Vitronic Ensures Swift Parcel Sorting at DHL

DHL is using Vitronic's camera-based recognition system, VIPAC, to identify barcodes and address information on parcel labels at its new 300m distribution centre in Leipzig, Germany. It makes for swift, automatic parcel sorting and dispatch, and allows the hub to process up to 60,000 items per hour.

DHL Leipzig covers nearly two million square metres and is one of the world's largest distribution centres. Close to Leipzig airport, it incorporates a specially built airfreight hub, from which DHL planes fly to 46 global destinations, including Asia, Europe, and the US.

Nineteen VIPAC units operate above powered conveyors in DHL Leipzig's goods-in area. Each uses five auto-focus cameras to capture images of labels on the top and all four sides of parcels, and an additional fixed-focus camera underneath the conveying equipment, which acquires images of the bottoms of parcels through a small opening.

VIPAC interprets these images using optical character recognition (OCR) techniques, and instructs DHL's sorters to direct parcels to the correct loading bay for dispatch. The system produces excellent read rates, and identifies barcodes, 2D codes, badly damaged or marked codes, text, and handwritten addresses. Six-sided camera configurations allow users to obtain label information no matter what the orientation of a package.

Each goods-in VIPAC unit incorporates Vitronic's VOLUMEC volume-measuring system, which uses lasers to determine a parcel's height, width and length. VOLUMEC calculates the smallest possible cube that will enclose an item, enabling DHL Leipzig to automate invoicing.

Three additional VIPAC units identify labels on 'flyers', small to medium sized wallets and boxes optimised by DHL for automated sorting. Each uses just one camera to identify labels on the top side of parcels travelling at speeds of 1.9 metres per second.

All VIPAC units link to a videocoding system at DHL Leipzig. In the event of an unreadable label, its image is sent via a high-speed network to one of six terminals for manual input. Videocoding means DHL Leipzig achieves a successful read rate of nearly 100%.

A sophisticated interface allows DHL to monitor and control all devices, and evaluate statistics such as read rates, throughput, and the number of distributed shipments. This makes for effective management and helps the distribution centre perform efficiently.
Vitronic are international leaders in the packaging vision technology market. Vitronic specialises in providing advanced technological solutions to a broad range of markets, such as pharmaceutical manufacture, logistics, traffic control, and body scanning. Its products incorporate the latest in machine vision equipment and software to resolve a wide range of issues.