A split tray sorter installed by KNAPP for the French fashion brand, Celio, is still running smoothly over 12 years later.
Celio, a French fashion retailer with over 1500 stores in more than 60 countries, decided to invest in an automated logistics system from KNAPP back in 2012. At the heart of the solution was a high-performance split tray sorter that would enable Celio to supply its stores efficiently and accurately. Today, the solution is still going strong and Celio continues to reap the rewards of KNAPP’s reliable automation. “After 12 years, it’s fair to say that we are more than happy,” says Gérald Le Boulaire, Warehouse Manager at Celio. “Our sorter runs as smoothly as it did on day one.”
Besides the split tray sorter, KNAPP supplied Celio’s distribution centre in Amblainville, northern France, with its shuttle storage system, modular overhead conveyor system, Pick-it-Easy workstations and KiSoft control software. However, the high-performance sorter is the star of the warehouse, rapidly and reliably sorting flat-packed goods with a performance of 15,000 items per hour.
When a store order requires a full case, it is retrieved from the pallet warehouse but, for partial quantities, items are decanted into transport containers that are then transported to one of four induction islands.
Additional stock from the split cases is buffer stored in the shuttle system. At the induction islands, goods are placed on the split tray sorter and automatically scanned. The goods are sorted by the 688-exit sorter, with the sorter trays opening at the target point to deposit goods into a tote or carton, or onto a chute. The two tray flaps open independently of each other, allowing two separate products to be sorted to different targets. Larger products can be placed across the entire tray, with the system automatically detecting this and opening both flaps simultaneously at the target location.
Lower costs
Celio has benefited from reduced handling costs due to the streamlined processes and enhanced accuracy of the split tray sorter. The high-performance system enables Celio to process order volumes rapidly and flexibly, even during peak periods.
Robust design
KNAPP’s split tray sorters are made from high-quality materials that guarantee a long service life and reliable operation, even with intensive use. Energy-efficient motors and drives ensure low energy consumption and, with the sorter requiring neither a tension device nor lubrication, the solution has low maintenance needs. Redundancy is also built in, with the design ensuring that the failure of one drive unit does not affect the operation of the sorter.
Easy and ergonomic operation
Designed with comfort in mind, KNAPP’s Pick-it-Easy workstations contribute to employees’ well-being and increase productivity. In addition, low-noise technology results in relatively quiet operation and a more pleasant working environment. The split tray sorter is user-friendly, enabling quick and uncomplicated integration into existing workflows. “Our expectations for performance, ergonomics and noise levels were fully met,” says Gérald Le Boulaire. “Training users is fast and easy.”
Sorting technology is vital for the efficient flow of goods in many intralogistics operations today. KNAPP offers a wide range of sorters – including split tray sorters, push tray sorters, cross belt sorters and pocket sorters – as well as sorter control technology.
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