Bar-code reading bookworms ensure perfect despatch handling at amazon.de

One can order books, CDs, video cassettes, and other media, online by accessing amazon.de on the Internet. SICK omniportal scanners used during packaging of the orders, and CLV 490 bar-code readers for checking address labels, ensure that consignments arrive at the customer.

>> amazon.de is Germany’s main online dealer in books, CDs, DVDs and videos. Computer software, video games and entertainment electronics are also offered. Countless book titles and CDs with all types of musical styles are waiting for customers at the distribution centre in Bad Hersfeld. And the commissioning set-up is correspondingly efficient.

Book despatch needs bar codes and bar-code readers

Books alone are not the organisational basis for commissioning processes – bar codes play an essential role. They identify the article and the accompanying papers. One of these is the invoice that is placed in the despatch carton by employees during the packaging of an order. An OPS Omni-portal Scanner system is installed above each of the eight packaging lines, along which up to 10,000 consignments per hour are transported towards the despatch sorter during peak periods. The individual bar-code readers of the systems are installed on a supporting frame offset to one another. As a result they generate several reading angles so that the OPS can identify the Identcode label attached to the packet in any alignment.

Identcode starts despatch labelling

The creation of the despatch label is triggered by the Identcode. Then one CLV 490 bar-code reader per line checks whether the right despatch label is attached to the right carton. If given an OK, the consignment moves along to the despatch sorter and from there to the customer.

New bar-code reading bookworms for even more books

Since their commissioning, SICK scanners have made a considerable contribution to smooth commissioning and despatch processes, even during peak periods. Consequently amazon.de will continue to rely on the blue bookworms from Waldkirch. Thus, in Bad Hersfeld a new commissioning and despatch line currently under construction is also being equipped with the OPS and CLV 490.

Successful co-operation with a view to the UK

The short time required to set up the system – 4 months from the start of the project to the beginning of trials – was a major challenge for all concerned. Vanderlande Industries, based in Mönchengladbach, as the main contractor with their partner Sit-SteuerungsTechnik®, in Ettlingen, contributed to a high level of customer satisfaction with their specialist competence and a smooth commissioning. Clemens Blaha of Sit-SteuerungsTechnik® also praised the quick reaction time and the overall good co-operation of all those involved in the project. The same successful project team has been brought together again to equip the amazon.co.uk distribution centre in Great Britain.