Schönenberger’s modular and flexibly expandable overhead conveyor systems enable both: order-accurate processing every second and sufficient flexibility for fast-reacting work. The Schönenberger ILS 2100 pouch sorter is used here. The products are transported under the ceiling without contact by means of various goods carriers and held in dynamic storage and buffer areas. Hanging goods can be managed and sorted with single load carriers and flat goods with bags in the same system. The floor space remains free for the functional areas: a plus in safety, overview and cleanliness in production and distribution.

Automated processes and a sorting strategy tailored to the order structure ensure high throughput. Reading stations record the coding of the goods and transfer them to the trolley. The continuous identification of the trolleys by means of barcodes or RFID ensures the defined flow of goods. Automated loading and unloading stations complement the intelligent parts management. This ensures consistent control in the system – and thus process reliability and adherence to schedules.

The filtering of the parts, the required sequence and the transport to the workplace is done automatically. Employees don’t spend time searching for parts or picking. Storage and sorting gyros allow quick access to any item in the system. In addition, the workstations are connected by rails. Employees have more time for value-adding activities.

Schönenberger pouch sorter for efficient returns handling

To cope with the growing product ranges and the variety of different goods, the Schönenberger ILS 2100 overhead conveyor can be equipped with a pouch sorter, which transports flat goods with particular care. High-quality garments such as jackets, dresses, blazers etc., which have to be stored and transported hanging crease-free until dispatch, are moved in the same system with the sorter pouches. In this way, consignments of flat-packed and hanging garments are sorted together and delivered to the packing station with pinpoint accuracy.

Especially for the optimization of the returns management the use of a Schönenberger pouch sorter is worthwhile: With the Schönenberger system returned goods do not have to be stored again or have to go through the entire intralogistic process. After quality inspection and product identification, the individual part enters the shipping buffer protected and is directly available for shipping again. There is no need for return storage and a new picking process, which has a positive effect on inventory and increases availability.

Customizable systems for every customer need

The ILS 2100 sortation system in combination with sorter pouches is a high-performing and highly flexible intra-logistics system. The system size can be individually adapted to the customer’s needs to make even smaller warehouses efficient. For both smaller and larger businesses, automated processes and optimized logistics are worthwhile to counter the shortage of skilled workers and simplify warehousing, picking and sequencing. The system can be flexibly integrated into existing buildings or new buildings to meet individual customer requirements. In addition, custom-fit loading and unloading options are considered to ensure ergonomic workplaces for employees.