STORAGE OPTIMISATION PRIME VISION
Computer vision prevents errors in manual sorting processes
Lars Pruijn, innovation director at Prime Vision, explores how computer vision is providing proof of sort, streamlining manual processes like never before
E
rrors in warehouse sorting cost money and have a negative quality impact, so logistics services aim to minimise them
as much as possible. Mistakes usually occur at the edges of sorting automation systems, where workers manually move parcels from chutes into cages ready for transport to loading areas. Now, computer vision is offering a way to a real-time process quality checks without any additional steps.
WHY PROOF OF SORT IS IMPORTANT Once a parcel has travelled through a sorting system, it ends up in a chute where workers will take the parcel, read the address label or scan the barcode, then place it in a cage ready for transfer to a buffer zone or loading area. Each cage corresponds to unique destination, so it’s vitally important that a parcel ends up in the right cage.
As is the way with manual processes though, this is not always the case. Parcels can be mistakenly placed in the wrong cages, which takes time to rectify, incurs additional costs – especially if the item ends up in the incorrect delivery van, and often negatively impacts the service provided to the customer. To avoid this outcome, operators need a
These systems are not just theoretical – they are being piloted in real-world processes.
to the correct destination. This is known as proof of sort.
QUALITY CHECKS WITHOUT ADDITIONAL STEPS Some companies approach this by requiring workers to scan a barcode on the parcel and the respective cage it is placed in. While viable, the problem is that it’s an extra step in the process, that are processing high volumes, this is not ideal. Thankfully, modern advances in computer vision are providing a better solution without additional handling. Cameras can read the barcode on an item, with the visual data then used to identify the correct cage. If a parcel is loaded into the wrong cage, the computer vision system detects this and sends an immediate alert to workers via a screen, light or audio cue so the area.
This automatic process quality check provides visual evidence that a parcel is in the right or wrong place without any additional manual handling.
VIEWING OTHER POSSIBILITIES A computer vision proof of sort system presents additional possibilities as well. The system can
36 May/June 2025 Irish Manufacturing
www.irish-manufacturing.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
