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Pocket sorter proves ideal for retail
19 April 2023
Retailers are increasingly realising the benefits of pocket sortation systems. When combined with automated shuttle storage, pocket technology is a potent force for warehouse efficiency.
Based on overhead conveying technology, KNAPP’s EcoPocket solution arranges suspended pockets containing picked goods from various warehouse areas into the precise sequence required for dispatch. Pockets with single-item orders travel automatically to the packing stations, while those with items from multi-line orders are sequenced by the system's matrix sortation algorithm.
Picking in any order
Goods can be fed into the pocket sortation system from any location in the warehouse, any workstation can process any order and every pocket can be individually accessed at all times. This means that items can be picked in any sequence and for any sales channel. RFID tags on the pockets ensure full visibility of all products in real time, with accurate identification and 100% tracking.
Perfect for peaks
Shorter order-processing times and one-touch handling mean that pocket sorter technology is ideal for handlingfast-moving products and high volumes. With goods pre-picked into pockets and stored in the dynamic buffer, products can be pulled off for orders whenever they are needed, saving valuable time during peak periods.
Synchronized fulfilment
Picking of goods in manual warehouse areas typically requires more time than in automatic areas. This can affect the overall processing time because an order is only consolidated after all articles have been picked. Functioning as a pre-buffer, the pocket sorter helps to harmonize these different processing times by temporarily decoupling order processing from the order structure. Once all of an order's items are ready, the required pockets arrive at packing/dispatch in the correct sequence.
Hanging garments
For fashion retailers, there is the added advantage that the pocket sorter can handle hanging garments and flat-packed items in the same system. Flat-packed goods are transported in pockets, while hanging goods are either fastened to the pocket or directly fed into the system on hangers.
Ideal for returns
The pocket sorter is also the most efficient method for processing returns – whether flat-packed goods or hanging garments – with only a single touch. Returned items are stored in a dynamic buffer, being immediately available for new orders via totally automatic picking.
Scalable solution
Modular construction means that the pocket sorter can be scaled flexibly for growth. Additional sorter modules can be added as volumes grow, making the pocket sorter ideal as both a starter kit for automation and a plug-in solution for retrofits.
AutoPocket innovation
The latest generation of KNAPP’s pocket sortation technology is the AutoPocket. This new design is able to drop goods off precisely and fully automatically anywhere in the warehouse, without needing to slow down or stop. This innovation increases speed and efficiency even further. The first installation of AutoPocket in the UK is for the multichannel retailer, NEXT plc, at its new distribution centre in South Yorkshire.
KNAPP has installed over 5.2 million pockets worldwide and the company’s retail customers include ASOS, Boots, Clarks, Decathlon, Hugo Boss, John Lewis, M&S, Parfums Christian Dior, The Very Group and Zalando.
KNAPP UK Ltd