Deutsche Post says it has contracted Siemens Logistics for the delivery, integration and commissioning of parcel sorting technology at its international postal center (IPC) in Niederaula, Germany. The contract includes a high-performance cross-belt sorter for small parcels, with several high-speed inductions and conveyor technology as well as intelligent control, reading and coding software.
According to DHL, the strong growth in online commerce has also had a significant impact on the company’s IPC satellite in Niederaula. While the volume of international lettermail continues to fall, the number of small and sometimes oddly shaped e-commerce parcels is rising.
DHL hopes that efficient processing of consignments in different formats and weight categories – starting at 20g – using Siemens’ equipment, will result in near 100% sorting precision. In addition, the ergonomically designed workstations at the conveyor belts will ensure optimum working conditions for its employees.
“After successfully bringing the contract for the IPC in Frankfurt am Main to a close, we are pleased to now also be equipping the Niederaula satellite with our dependable hardware and software,” said Michael Reichle, CEO of Siemens Logistics. “With this newest contract we are further rolling out our proven technology and continuing our long-year, close collaboration with Deutsche Post.”
The scope of supply includes a Siemens VarioSort Twin cross-belt sorter featuring 231 carriers with a length of more than 230m, and 10 high-speed inductions. Beyond that, some 370m of conveyor systems and 200 special parcel terminals will be installed.
The ARTread reading and coding system used at the Niederaula IPC satellite is based on the solution Siemens Logistics successfully implemented in DHL’s Frankfurt am Main facility, which enables high read rates while also accounting for smaller items in diverse shapes and packaging types.