Product Description

The efficiency of an automated DC is as much about managing the information flow as handling the physical product. SortDirector is a modular software solution designed to do both: provide real-time control of product movement on a mechanized conveyor system, and provide real-time reporting designed to increase system and worker productivity.

Control
First and foremost, SortDirector is a hands-on productivity tool. SortDirector’s standard utilities allow users to maximize picking efficiency through zone routing, bypass busy workstations by setting “or” destinations, facilitate “round robin” sorting to balance workloads, and provide consolidation of orders for shipping.

This powerful utility puts real-time control of product movement right at the user’s fingertips. SortDirector provides for all tracking, routing and confirmation of product movement on a conveyor system – and stores it for periodic uploading to the host computer.

Architecture & Synergies
SortDirector provides its operational functions by acting as middleware between the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and the machine level controls responsible for actuating the divert mechanisms.

By managing the real-time sortation and routing logic of the conveyor system, SortDirector frees up the WMS/Host System processing power to manage other warehouse IT functions.

Routing Control
SortDirector provides routing controls designed to improve product flow through a distribution center and aid productivity of workers in functional areas. This is accomplished by providing configurable parameters for the routing of each item inducted on the conveyor system. Assignment of parameters can be based on WMS downloads or managed/edited in real-time with the Destination Configuration screen.

Zone Routing - SortDirector’s routing logic provides for Zone Routing, or the management of pick containers through multiple pick zones. Zone Routing directs containers to only those zones requiring picks. This reduces carton congestion, speeds fulfillment time, and facilitates better productivity at each picking location.

Shipping Consolidation - SortDirector can process order consolidation based on standard criteria such as Post/Zip Codes, SKU, UPC, Order Number, PO Number, Wave Number, etc. With SortDirector, the operator can also change destination criteria as well as make real-time lane change assignments. When required, operators can also enable round robin destinations whereby sortation is done to specified lanes in sequence to balance flow for palletizing/shipping.

A Familiar Interface
SortDirector runs on a standard PC with a Windows operating system. The user interface is designed for fast learning and easy navigation. Use of graphics helps new operators find the information and tools they need to quickly master program operations. For beginning computer users, the integrated on-line help menu offers instruction from Windows basics through system troubleshooting.

Multi-Lingual Support
The SortDirector user interface is designed to allow user screens to be modified to the language requirements/locale of the end user. This includes language, character set, time/date and units of measure.

Reliability
SortDirector is comprised of modular components of code, regression tested under strict ISO procedures. Any customisation required will not alter the basic code - so reliability will not be affected. Troubleshooting remains straightforward because any custom code is easy to identify.

Security
Multi-level password security ensures that flow control and system information is shared on a need-to-know/need-to-use basis.

Reports & Stats
The tracking of every package on a conveyor system provides an important operations tool: realtime label status reports. Operators can look up individual labels to check status and location in the system, and modify individual label destinations if required. SortDirector also provides a Log Management System (LMS) with filters for generating statistics and reports, based on time frames. Reports are available formatted as tables, two-dimensional or three dimensional charts. Statistics can be saved or printed out for reports.