Although physical bookstores may enjoy increased interest, online remains the champion in sales. For some, the scent of ink and paper is reason enough to wander through a bookstore, while for others, it's primarily the convenience, selection, and speed of online shopping that make the difference.

When it comes to sorting books, all options are actually open: anything is possible, both in terms of sorter type and output. Moreover, various logistical flows can be distinguished in the realm of books: inbound, B2B, B2C, store replenishment, inter-facility, cross-docking, and returns. This places high demands on the versatility of a sorter.

The ideal solution

The real question is: which solution best complements the entire logistical process? How do we make this process more efficient, accurate, and faster? And what are the desires and possibilities (constraints)? To determine the right solution, you need to oversee the entire distribution process and the processes within it. How do the lines run, and what do you need to take into account? Only after a thorough analysis of the question can we think about the perfect implementation, in the form of a sorting solution. The solution always goes beyond just sorting. What happens leading up to the sorting process and afterward is essential. This is particularly important in the book industry, where many variables come into play. This is unlike, for example, the fashion industry, where the solution is often much more straightforward. Fashion almost unanimously opts for a Split Tray Sorter, unless shoe boxes need sorting (where lids come loose). And there are perfect alternatives for that as well.

This is the experience and knowledge we bring to ensure that you ultimately have the ideal solution at your disposal.

Books in a Split Tray Sorter

The Split Tray Sorter is widely used in both the clothing and book industries. In this type of sorter, the tray or carrier on which a product rests consists of two halves that open downward in the middle like a trapdoor. EuroSort has the patented 'synchronized tray opening.' This means that both tray parts open quickly and exactly simultaneously. As a result, a book falls straight down in a Split Tray Sorter. This also offers the unique possibility of stacking in a box (if loaded correctly). A book must be placed in the middle of the tray for this to happen; otherwise, it will not fall straight down when the tray parts open. Everything depends on loading the sorter. 'Toploading' can take care of this. The position of the book in the tray is thus perfectly controllable. This is a semi-automatic input, where the product is manually placed. Correction belts then manoeuvre the product to the correct position in the carrier. An additional advantage is that this allows for the product to be labeled and weighed automatically 'on the fly.'

Alternative sorters

Both the Push Tray and Cross Tray are excellent alternatives to the Split Tray. A Cross Tray Sorter (as the name suggests) transports an item off the conveyor belt. The advantage is that it can be transported to the left or right, allowing for more exits on the same footprint. The ultimate choice is determined, among other things, by the available space. Space is often the determining factor, and that was precisely the reason for developing a Cross Tray Sorter that can eject to both the left and right. This doubles the number of exits on the same floor space. The layout of the sorter also plays a role. In a closed circle or oval, the inner ring is less easily accessible (but there is also a solution for that).

Insight & overview

The experience that DistriSort has gained with various book suppliers (one of our sorters has been running there for about 20 years) enables us to truly think along with the wishes of a new "book customer." To properly oversee the wish list of our customers and make a correct estimate, the entire sorting process is meticulously outlined. This serves as a guide for further elaborating on the functional specifications at a later stage. All actions needed in the various processes are described in detail so that we don't overlook any functions. The major advantage is that the EuroSort product portfolio offers multiple sorter and chute options, so there is always a solution that fits your wishes and possibilities.

Want to know more about sorting books?