Internet Order Fulfillment  •  Internet Model : sorting of Internet Orders

This mode of operation addresses the challenge of sorting various order sizes and sku mixes. Orders are batched in waves the same way as with the other modes. The difference here lies in the order make-up. This mode is termed the Internet Model because it addresses the style of order most common to fulfilling Internet orders, namely many orders of few sku's (wide and shallow order make-up).

INTERNET MODEL VIDEO Click on above image

ALL VIDEO     Click on above image

Sample Internet Order Fulfillment Layout
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Normally, if all the orders were composed of only few pieces per order a sorter would not seem appropriate since a sort to 100 orders of only three pieces each (300 total) would be completed in a minute and a half. Most distribution centers have to address both the institutional buyer as well as the direct to consumer market. The solution entails the merging of two technologies and consolidating orders.

It works like this. For the most part, the 80:20 rule applies where 80% of the volume is made up from 20% of the sku's (it doesn't have to be but its easier to understand for illustration purposes). When an item is hot, it usually is hot across the board. The trick is to consolidate small orders to a single combined chute while larger orders have their own dedicated chute. The common sku's across both larger orders and smaller orders are pulled together and separated by order. Only in the small order chute they are combined with other small orders.

As a result, the batch pick is optimized, the sorter usage is optimized, and smaller orders were processed through the normal process. Now, it is only necessary to separate out the individual orders from the consolidated grouping. This is where Put-to-Light comes into play.

As the product for the group of orders begins to accumulate in the sorter chute, the operator would scan each piece and put the item to the order using the Put-to-Light. The sorter and Put-to-Light systems should be fully integrated so that the order fulfillment process is fluid and seamless.

This consolidation method also works well with products that are of uniform shape and size for automatic or manual packaging, in that the sorter could send products of like size to a single automatic packager for packaging, sealing, weighing and mailing. The idea is that like processes may be combined using the sorter if desirable to do so.

Other sortation methods: wave sorting, continuous wave sorting, and multiple batch sort.

Follow this link to learn more about why your company may benefit from automated sortation: Why Automate 

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