Reverse Logistics • Returns Processing
Sorting Returns with Automated Sortation
A returns processing (reverse logistics) automated sortation system can be designed to expedite the sorting and processing of returns, giving you, among many other benefits, immediate updating of inventory for product resale.
Load Station
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This Reverse Logistics - Returns Sorting - Automated Sortation System is capable of:
- immediate updating of inventory in real time
- recording the customer return
- associating the RMA with returned product
- providing real-time credit information
- sorting returned product based on condition, such as:
- scrap or obsolete product
- return to stock
- damaged product
- rework product
- return to customer
- unreadable barcode (no reads)
- sorting returns to a carton, container, or accumulation chute
- identifying full cartons for palletizing or transfer to storage
Example of Reverse Logistics - Processing Returns
Pallets of returned product are brought to the load section of the GBI Returns Sorter for induction onto the sorter. An RMA or similar number is used to identify the pallet or group of product—all returned product must be associated with an RMA number. This RMA or similar number is the reference for the individual store/customer that is returning the product for credit and may be verified against returns data.
The operators first scan or key-in the RMA number at the sorter operator terminal, indicating that all subsequent product loaded at that station is associated to that RMA. The operators also perform an inspection of the product and separate out the defective product during the loading process. After loading the regular product, the operator could depress a keyboard function key to indicate that the next products being loaded are defective products associated to the same RMA.
Products are placed onto the sorter trays manually, or using automatic feeders, and/or semi-automatic feeders. Once the product is introduced onto a tray, a bar code reader or vision system identifies the product. If products are NOT bar coded the operator scans or keys-in the SKU and quantity using the sorter manual mode.
After the product has been inducted onto the tray the product is automatically scanned for identification and sorted to the appropriate sort destination. The destination may be a vendor return, a discontinued product, an invalid UPC, unknown UPC to the Host, a No-read drop, or drop locations otherwise specified. The system attaches the relevant information to each item prior to sorting; this means that individual returned product handling is optimized using chute notification.
Using Chute Notification - Returns Sorting
The carrier tray is tipped at the appropriate sort destination so that the product is dispensed down into a collection chute for accumulation. A display module at the base of the chute displays the accumulated count or cube percent on a periodic basis. Once the chute has reached the chute limit, a red indicator light is illuminated and the chute is suspended from receiving additional product. Immediately upon reaching this condition the sorter computer transmits a chute file to the Host with the sorted product data. The Host then notifies the operator to empty the chute.
The sorter computer records and transfers to the host complete records of the sorting activity. The data for returns is immediately transmitted, resulting in near real-time inventory and parts tracking.
GBI can customize the sort criteria based on your specific needs. For more information on this type of system see our Sample Sorters.
Other related pages:
Why Automate Processes?
A Word on Sortation Methods
Book Returns (Sample Installation)
Mail Sorter (Tilt Tray & Cross Belt Installations)
Additional: Sorter Applications
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GBI Data & Sorting Systems • 1143 West Newport Center Drive • Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 USA
954-596-5000 Ext. 231 • Fax 954-596-5015 • E-mail contact: info@gbisorters.com
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