Category: MIM

Warehouse Sorters: What Are They and How Can They Optimize Your Logistics?

Warehouse sorters are systems that automatically separate and direct all types of products (boxes, packages, or others) to their specific destination. These devices are key tools for optimizing material flow and improving operational efficiency, thanks to their ability to handle large volumes of products with speed and precision. In fact, some models can sort more than 20,000 items per hour.

How do these devices work? Sorters combine various technologies such as optical sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, and barcode readers to identify products. Mechanically, these technological systems are integrated with conveyor belts and actuators. Additionally, custom control software coordinates the entire process to ensure efficiency and precision.

Main Advantages of Sorters

Increased productivity and reduced costs. By automating product sorting, sorters speed up order processing and optimize resources. This reduces both operating and labor costs.
Greater accuracy. Thanks to their advanced control systems, sorters minimize sorting errors. This technology improves order picking accuracy and service quality.
Operational flexibility. Sorters adapt to different products and configurations, allowing them to quickly adjust to changing warehouse needs and improve efficiency.
Improved working conditions. By taking on repetitive and demanding tasks, sorters reduce physical strain and the risk of injury. This improves the working environment.
Scalability and integration. These systems allow operations to expand without losing efficiency and integrate seamlessly with other automation systems such as warehouse management systems (WMS) or inventory control systems.
Types of sorters or warehouse classifiers

There are various types of sorters that adapt to different logistics requirements. Among the main devices are:

Cross-Belt Sorters

Cross-belt sorters use transverse belts to transport products during sorting. This system stands out for its high capacity to handle large volumes of products of different sizes and shapes. This device, in turn, comes in multiple versions. In its horizontal version, it sorts more than 20,000 items per hour at a speed of more than 2.7 meters per second. On the other hand, in its vertical format, it is capable of sorting more than 12,000 products per hour. These devices are the ideal solution for any operation that requires precise and smooth handling of materials up to 50 kilos, such as boxes, packages, food, clothing, etc.

Pop-up Sorters

Pop-up sorters use rollers to divert items to their destination. Their modular design makes them easy to adapt to complex logistics environments, as well as to expand or adapt to potential changes in the market or operation. These devices are ideal for sorting products weighing up to 50 kg and can process more than 4,500 items per hour. Thanks to their easy maintenance and high performance, these systems are becoming increasingly popular.

Split Tray Sorters

These devices use individual trays to transport products. Upon reaching the specific sorting point, depending on the system, the tray tilts to deposit the item in the appropriate outlet. These devices stand out for their versatility and precision in sorting light, small, flat, and non-fragile items weighing up to 12 kg on average, such as packages, clothing, pharmaceutical products, etc. Their sorting capacity can reach up to 21,600 items per hour.

Shoe Sorters

Shoe sorters use shoes or skids to push products from conveyor belts to the appropriate outlet. This system is compatible with goods of various sizes and weights up to 40 kg. These types of systems can handle an average of 8,000 packages per hour.

Looking for a customized solution?

At MIM Patchwork Service, with over 20 years of experience, we design and implement intralogistics automation solutions tailored to your needs. We analyze your case, plan the ideal solution for your business, and execute the project from start to finish. Due to its quality, reliability, and experience, Interroll, a world leader in automation solutions, is our partner for the mechanical aspects of our solutions. Optimize your warehouse with our advanced sorting systems. Contact us today and transform your logistics operation.

Technology in Motion – Advanced Manufacturing MetalMadrid!

Advanced technologies for efficient management and process integration in the metal industry.

The Advanced Manufacturing Trade Fair (November 20-21) becomes the epicenter of innovation with its outstanding Technology in Motion Zone, designed to revolutionize management and optimization in the metal industry. This space will allow attendees to interact with advanced technologies that transform the design, operation, quality management, ergonomics, and sustainability of the industry.

What makes this zone special? Process automation and integration solutions will be the focus, promoting greater productivity and cost reduction in a sustainable context. This is the perfect place to discover the advantages of digitalization and smart machines, key elements for the future of the sector.

Exclusive Master Class!

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend our welding masterclass with the 3-in-1 fiber laser welding machine, led by our most experienced welder in Zone 2, “Advanced Machines and Tools.” A practical demonstration will allow experts and those interested to learn about this powerful technology that streamlines processes and perfects welding.

Visit us at booth 9I34 for a hands-on experience and discover how these innovations can transform your business.

Interested? Register here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the future of the metalworking industry!

Technology in Motion – Logistics&Automation 2024! Solutions that Revolutionize the Supply Chain

The Logistics&Automation trade fair (November 27-28, 2024) brings with it the deployment of key innovations in the world of logistics and supply chain, highlighting solutions that will transform the sector toward a reliable, flexible, and scalable model.

In the highly anticipated Warehousing and Order Picking Showroom area, visitors will be able to interact with MIM Group’s MPW-24/VP system, an advanced volume measurement, weighing, and code reading technology that promises to optimize every logistics process. This space not only showcases cutting-edge technology but also allows visitors to see in action the systems that will redefine warehouse workflow, adapting to the growing demands of the new market economy.

Featured Presentation: AI for Productivity
The event will also feature an inspiring presentation on Robomap: AI for Optimizing Maintenance Management and Productivity, on November 27 at 4:30 PM in the Logistics Labs Room. This in-depth analysis of the impact of Artificial Intelligence on logistics will be led by two experts from MIM Group: Medir Lecha Puig, Founder and CEO, and Marc Llobet Rodrigo, Head of AI. Their presentations will explore how AI not only accelerates productivity but also redefines predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.

Discover the innovation at booth 7B20!
Those interested in learning about these cutting-edge solutions are invited to visit booth 7B20 and explore firsthand how MIM Group technology can transform the future of logistics operations.

Registration is open:
Register registration link

The Goods Receiving of the Future: Efficient, Precise, and Automatic

Goods receiving, the first link in the supply chain, has traditionally been a manual and error-prone process, with high operating costs. Today, innovations such as automatic sorting systems (sorters) or tunnels with radio frequency identification (RFID) readers have revolutionized this essential phase of warehouse work. In fact, as MIM Patchwork Service specialists confirm, “goods receiving is moving toward a future of unprecedented efficiency and precision, thanks to new technologies and intralogistics automation devices.”

A Bottleneck

Goods receiving—or inbound—is one of the biggest bottlenecks in modern logistics. It is still largely performed manually, which increases errors in product identification and location. It also limits processing speed compared to automated systems, which reach up to 1.8 meters per second. These factors generate delays throughout the supply chain and affect productivity and customer satisfaction during critical times of demand.

Automation: A Key Tool

How to overcome these challenges? Intralogistics automation is emerging as a fundamental tool. Automated systems achieve near-100% accuracy in transport, identification, and sorting operations, and there are options capable of processing up to 20,000 products per hour. Some of its key benefits are:

Increased efficiency. Automation speeds up operational processes such as receiving, sorting, and storage. Tasks that take hours to complete manually are reduced to minutes.
Lower labor costs. By eliminating repetitive and manual tasks, companies require less labor and achieve significant savings in wages and training.
High precision. Automated systems minimize errors and ensure more accurate inventories, more accurate order picking, and better shipment tracking. This reduces risks and increases customer satisfaction.
Safe environments. Automation creates a safer work environment by reducing employee exposure to physically hazardous and demanding tasks.
Better demand management. Automated systems allow operations to scale during peak activity periods without the need for additional personnel, while ensuring a rapid and efficient response.
Key Devices

Automation of goods receiving can be implemented partially or fully, either by combining manual devices with automated systems or by interconnecting multiple pieces of equipment using conveyors. Some of the most notable devices for this phase include:

Telescopic conveyors. These optimize unloading in receiving areas. They can be adjusted in length, speed, and direction to improve the flow of goods.
RFID tunnels. These automatically identify items as they enter the warehouse. They eliminate the need for manual scanning and achieve accuracy close to 100%.
Light and heavy-duty conveyors. With belt, roller, or gravity options, these systems adapt to all types of loads and facilitate the flow between warehouse areas or work devices.
Sorters. Automatic sorters, with formats such as cross-belt or pop-up, are capable of processing up to 20,000 items per hour based on customized criteria. They optimize warehouse flow and ensure rapid merchandise location.
Measuring, weighing, and code reading equipment. These new systems combine the power of AI, RFID, and the latest in weighing and 3D vision systems to register merchandise in less than a second. In fact, they are 67% faster than manual processes.
Automation in goods receiving is redefining the logistics landscape. “Companies that adopt these technologies will have a competitive advantage in efficiency and accuracy,” says MIM Patchwork Service. In an increasingly digitalized logistics environment, success will depend on technological integration and adaptation.

Do you want to optimize your receiving processes and take your logistics to the next level? At MIM Patchwork Service, we offer customized solutions to automate your warehouse and maximize your efficiency. Contact us today for a free evaluation and discover how we can help you achieve your goals!

The metal revolution took place at Advanced Manufacturing Madrid 2024!

On November 20th and 21st, Advanced Manufacturing became the meeting point for innovation and excellence in the metal industry. At the heart of the event, the spectacular Technology in Motion Zone captivated attendees with hands-on demonstrations of advanced technologies designed to transform the management, operation, quality, ergonomics, and sustainability of the sector.

Among the main attractions, the 3-in-1 Fiber Laser Welding Master Class, led by our welder, was a resounding success. In the “Advanced Machines and Tools” zone, participants had the unique opportunity to experience the future of high-precision welding up close.

Furthermore, the fair was a springboard for MIM Group, which celebrated its success by connecting with new strategic clients and distributors in Spain and Portugal.

Thank you to all attendees for being part of our growth and for driving the evolution of the metal industry together. See you at the next edition!

The event that marked a turning point in logistics

On November 27, 2024, at the Logistics & Automation trade show in Madrid, one of the most anticipated presentations took place: “Robomap: AI to optimize maintenance management and productivity.” This presentation, led by MIM Group experts Medir Lecha Puig, founder and CEO, and Marc Llobet Rodrigo, head of AI, captured the attention of industry professionals with an innovative vision of how artificial intelligence is transforming productivity and redefining predictive maintenance management.

The magic of interactive technology

In the warehousing and order preparation showroom area, attendees had the opportunity to experience firsthand cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced systems for volume measurement, weighing, and code reading. Each demonstration made it clear how these tools are optimizing processes and revolutionizing logistics operations.

The event was an invaluable meeting place to connect with our customers, forge new relationships, and share meaningful moments that solidified our commitment to innovation. Thank you to everyone who visited us and contributed to the success of this trade show, which not only showcased the present of logistics, but also its exciting future.

We will continue working together to take efficiency and productivity to the next level!

How do telescopic conveyors optimize loading and unloading in your warehouse?

Telescopic conveyors have established themselves as a key solution for streamlining the loading and unloading of goods in warehouses, distribution centers, and ports. Why? The answer lies in their excellent combination of speed and adaptability to the unique characteristics of each work center. Their modular and configurable design allows complete control of speed, height, and length.

At MIM Patchwork Service, they have systems capable of handling goods of different sizes and weights. In fact, they have a load capacity of up to 100 kg/m, belt widths of 600 to 800 mm, and an extension range from 6 to almost 30 meters. Furthermore, as highlighted by MIM Group, an organization with more than 20 years of experience in the integration of intralogistics automation solutions, “these are devices that integrate seamlessly with other automated systems. Therefore, they offer a scalable solution that meets both the current and future needs of any logistics operation.”

Optimizing inbound and outbound freight

Loading and unloading operations are complex tasks, especially in high-volume environments, due to the usual time, space, and personnel constraints. Telescopic conveyors make it possible to address these challenges from the moment goods are received to the dispatch. In inbound operations, these devices streamline the receipt of goods by reducing inventory management times. In the case of outbound operations, they optimize the transfer of products to transport vehicles, while ensuring greater precision and punctuality in deliveries.

Key Benefits for Your Operation

The adoption of telescopic conveyors generates substantial advantages in the retail, pharmaceutical, and food sectors, among others:

Time Savings: These devices guarantee a constant speed for loading and unloading goods of up to 60 m/min.
Operational Efficiency: Their adjustable length and height, along with their compatibility with other automated systems, optimize the use of space while reducing human error.
Workplace Safety: Their design and hydraulic or electric lifting systems help reduce physical strain on repetitive tasks, thereby reducing the risk of workplace injuries.
Sustainability: By integrating energy-efficient solutions, these conveyors help companies reduce energy consumption and emissions.
State-of-the-art engineering design

MIM Patchwork Service’s telescopic conveyors are robust devices that incorporate the latest engineering to boost productivity. The electrical control systems of these devices allow easy regulation of speed, length, height, and direction of movement, ensuring that each operation adapts to the different types of goods and necessary logistical requirements.

Furthermore, by seamlessly integrating with other automation technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tunnels or sorters, these conveyors not only improve operational speed but also reduce the margin of error and allow for smarter resource management. Thanks to these capabilities, these devices are an essential tool for all types of logistics operations that seek not only efficiency but also real-time traceability.

Investment in the Future

“As we have seen in our many projects incorporating this technology, telescopic conveyors not only meet current logistics needs, but also allow companies to adapt to future demands. Their flexibility and adaptability provide an easily scalable solution that not only reduces costs but also improves competitiveness, allowing companies to respond quickly to today’s ever-changing market,” stated MIM Patchwork Service.

Ultimately, in a world where speed, precision, and sustainability are essential, telescopic conveyors are a strategic tool for optimizing the supply chain, constantly adapting to technological advances and industry demands.

Don’t let your logistics fall behind. Telescopic conveyors are the solution your company needs to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency. Contact our team and find out how we can help you integrate this technology into your business.

Comprehensive intralogistics maintenance: why is it key in today’s logistics?

In today’s logistics environment, where deadlines are critical and operations cannot be stopped, comprehensive intralogistics maintenance has gone from being a simple technical service to becoming a fundamental pillar. Many of the breakdowns that occur in work centers are predictable. Responding in a timely manner, even before the incident occurs, makes all the difference in this sector where the margin for error is minimal.

MIM Group, drawing on the experience it has accumulated over more than 20 years dedicated to industrial maintenance, has developed a comprehensive service that covers all the needs any company may have in this field. Its work model, which combines a team of more than 450 professionals and the latest technology, optimizes operational performance and ensures operational continuity.

A comprehensive model for a complex environment

MIM Group’s intralogistics maintenance service is based on a comprehensive approach that supports companies at every step, from the initial analysis of their facilities to daily technical support. This process begins with a technical visit, during which a team of specialists assesses the condition of the infrastructure and the specific requirements of each operation.

Based on this analysis, a computerized management system or “Computer-Assisted Maintenance Management System (CMMS)” is implemented, centralizing all information on the machinery operating in the warehouse and enabling its control.

This information is used to comprehensively analyze key performance indicators, known as “SIGMIMONE.” This allows specialists to make decisions based on specific data, such as performance, temperature, and vibration, to act in a timely manner, ensure proper operation, and reduce costs associated with unexpected failures.

The Latest in Technology

MIM Group employs advanced systems such as thermography, vibration analysis, and oil evaluation to anticipate failures before they occur. All this information is processed in the “Robomap” control room, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This combination of technology and human talent allows problems to be detected in real time and an immediate solution offered, reducing downtime.

Key Benefits of Comprehensive Maintenance

Ensured operational continuity: 24/7 technical support minimizes facility downtime.
Effective failure prevention: Predictive maintenance detects anomalies before they cause interruptions.
Cost reduction: Computerized management and specialized services reduce operating expenses.
Longer equipment lifespan: The combination of predictive and corrective techniques maximizes machine performance.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility: Component repair reduces environmental impact and promotes efficient use of resources.
A clear example of how this technology works could be an automated warehouse with conveyor systems and sorters. Without proper maintenance, this equipment can suffer critical downtime due to the inevitable wear of motors or sensors. Thanks to Robomap and predictive monitoring, these failures would be anticipated and resolved in a controlled manner without affecting daily operations.

A tailored service

No two warehouses are the same. The diversity of equipment in logistics facilities requires customized solutions. Therefore, MIM Group offers solutions tailored to the unique needs of each operation.

Are you ready to transform your logistics operations? Discover how MIM Group can ensure your business runs without unexpected downtime or issues. Contact us today and take the first step toward more efficient logistics.

Intralogistics: What is it and why is it crucial for business efficiency?

Intralogistics is a crucial element in ensuring business efficiency, as this discipline deals with the management and optimization of the internal flow of materials, goods, and information within a company or facility. But what exactly is it and why is it essential?

Unlike traditional logistics, which primarily deals with the transportation of materials, intralogistics focuses its efforts on a company’s internal processes. This includes activities such as receiving, storage, order picking, internal transportation, and shipping. The goal of this field is to ensure that each action is carried out with maximum efficiency, while reducing time, costs, and errors.

Why Intralogistics Matters

“Intralogistics must ensure agility, efficiency, and resource optimization in order fulfillment and response times. This not only strengthens the company’s internal processes but also guarantees better service to the end customer and competitiveness,” explains MIM Patchwork Service, specialists in industrial solutions with more than two decades of experience. Key benefits include:

Error reduction: Automated systems, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tunnels or sorters, reduce errors in order picking and delivery.
Space optimization: Automated storage solutions allow for more efficient use of warehouse and logistics center space.
Process agility: Technology such as conveyors and robotic systems significantly reduces preparation and shipping times.
Increased profitability and safety: By automating repetitive or physically demanding tasks, the risk of injury and operating costs are reduced, while productivity is increased.
In contrast, poor planning of companies’ internal processes or a lack of the technology and resources necessary for their proper functioning translates into the opposite effect: high costs, delays, and loss of trust.

New Intralogistics Technology

Technological advancements in recent years have boosted the potential of intralogistics, thanks to the integration of automated systems and their connection to the internet. Some of the most notable additions include:

Automation and robotics: Automatic transport and sorting options, such as sorters or autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), optimize tasks such as picking and the movement of goods.
Real-time management systems: With integrated platforms such as warehouse management systems (WMS) or resource planning systems (ERP), companies can monitor their inventory, anticipate demand, and make informed decisions.
Security and traceability: Solutions such as RFID tunnels and internet-connected sensors (IoT) allow for comprehensive tracking of each product and protect internal flows.
Sustainability: Automation reduces energy consumption in all processes and minimizes waste.
How can I implement this technology in my business?

The benefits of implementing efficient intralogistics are well-proven, but its proper implementation is not an easy task: where to start? What do I need? What is the most appropriate investment? This work requires extensive knowledge and experience to coordinate all the necessary elements, from the design of warehouse facilities to the integration of devices and staff training.

The MIM Patchwork Service team, aware of this situation, is dedicated to supporting its clients throughout the entire process. In addition to designing customized solutions, they handle manufacturing, assembly, commissioning, and the constant evolution of the systems. This comprehensive approach ensures that companies can quickly adapt to market demands without sacrificing efficiency. This guarantees a solid and lasting solution that truly and tangibly transforms the company’s operations.

“Organizations that adopt these technologies will be better positioned to compete in an increasingly demanding global market. Investing in automation not only optimizes internal processes but also ensures responsiveness to potential changes or trends. In our work, we combine cutting-edge technology with a customized approach to offer automation solutions that not only respond to current demands but also prepare companies for the future,” explains MIM Patchwork Service.

What are you waiting for to take your business efficiency to the next level?

Maintenance management is an essential field of work in today’s business environment, where safety, efficiency, and cost control are vital. At first, performing this work with in-house personnel may seem like the most economical and controlled approach. However, the risks can outweigh the benefits. According to data from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (INSST), maintenance work is responsible for 15 to 20% of workplace accidents each year. Given this situation, outsourcing to specialized companies is positioned as a strategy worth considering.

The Risks of In-House Maintenance

At the operational level, company maintenance workers are exposed to significant hazards inherent to their work, such as falls, electrical hazards, fires, etc. In fact, in 2023, Spain recorded more than 107,800 workplace accidents of varying severity that were directly linked to this type of work.

From an economic perspective, maintaining equipment involves a series of significant fixed costs, such as salaries, ongoing training, and investment in machinery and infrastructure. Furthermore, a lack of staff specialization can lead to inefficiencies that affect productivity, increase downtime, and generate additional costs due to accidents or technical errors.

Furthermore, the pressure this workload places on the company’s internal resources, diverting attention from other strategic activities, should not be overlooked. The opportunity cost of using the company’s internal resources on tasks outside the core business can be considerable. In a market where agility and the capacity for innovation are essential, this situation is a burden.

Internal Staff vs. Outsourced Maintenance Services

Given these circumstances, comparing in-house and outsourced maintenance strategies can be illuminating in identifying key advantages and disadvantages:

Aspect: In-house personnel. Outsourced services.
Specialization: Limited to internal experience. Access to best practices and experts.
Costs: Fixed / Unproductive. Variable and adjusted to demand / Productive.
Flexibility: Low adaptability. High, based on needs.
Control: Direct. Dependence on third parties.
Focus: Dispersed core business. Greater focus on strategic activities.
Each work strategy has its advantages. While in-house teams allow for direct control, outsourced services offer greater flexibility and specialization. However, one aspect that should not be overlooked is access to the industry’s most cutting-edge technology, such as predictive maintenance systems, which external providers like MIM PPP integrate into their services to achieve better planning and reduce costs.

Strategic Benefits of Outsourcing

Having the support of an external maintenance team like MIM PPP brings multiple operational and financial benefits.

Focus on the core business. It frees up internal resources for key business activities such as innovation and production.
Continuous Improvement. Continuous improvement is integrated into the service, avoiding stagnation and lack of progress. Through outsourcing, it allows for better control of the amount of innovation and actions carried out in maintenance processes.
Reduces indirect costs. It transforms fixed costs into variable costs and provides greater stability to operating budgets.
Access to the latest technology. Tools such as Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and predictive analytics can prevent failures before they occur.
Greater operational flexibility. It allows services to be adjusted according to market needs, as well as adapting to possible changes in demand or business conditions.
Optimize costs. Thanks to their scale and specialization, external providers are able to reduce expenses without compromising quality.
Improves workplace safety. Delegating these tasks to specialized professionals significantly reduces exposure to potential workplace accidents.
Guaranteed regulatory compliance. Specialized providers ensure that operations comply with the latest legal and safety standards.
Outsourcing as a trend

Growing industrial complexity and the pressure to optimize resources have driven the outsourcing of maintenance. In fact, the facility management market is estimated to reach $1.9 trillion by 2024. This growth undeniably reflects the growing commitment to this type of maintenance. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as advanced analytics