response, logistics companies have invested in new technologies to improve their efficiency, accuracy and speed.
One of the most important developments in logistics technology has been the growth of automated sorting systems. These systems use machines to sort and distribute parcels, rather than relying on human workers to do the job. This has numerous benefits, including increased speed, reduced errors and improved efficiency.
Automated sorting systems are particularly important for small parcel sorting, where the sheer volume of parcels being processed can quickly overwhelm human workers. By using machines to sort parcels, logistics companies can handle much larger volumes of parcels, reducing the risk of delays and errors.
Yodel, one of the UK’s leading logistics companies, has recognised the importance of automated sorting systems for small parcel sorting. Through its partnership with Hexapole, Yodel has invested in an innovative sorting system at their Shaw sortation centre in Oldham.
This new system will help Yodel to continue to meet the increased demand for small parcel sorting, following the rise of online retail. With more and more consumers choosing to shop online, the volume of parcels being processed by logistics companies has skyrocketed in recent years. Automated sorting systems are essential for helping logistics companies to keep up with this demand.
The Hexapole system is particularly impressive, having already been used by Yodel at its Hatfield sort centre. It is capable of processing up to 7,000 parcels per hour, with a sorting accuracy of over 99%. This level of efficiency and accuracy is essential for ensuring that parcels are delivered to customers on time and in whole.
The benefits of automated sorting systems go beyond increased speed and accuracy. These systems also have a positive impact on the overall efficiency of the logistics industry. By reducing the need for human workers to sort parcels, automated systems free up staff to focus on other tasks, such as customer service and delivery.
This, in turn, improves the overall quality of service offered by logistics companies. When staff are able to focus on more important tasks, such as ensuring that deliveries are made on time and that customers are satisfied, the entire supply chain benefits.
The advent of automated sorting systems has also had a positive impact on the environment. By reducing the need for human workers, automated systems reduce the carbon footprint of the logistics industry. This is because human workers often need to travel long distances to work in sorting centres, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Automated systems, on the other hand, are designed to be energy-efficient and to produce minimal waste. They also require fewer resources to operate, making them a more sustainable option for the logistics industry.
In conclusion, the growth of e-commerce has fundamentally changed the logistics industry, with the rise of online retail pushing companies to adopt new technologies to meet the increased demand for parcel processing. Automated sorting systems have been instrumental in helping logistics companies to meet this demand, improving the speed, accuracy and efficiency of parcel sorting.
Yodel’s partnership with Hexapole is a testament to the importance of automated sorting systems in the logistics industry. By investing in this new technology, Yodel is helping to improve the overall quality of service offered by the industry, while also reducing its environmental impact. As e-commerce continues to grow, it is clear that automated sorting systems will play a critical role in the future of logistics.