In the active Canadian logistics and warehousing sector, efficiency and precision are crucial. Automated sortation systems revolutionize operations, enabling businesses to manage high volumes swiftly and accurately. Partnering with a complete systems integrator ensures these systems are designed, installed, and maintained to meet your specific needs. This guide explores the benefits of automated sortation systems in the Canadian market and highlights why choosing a complete systems integrator is the key to success.
With global logistics, supply chains and distribution channels turned upside down this past year, online shopping in Canada has increased in areas from 80% to 200% placing a new extreme load on mail couriers, 3PL’s and logistics companies. What is almost essentially Boxing Day level amount of products being distributed on almost a daily basis for the past several months, new, innovative technologies need to be implemented and integrated to allow the flow of products to go uninterrupted and allow companies to focus on the customer experience and customer relations.
The Canada 3PL market size reached USD 20.85 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% between 2024 and 2032, reaching almost USD 38.37 billion by 2032.
Source: Claight Corporation (Expert Market Research)
Below represents 7 great options sorting everything from a single business card to apparel, poly bags and mixed loads. Mainway has the decades of experience, the know-how to integrate these various pieces of technology and the follow through to make any current operation more effective and efficient.
Types of Automated Sortation Systems
Cross Belt Sorters
Cross belt sorters utilize small, individual belts to transport and divert items at high speeds.
- Rate: 4000 – 20,000 parcels per hr
- Types: Polybags, Boxes
- Weights: 1 – 50 kg
Key Features:
- High-speed operation
- Precise handling of small to medium-sized items
- Adaptable for diverse product ranges
Ideal For:
- Pharmaceutical distribution
- Apparel and footwear sorting
- Electronics and small gadgets
Sliding Shoe Sorters
Sliding shoe sorters use moving shoes on a conveyor to direct items to their destinations. Known for speed and precision, they are ideal for high-volume operations.
- Rate: 450 – 600 parcels per hr
- Types: Polybags, Boxes, Mix Items
- Weights: 1 – 45 kg
Key Features:
- High throughput capacity
- Gentle handling of items
- Versatility for various product sizes and weights
Ideal For:
- Parcel sorting centers
- Retail distribution hubs
- E-commerce fulfillment centers
Narrow Belt Sorters
Narrow belt sorters transport items to diverters via multiple narrow belts, offering flexibility and accuracy.
- Rate: 75 – 100 per hr
- Types: Totes, Box
- Weights: 5 – 30 kg
Key Features:
- Quiet and efficient
- High sorting accuracy
- Suitable for various product types
Ideal For:
- Postal services
- E-commerce distribution
- Warehouse operations
Push Tray Sorters
Push tray sorters, or tilt tray sorters, use trays that tilt to release items into the correct chute or lane.
- Rate: 3000 – 17,000 items per hr
- Types: Polybags, Boxes, Single Items
- Weights: 0.1 – 11 kg
Key Features:
- High sorting precision
- Flexible handling of various product types
- Efficient use of space
Ideal For:
- Catalog fulfillment
- Media and entertainment distribution
- General merchandise sorting
Conveyor Divert & Pop-Up Wheel Sorters
Pop-up wheel sorters feature wheels that pop up to divert items efficiently, suitable for compact spaces.
- Rate: 30 – 40 parcels per hr
- Types: Totes, Carton, Box
- Weights: 1 – 25 kg
Key Features:
- Compact design
- Efficient item handling
- Easy integration with existing systems
Ideal For:
- Small to medium-sized distribution centers
- Retail store replenishment
- Light manufacturing
Intralox ARB (Activated Roller Belt) Sorters
Intralox ARB sorters use a modular plastic belt with activated rollers to control item movement and direction.
- Rate: 12,500 – 15,000 parcels per hr
- Types: Polybags, Boxes, Irregular
- Weights: 0.1 – 50 kg
Key Features:
- Gentle product handling
- High sorting accuracy
- Versatile applications
Ideal For:
- Food processing
- Parcel handling
- Manufacturing
Robotic Sorting (AMR / AGV)
Using an array of automated robotics combined together to sort to various destination with the ability to scale up or down.
- Rate: up to 2700 toes per hr
- Types: Polybags, Boxes, Trays, Totes
- Weights: 1 – 30 kg
Key Features:
- Able to densify storage space
- Able to scale up or down during peaks or valleys
- Versatile applications
Ideal For:
- E-commerce distribution
- Parcel handling
- Electronics and small gadgets
Benefits of Advanced Control Systems:
Enhanced Efficiency: Automation of decision-making processes leads to faster and more accurate sortation.
Reduced Downtime: Proactive monitoring and diagnostics help prevent system failures and minimize downtime.
Improved Accuracy: Precise control over item routing reduces sorting errors, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Operational Flexibility: Easily adapt to changes in product lines, order volumes, and distribution strategies.
Benefits of Automated Sortation Systems
Increased Efficiency: Automated sortation systems significantly enhance processing speed, enabling Canadian businesses to handle higher volumes with precision and efficiency, critical for meeting customer expectations.
Enhanced Accuracy: Advanced technology ensures items are sorted accurately, reducing errors, minimizing returns, and boosting customer satisfaction.
Cost Reduction: Automation reduces the need for manual labor, cutting operational costs and reallocating human resources to more value-added tasks.
Real-Time Inventory Management: Automated systems provide real-time data on item movement, improving inventory control and reducing risks of overstocking or stockouts.
Scalability: Customized sortation solutions grow with your business, accommodating increased volumes and new product lines as needed.
The Complexity of Control Systems
Automated sortation systems are intricate, requiring sophisticated control systems to ensure seamless operation. These control systems are the brain behind the machinery, coordinating every movement and decision based on real-time data and pre-programmed algorithms. Key components include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), weight scales, sensors, and scanning systems.
Key Aspects of Control Systems:
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): PLCs are integral to sortation systems, providing reliable, high-speed control. They execute precise commands and handle real-time processing of data from sensors and actuators.
Weight and Measurement Sensors: Accurate weight and dimension measurements are critical for sortation. These sensors ensure items are sorted correctly based on their size and weight, optimizing space and efficiency.
Scanning Systems: Advanced barcode and RFID scanning systems identify items rapidly, ensuring they are directed to the correct destination. These systems can read various codes at high speeds, maintaining throughput.
Real-Time Data Processing: Control systems continuously process data from various sensors, making instantaneous decisions to route items correctly.
Integration with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Seamlessly integrates with existing WMS for smooth operations and inventory management.
Advanced Algorithms: Utilize complex algorithms to optimize routing, minimize errors, and enhance throughput.
User-Friendly Interfaces: Designed for ease of use, allowing operators to monitor and manage the system efficiently.
Scalability: Control systems are built to scale with your business, accommodating increased volumes and new functionalities as needed.
What is a Complete Systems Integrator?
A complete systems integrator specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex systems, ensuring seamless interaction between all components. In the context of automated sortation systems, integrators combine hardware, software, and controls to create a cohesive, efficient solution tailored to your business requirements.
Why Choose a Complete Systems Integrator?
Expertise and Experience
Complete systems integrators bring extensive expertise in material handling and automated solutions, providing tailored designs that address specific business needs.
Seamless Integration
Integrators ensure all components—hardware, software, and control systems—work harmoniously, creating an efficient and reliable sortation system.
Comprehensive Support
From initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance, integrators offer end-to-end services, ensuring your system operates optimally.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Systems integrators utilize the latest advancements in technology, ensuring your operations are equipped with the most efficient and innovative solutions.
Customer-Centric Approach
Integrators work closely with clients to understand their challenges and deliver solutions that exceed expectations, enhancing overall operational performance.
Automated sortation systems are essential for modern warehousing and distribution operations in Canada. Partnering with a complete systems integrator ensures you receive a solution that is not only efficient and accurate but also scalable and tailored to your specific needs. The complexity of control systems underscores the importance of choosing an experienced integrator who can design, install, and maintain a solution that drives your business forward.
The complexity of control systems underscores the importance of choosing an experienced integrator who can design, install, and maintain a solution that drives your business forward.
Ready to optimize your material handling operations with a customized automated sortation system? Contact us today to learn how our expert systems integrators can design, install, and maintain a solution that meets your unique needs and drives your business forward. Embrace the future of logistics with a partner that understands your business and is committed to your success.
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