As a leading parcel delivery service provider, DPD Lietuva works every day to fulfill its promise: fast and reliable parcel delivery. With the number of parcels growing daily, this promise is constantly tested and proven. Deividas Šimėnas, COO at DPD Lietuva, knew that to keep up with the growing number of parcels, further automation was necessary.
To increase the throughput of the sorting facility, DPD Lietuva collaborated with Equinox in search of a solution, which consisted of:
"One of the challenges of this project was finding the right way to sort a wide variety of parcels," – says Deividas Šimėnas, COO at DPD Lietuva. "We handle small parcels, large parcels, and everything in between. Think of a single set of earbuds in one parcel and a mobile air conditioner in another. As you can imagine, not all sorting systems can handle such a diverse range of parcels. However, to operate efficiently, we wanted to use a single flow and process all our parcels within the same system – no exceptions. The system then determines how to handle different types of parcels."
Sorting such a wide range of parcels within the same system often causes problems. For example, if a small, fragile parcel is sorted into a destination or container, and then a heavy parcel follows, the small parcel will simply be crushed. This project required an advanced solution to maintain efficiency while preventing any damage to the parcels.
We found the solution in two LR-sorters with primary flow pre-sorting and a heavy items carousel. After scanning the volume and weighing the parcels before they enter the LR-sorters, parcels that are too large for this sorting system are redirected to the conveyor carousel, where they are sorted through a separate process. The sorting system's throughput is up to 8.000 parcels per hour.
"In our existing warehouse, we had available space for this system. We tested various Equinox Europe sorting systems and layouts to find the right option," – continues Deividas Šimėnas, COO at DPD Lietuva. "LR-sorter provided an excellent solution in terms of achievable throughput, technical characteristics, and occupied warehouse space. However, in the space we had, there was room for only 267 out of 356 sorting destinations."
This required creative thinking. By installing two LR-sorters and connecting them with a specialized automated conveyor, it was possible to fit all 356 sorting destinations within the designated space. The last sorting destination of the first LR-sorter acts as a bridge. Parcels directed to this destination are automatically transported to the second LR-sorter.
The chute design may seem simple, but its functionality is greater than it appears at first glance. Each chute has a hinged flap at the end, and each pair of chutes features a removable divider. It is designed using a "click-on" system, allowing the divider to be quickly removed and reattached without the need for any additional tools.
The flaps at the end of the chute can be closed to buffer parcels inside the chute, allowing operators to remove them for further processing. If the flap is open, parcels are sorted directly into bags or boxes.
The divider between two chutes can be removed, and the bag holder can be folded down to allow the use of pallet boxes in the chute.
"This implemented parcel sorting system helps us achieve our set goals and keep up with the growing demand for parcel delivery. We have been working with the system for some time now and are truly pleased with the quality and efficiency of the solution," – says Deividas Šimėnas, COO at DPD Lietuva.
