Author: eduard.lecha

About the Cross-Belt Sorter

The cross-belt sorter is a popular sorting solution in intralogistics. This system uses cross belts to move products through the sorting process and sends them to the appropriate final destinations. There are several reasons why the cross-belt sorter is a good solution in intralogistics, and in this article, we’ll explore some of them.

Advantages

Efficiency and Speed in Sorting

One of the main advantages of the cross-belt sorter is its efficiency and speed in sorting products. Because the system uses cross belts to transport products, it can sort a wide variety of product sizes and shapes, from small pieces to large boxes. Additionally, the system is capable of processing a large volume of products at high speed, making it an ideal solution for warehouses and distribution centers with large inventory volumes.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Another advantage of the cross-belt sorter is its flexibility and adaptability. The system can be configured to suit different product types and workflows. Additionally, the system can be integrated with other automation systems, such as conveyor systems and robots, to create a complete, automated sorting solution.

Space and Cost Savings

The cross-belt sorter can also help save space and costs in intralogistics. Because the system uses cross belts to transport products, it takes up less space than other sorting systems, such as tray systems. Furthermore, the system can be more cost-effective than other sorting systems in terms of installation and maintenance costs.

Improved Accuracy and Quality

The cross-belt sorter can also improve sorting accuracy and quality. The system uses scanning technology to identify products and direct them to the appropriate destinations. This reduces the possibility of human error and improves overall sorting quality.

In summary, the cross-belt sorter is a popular sorting solution in intralogistics due to its efficiency, speed, flexibility, adaptability, space and cost savings, and improved accuracy and quality. If you are looking for an automated sorting solution for your warehouse or distribution center, the cross-belt sorter may be an excellent option to consider.

Costs

Operating Costs

Crossbelt sorter operating costs include energy costs, maintenance costs, and repair costs. Energy costs can be significant, as the motors that drive the crossbelts and other system components require a considerable amount of energy. Maintenance and repair costs can also be significant, as the system has many moving parts and can suffer damage over time.

Return on Investment (ROI)

The ROI of a crossbelt sorter can be calculated by comparing the total implementation and operating costs with the benefits the system brings to the company. These benefits can include increased efficiency and productivity, a reduction in errors and inventory losses, and improved customer service. Additionally, the system can allow for increased processing capacity and reduced inventory processing time.

ROI can vary depending on the size of the company and the volume of inventory handled, but the system is generally expected to have a positive ROI. It is important to note that ROI is not achieved immediately, and it may take several months or even years to recover the initial implementation costs and begin generating real benefits.

Advantages versus other systems

Although other sorting systems such as pocket sorters or tilt tray sorters also have their own advantages, the crossbelt sorter is generally preferred due to its greater speed, accuracy, flexibility, and space savings. The pocket sorter can be effective for sorting small and lightweight products, but it can be limited in terms of speed and processing capacity. On the other hand, the tilt tray sorter can be faster than the crossbelt sorter, but it generally takes up more space and can be less accurate in sorting.

Implementation and Sizing

Implementing and sizing a crossbelt sorter is a complex process that requires specialized technical knowledge and careful planning. Before choosing an inventory sorting system such as a crossbelt sorter, it is important to consider several key factors, such as the type of product to be processed, the volume of inventory expected to be sorted, the required processing speed, and the available space in the warehouse or distribution center.

How is Artificial Intelligence Changing the Way Distribution Centers Operate?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way distribution centers operate, allowing companies to optimize their processes and improve efficiency in inventory management and product delivery. In this article, we’ll explore how AI is changing distribution center logistics.

AI in Inventory Management

One of the main benefits of AI in distribution centers is its ability to improve inventory management. AI can analyze large amounts of data in real time and predict market demand for products, allowing companies to adjust their inventory levels and ensure there are always enough products available to meet demand.

AI can also help distribution centers optimize their shipping routes, improving efficiency and reducing transportation costs. AI can analyze real-time data on traffic and weather conditions, as well as order and delivery data, to provide accurate recommendations on the best shipping routes for each order.

Additionally, AI can detect patterns in data that humans would be unable to detect, helping companies identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs throughout the supply chain.

Robotics and Automation

AI is also transforming distribution center logistics through robotics and automation. Robots can be programmed to perform repetitive and dangerous tasks, helping to improve worker safety and reduce the time required to complete tasks.

Automation can also help distribution centers improve the efficiency of their processes. For example, robots can move products from one location to another within the distribution center, while AI algorithms can optimize the robots’ routes to ensure timely and efficient deliveries.

Furthermore, AI can help distribution centers predict equipment failures and problems before they occur, allowing maintenance and repair teams to act proactively to minimize downtime and reduce costs associated with repair and maintenance.

AI and the Future of Logistics

In short, AI is changing the way distribution centers operate by improving inventory management, optimizing shipping routes, automating processes, and improving overall efficiency. As AI technology continues to advance, we’re likely to see even more changes in distribution center logistics, allowing companies to operate more efficiently and profitably while providing better service to their customers.

This article from C de Comunicación explains the improvements to its FLOW Core fleet management software that Omron has used to increase flexibility and efficiency in logistics operations. One of these improvements is called Selectable Autonomy, which aims to boost flexible production in mobile robots. It has also integrated FLOW iQ, a fleet analytics engine that will improve the user experience with data collection and analysis.

This modification was made in response to changes in supply and demand as well as the current labor shortage.

Below is the link to the C de Comunicación article, which explains in more detail the new software improvements that Omron has designed and integrated.

In this article, we’ll discuss the API/HTTP request methods and how to use them. We’ll look at the reasons for using HTTP request methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and others. The topics we’ll cover in this post are:

HTTP Protocol
Client-Server Architecture
APIs
What is HTTP?

HTTP is a protocol, or a defined set of rules, for accessing resources on the web. Resources can be anything from HTML files to database data, photos, text, etc. These resources are made available to us through an API, and we make requests to these APIs through the HTTP protocol. API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is the mechanism that allows developers to request resources.

Client-Server Architecture

To understand HTTP methods, it’s important to cover the concept of client/server architecture. This architecture describes how all web applications work and the rules for how they communicate.

A client application is the part with which the user interacts and displays the content. On the other hand, a server application sends the content or resource to your client application. The latter runs in the backend and is constantly listening and waiting for requests. The main reason for this separation is to protect sensitive information and efficiency. We can consider the entire client application to be downloaded in the browser, and all data can be accessed by anyone who accesses your website. This architecture helps protect things like API keys, personal data, etc. Now, modern tools like Next.js and Netlify allow developers to run server code in the same application as their client application, without the need for a dedicated server application.

Client-Server Communication

Client and server applications communicate by sending individual messages as needed, rather than a continuous stream of communication. These communications are almost always initiated by clients in the form of requests. These requests are handled by the server application, which returns a response with the requested resource, among other things.

Why We Need a Server-Client Architecture

Let’s say you’re building a weather web app, for example. The weather app the user will interact with is the client app: it has buttons, a search bar, and displays data like the city name, current temperature, AQI, etc.

This weather app wouldn’t have each city and its weather information hardcoded directly into it. This would make the app bloated and slow, take forever to manually research and add to a database, and be a pain to update every day.

Instead, the app can access weather data by city using the Weather Web API. Your app would collect your user’s location and then make a request to the server saying, “Hey, send me the weather information for this specific city.”

Depending on what you want to achieve, you would use the various request methods available. The server returns a response with the weather information and a few other things, depending on how the API is written. It can also return things like a timestamp, the region in which this city is located, etc.

Your client application communicates with a server application running somewhere, whose sole job is to continuously listen for a request to that address. When it receives a request, it works to fulfill it, either by reading from a database, another API, a local file, or by performing a programmatic calculation based on the data you pass to it.

The Anatomy of an HTTP Request

An HTTP request must have the following:

An HTTP method (such as GET)
A host URL (such as https://api.spotify.com/)
A path to an endpoint (such as v1/artists/{id}/related-artists)
A request can also optionally have:

Body
Headers
Query strings
HTTP version
The Anatomy of an HTTP Response

The response must have the following:

Protocol version (such as HTTP/1.1)
Status code (such as 200)
Status text (OK)
Headers
A response can also optionally have:

Body
Explanation of HTTP Methods

Now that we know what HTTP is and why it’s used, let’s talk about the different methods available to us.

In the weather app example above, we wanted to retrieve weather information about a city. But what if we wanted to send weather information about a city?

In real life, you probably wouldn’t have permission to alter someone else’s data, but let’s imagine we’re collaborators on a meta-application.

MIM will showcase its innovations in the logistics sector during the Logistics & Automation Fair in Madrid

On November 27 and 28, IFEMA Madrid will be the epicenter of advanced logistics with Logistics & Automation, a key event that brings together the main players in the sector. This meeting covers everything related to warehousing, equipment, intralogistics, robotics, warehouse automation, traceability, software, and ancillary services.

In this context, MIM Group will have a prominent presence, presenting its latest solutions in logistics and intralogistics technology. The company will take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate how its innovative solutions can optimize every stage of the logistics process, boosting efficiency to unprecedented levels.

An invitation to discover the innovation

Those interested in learning more about these cutting-edge solutions are invited to visit booth 7B20 during the fair. Event details and registration are available at the following link: https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/20mnyija46s2v?actioncode=NTWO000081CDC&partner-contact=16hb45woswv48

MIM Group invites all attendees to discover how its technologies can transform logistics operations in the age of automation.

MIM Group presents its Welcome Pack to offer a warm welcome to its new employees!

At MIM Group, we firmly believe that our employees are our greatest asset. That’s why we’ve redesigned our Welcome Pack to ensure a seamless integration and a successful start to our group of companies.

From day one, our new employees will receive comprehensive Occupational Risk Prevention (ORP) training, ensuring their safety and well-being. They will also have the constant support of a tutor during their probationary period, who will be available to guide them and answer any questions.

Because at MIM Group, we know that adaptation is not only professional but also personal, we have all the tools to ensure our employees feel comfortable and supported at all times.

And to strengthen team bonds, we organize teambuilding activities where our new members can meet their colleagues in a relaxed and fun environment.

At MIM Group, we value our employees and are committed to providing them with everything they need to ensure their experience with us is exceptional from day one. Welcome to MIM Group, where every detail counts for your success!

MIM Group to Participate in Madrid’s Major Trade Shows: Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics & Automation

MIM Group is pleased to announce its participation in two of the most important events of the year in Madrid: Advanced Manufacturing (November 20-21) and Logistics & Automation (November 27-28), both at the IFEMA trade fair center.

Advanced Manufacturing: The Future of Industry 4.0

Advanced Manufacturing is the event that brings together pioneers in advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0. MIM Group will present its latest innovations in advanced manufacturing, demonstrating how its solutions can transform the efficiency and productivity of industrial operations. This trade show provides an opportunity to connect with other industry leaders, explore new technologies, and strengthen strategic alliances.

Logistics & Automation: Innovation in the Supply Chain

Logistics & Automation is the must-attend event for everyone involved in logistics and supply chain automation. MIM Group will be present to showcase its advanced logistics solutions that optimize every stage of the process. Your participation in this trade show is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how your innovative technologies can take logistics efficiency to new levels.

These trade shows represent an invaluable platform for MIM Group, allowing them to highlight their commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry.

What will the automated sortation systems of the future be like?

Medir Lecha, CEO of MIM Group, analyzes this technology.

1. What are the latest trends in automated sortation systems for e-commerce?

At MIM Patchwork Service, we observe that trends in automated sortation for e-commerce focus on modular and customizable solutions, capable of quickly adjusting to peak demand without the need for oversizing infrastructure. These solutions optimize resources and operating costs and efficiently adapt to market fluctuations.

Constant innovation and digitalization are essential. Technologies such as Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), compatible with traditional systems, allow MIM Patchwork Service to cost-effectively improve intralogistics operations, especially in the initial stages of automation.

2. How do your automated sortation systems integrate with other warehouse management systems and technologies?

Our systems are custom-designed and developed for each client. They adapt to the required warehouse management software (WMS) and resource planning (ERP) and utilize communication technologies such as Web services. This flexibility facilitates interoperability and optimizes logistics, reducing errors and processing times.

This seamless integration between MIM Group’s automated systems and supply chain management platforms results in improved operational efficiency that supports business growth and competitiveness.

3. How flexible and scalable is your technology to adapt to changing customer needs and business growth?

MIM Patchwork Service’s automated sorting technology is characterized by its flexibility and scalability. It allows for rapid integration of new modules, thanks to modular systems and technologies such as ASi communication, which allow for quick and easy expansion. This facilitates adaptation to business changes and expansions.

Ultimately, our solutions evolve with customer needs while maintaining high standards of quality and service, making them reliable tools in an environment as dynamic as e-commerce.

4. How do you integrate artificial intelligence into your systems?

MIM Group already integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its systems to optimize operations and maintenance. We use AI through our Robomap platform to analyze production data and machine history and improve predictive maintenance management, as it is connected to a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

AI enables proactive adjustments and optimizes performance. It keeps our customers at the forefront of process automation innovation and ensures greater efficiency and sustainability.

MIM and Conlida join forces to transform the future of logistics

July 3, 2024

In a historic and innovative meeting, Group MIM had the honor of welcoming the Conlida team, the leading integrated provider of AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) digital logistics application solutions, to its offices. This alliance marks the beginning of a promising collaboration that will merge cutting-edge technology with deep expertise in logistics digitalization.

Conlida, globally recognized for its focus on the optimization and digitalization of logistics processes, brings its vast experience in AIoT to the table. This synergy will allow Group MIM to develop more efficient and effective solutions, optimizing every aspect of the supply chain and providing its customers with an unparalleled experience in managing their logistics operations.