Improved Barcode System speeds up Deutsche Post's Parcel Sorting

End user: Deutsche Post (German Post Office)
System: Barcode label sorting system
Benefits: Faster, more accurate parcel handling

Overview

The Deutsche Post (German Post Office) had been using barcode labels, printed on a dot matrix printer, to direct parcels to various delivery centres throughout the country. The label contained a barcode relating to a particular delivery centre, as well as human readable text. The barcode on each parcel was read by scanners, which would then send the barcode information to the main computer. On verification of the destination, the parcel would be automatically sorted by a conveyor system so that it could be loaded into the correct van for delivery to the correct centre.

Issues: Extended Delivery Times

If the scanning process worked smoothly, a parcel could be processed in seconds. However the Deutsche Post was encountering problems with the barcode quality, which was giving inaccurate read rates at the scanning stations. Packages were therefore being directed to the incorrect delivery centre. They then had to be re-routed manually, relying on the human readable text, which itself was often illegible. The result was far too many extended delivery times. The Deutsche Post set itself the task of improving its efficiency.

Solution: SATO'S M5900RVe Offers Better Quality

In response Deutsche Post contacted Hatronik, an Auto ID Solutions supplier, who helped them carry out tests on different solutions. Following these tests Deutsche Post acknowledged thermal printing offered the best quality barcode. The square dots of the thermal print head produced much clearer barcodes than the round dots of a dot matrix printer. They also established that direct thermal technology, which needs no carbon ribbon, was the best type of technology for their application. These printers offer not only an economic solution, saving on material costs, but also have a minimal down time, as only label rolls have to be replaced. Parcels can be virtually processed non-stop.

The Deutsche Post decided to retire the matrix printers and install the SATO M5900RVe printers. Out of all the direct thermal printers tested, this SATO printer proved the most reliable, needing very little maintenance. Its metal casing is also very robust, ideally suited to the tough environments of postal, courier and freight delivery centres.

Printing at a speed of up to 6 inches per second, the M5900RVe is also able to print the barcode and text labels to a very high quality. This led to a vastly improved scanner read rate.

Benefits

The Deutsche Post found that the speed and reliability of the M5900RVe printer increased their efficiency. Faster label printing and read rates of 99.9% accuracy meant packages were handled promptly and correctly. Overheads were also reduced. Not only is the M5900RVe very economical in its use of materials, but after its installation, costly incorrect deliveries and the need to re-route parcels was significantly reduced.

For more information on our M5900RVe click here