High-performance scanners optimize sorting - controllers for Datalogic reading tunnels at service provider Hermes Fulfilment

The mail order business is booming, but first you have to cope with the large number of orders. Many retailers therefore rely on service providers such as Hermes Fulfilment GmbH, which handles all services from webshop set-up and operation to storage, shipping to the end customer and returns management. In order to be able to offer a good service in the future, the large logistics service providers must regularly upgrade their technical equipment, particularly in the area of identification, and are rewarded with improvements in ongoing operations and a strong position in the mail order market.

According to the Statista portal, the number of online purchases rose from around 25 million in 2005 to around 43 million in 2010. According to the German E-Commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association (bvh), the mail order and online trade increased by a further 22.2% in 2013 compared to the previous year and recorded sales of around 48 billion euros. The high revenue is primarily due to the steady growth in online retail, which accounts for the largest share of sales at just under 40 billion euros. However, the increase in online trade not only promises growing turnover, but also an increased volume of shipments. On the one hand, this is due to the dispatch of goods to customers and, on the other, to returned goods. Previously, companies were obliged to offer free returns within a 14-day return period for goods worth 40 euros or more - an offer that customers were happy to take advantage of if they didn't like an item they had ordered. And even with the abolition of this regulation on January 1, 2014, many mail order companies continue to offer their customers the option of free returns.

In order to cope with the requirements and the large number of shipments, many of the major logistics service providers, such as Hermes Fulfilment GmbH, rely on scanner technologies from Datalogic for parcel registration and shipment tracking. The solutions from the leading manufacturer of barcode scanners, portable computers and image processing systems can automate processes, particularly when it comes to identifying data on parcels. In the transportation and logistics sector, the Datalogic DX8200 scanner is one of the most popular solutions for capturing barcodes. The omnidirectional reading scanner captures the parcel data regardless of its position on the conveyor belt. The scanner is connected to the Datalogic Websentinel software to monitor and evaluate the processes. This collects or archives the most important information on the functional status and enables the data to be transmitted even from a greater distance. The reading scanner unfolds its full functionality in conjunction with the SC6000 master controller.

The controller is required to collect the data from the scanners and communicate with the control system and the logistician's IT system. All key functions can be read directly from the controller's visualization, so that users always have an overview of the system's status. The investment in the two leading Datalogic devices in the field of identification has paid off: Hermes Fulfilment GmbH has been relying on Datalogic solutions for several years and was awarded the VDI Innovation Prize for Logistics in 2013 for its automated returns warehouse. In addition to the general modernization of the technology, the use of Datalogic's 'Genius' application software, which is easy to manage with the SC6000 controller, was also honored - making diagnostics and the creation of statistics particularly efficient.

Controller with high reading rate, especially for multi-sided reading tunnels

The SC6000 is the most advanced of Datalogic's industrial controllers and has been specially developed for multi-sided reading tunnels. All the necessary IT fundamentals are available with a wide range of communication interfaces, so that all common requirements can be met. The Ethernet, which is always available, can be combined with the Profibus and Devicenet interfaces as an option. This ensures effective decentralized monitoring of the systems and, if necessary, simple conversion of the codes to be read. The option of omnidirectional data capture and its direct display on the controller is particularly appealing to all users in the logistics sector. Finally, the scanners can meet the requirements of Datalogic customers: They read the barcodes regardless of the position of the parcels, can capture two different barcodes at the same time and transmit the captured data to two different systems. All these functions enable the high read rate, which is around 99 percent. This is not a matter of course, especially with the high proportion of clothing to be shipped, which is one of the top-selling product groups in online retail, as the codes are usually attached to flexible films and run through the reading tunnels on bulky bags.

A reliable partner for growing requirements

Datalogic supports its customers during the implementation of the new controllers and helps with the changeover to the new devices. During the installation phase, great importance is also attached to ensuring that mail order companies do not have to put up with any downtime. The feedback from Datalogic customers is consistently positive: problems or malfunctions rarely occur and users find the scanners easy and convenient to use. Should difficulties nevertheless arise, Datalogic support can be reached quickly by telephone. The responsible technician provides support for all problems and ensures that spare parts are procured quickly. Using the latest devices from Datalogic Automation S.r.l. guarantees that components can be replaced without any problems. Hermes Fulfilment will continue to rely on Datalogic solutions - the smooth functionality, excellent reading rate and competent service have convinced them. The company is therefore well positioned for the future and the flourishing online trade.

Further information can be found at
www.datalogic.com

Source: FM Das Logistik - Magazine Issue:1-2/215

Author: Bernhard Lenk, Oliver Trefz