scope:

Introduction/purpose of the guideline

The sorting function is an important element in the logistic process chain. Owing to the trend towards a services society on the one hand and, on the other hand, the globalisation of the processes in conjunction with a miniaturisation of the parts and the trend towards smaller batches, sorting technology is gaining increasing significance.

The function "sorting" is contained in many process steps of the logistic process chain and has a major influence on the achievement of logistical targets such as zero error strategy, high degree of service, short throughput time, high delivery date reliability etc.

The optimum sorting performance and sorting quality can only be achieved if the sorting quality is adapted to the special features of the goods to be sorted and if the interfaces of the sorting system to upstream and downstream logistic process steps are designed in the optimum manner.

The guideline is intended as a planning aid for new projects so that the function "sorting" is made an integral and continuous element in the overall logistic process chain.

For modernization projects, the guideline is intended to support the weak points analysis in order to reveal the most serious problem spots.

In its observation of sorting technologies, the guideline concentrates mainly on the so-called universal sorters for the sorting of piece goods, and many aspects of high-performance sorting systems are dealt with. These systems have a very high degree of automation. Sorters for special goods are not dealt with, although many aspects also apply to these special sorters.

With respect to the application areas, the guideline is restricted to sorting processes in production and distribution logistics whereby the peculiarities of special applications - such as mail sorting, luggage sorting etc. - are not covered.