Sorting Solution Boosts Courier Efficiency

Cainiao, a global supplier of smart logistics technology, has launched a new sorting solution tailored for the European market, addressing key challenges faced by local courier companies, including limited space, labour shortages, and the need for mixed-size parcel handling.

“We’ve conducted thorough research into the European market and found that courier companies face several operational hurdles. These include limited warehouse and sorting space, and the growing complexity of handling a variety of parcel sizes, from small e-commerce packages to larger shipments. Traditional sorting solutions, like large cross-belt sorters, often require substantial space and investment, making them less practical for many European logistics centers,” said a Cainiao product representative.

To address these challenges, Cainiao has introduced its newly developed narrow-belt linear sorter, a space-efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional sorting systems. The sorter supports hundreds of parcel destinations and seamlessly processes mixed-size packages. It features a single-item separation system and an automated parcel feeding system that accurately identifies and separates parcels, ensuring fully automated sorting. By optimizing manpower allocation, it helps ease the operational pressure from increasing parcel volumes while maintaining over 99% sorting accuracy.

“The narrow-belt linear sorter is an ideal fit for European courier operations. Compared to large cross-belt sorters, it requires less space, offers greater flexibility, and delivers faster ROI with lower upfront costs,” the representative added. The sorter, independently developed by Cainiao, has received EU CE mark and is already being used by several European courier companies.

One European courier company implemented the solution last year as part of a major distribution centre upgrade. After deploying the system across multiple facilities, sorting efficiency increased by 30%.

Efficient courier operations rely on advanced logistics equipment. With the industry’s rapid growth, it’s now undergoing an intelligent transformation, driven by AI, IoT, and other technologies that enhance equipment reliability. Cainiao, with its vast experience handling millions of parcels, continues to optimize technologies in diverse operational settings. In addition to sorting, Cainiao provides a range of logistics technogies including warehouse automation, digitization, and digital supply chain technologies to boost logistics efficiency. Moving forward, Cainiao will continue supporting global customers and industry partners in their digital transformation.

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Automation Solutions for Swedish Sorting Centre

Fives, a partner for transforming supply chain facilities, was recently selected by Posten Bring to supply a new sorting system. This major logistics player in the Nordics chose Fives’ solution to automate their new sorting centre in Jönköping, Bring’s largest hub in Sweden and twice the size of the existing terminal.

Hanna Jonasson, Director of Operations for Bring, explains the background to this investment: “Over the past three years, our Swedish parcel volumes have grown by 169 percent, and strong indications suggest that our growth has only just begun. Jönköping is the backbone of our logistics chain, and it is of utmost importance that the parcel flow functions well. Therefore, we have made the decision to invest in automation from Fives – a solution that will be tailored to our specific needs”.

This project is part of Bring’s recent significant investments in their terminals and vehicle fleet to expand their market share and limit their carbon footprint.

The new sorting solution will increase capacity by 300 percent compared to the current system. It is based on two of Fives’ main proprietary technologies: the singulator and the cross-belt sorter, which guarantee a high level of automation and efficiency.

Fives’ singulator optimizes the item flow by transforming the 3D bulk flow of packages and flyers into a 1D stream of objects with regular spacing. The technology automatically feeds one induction line connected to the sorter.

Fives’ GENI-Belt sorter is equipped with 8 GENI-Feed induction lines, cameras, volume detection and more than 220 chutes used for local, domestic and international destinations.

The unparalleled accuracy and availability of the technology, combined with a compact layout, ensure high-performance with minimum operational costs. The solution designed by Fives’ process experts relies upon configuration redundancy to optimize the delivery capacity of the hub. Posten Bring plan to use the new sorting system by mid-2025.

“Our new system will ensure our ability to sustain growth. In order to continue scaling our volumes, we must not only operate at a faster pace but also employ smarter solutions”, Jonasson adds.

The new partnership with Posten Bring reinforces and cements Fives’ position in the Nordics.

With 1,800 employees in Europe, Asia and North America, Fives’ Smart Automation Solutions Division provides high-end automation solutions with a broad portfolio of proprietary technologies and software for the retail and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods), postal and courier, e-commerce, manufacturing industries and airport markets.

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