GRAND RAPIDS, MI /BUSINESS WIRE/ -- Dematic Corp., a leader in logistics automation solutions, systems, and service, has introduced a new control system for sliding shoe sorters that automatically adjusts the operating speed of the sortation system to match actual carton flow activity. With this new control option, the sortation system accommodates the workload dynamically. Users benefit since automatic speed control reduces wear on the entire sortation subsystem, decreases energy consumption, and lowers sound levels.
In a typical configuration, package flow entering the sortation system is monitored via electronic sensors on the infeed conveyors. As the rate increases, the sort controls signal the system to accelerate to optimize the flow of the increasing throughput. If volume decreases, the control system automatically instructs the sorter system to slow down to the appropriate speed, which will accommodate the reduced throughput rates. For high-rate sortation systems, this amounts to 34% average speed reduction compared with other sorters in this class.
"An automatic speed-control system focuses on the throughput of the system, not the speed," said Gregg Vandenbosch, Product Manager with Dematic. "When not needed, the system slows down the sorter, allowing our customers to save wear and tear, extending the life of their sorters and reducing energy consumption. Because peak rates may only occur for short time periods during a typical operating shift, the automatic speed control allows the sorter to work only as hard as required by actual demand. This approach can translate into a lower total operating cost for the sorter, better package control, lower noise, and a much longer operating life of the sorter. For some customers, this could mean doubling the time required between sorter rebuilds for them."
The Dematic automatic speed-control system can be applied to Dematic's RS200 and newer S-L 300 sorter models. The company has already successfully implemented the speed control system at several Dematic customer distribution centers.
About Dematic
Based on a rich tradition of over 70 years of worldwide industry expertise in creating logistics results and more than 10,000 systems installed worldwide, Dematic Corp. is the world's leading supplier of logistics automation solutions, systems and service.
Beginning with Rapistan's rich history from gravity conveyors to automated, modular conveyor and sortation solutions, Dematic now offers a full range of engineered and highly configurable system solutions that optimize warehousing and distribution operations. With Dematic, companies can reduce distribution costs, maximize overall logistics efficiencies, and increase the operating speed of their supply chain.
Dematic is a global company with operations in 22 countries around the world. Its North American headquarters is located in Grand Rapids, MI.