Siemens Logistics will upgrade Deutsche Post international postal centre

Deutsche Post has contracted Siemens Logistics for the delivery, integration and commissioning of parcel sorting technology for its international postal centre (IPC) in Niederaula, Germany.

The contract includes a high-performance cross-belt sorter for small parcels with several high-speed inductions, conveyor technology, as well as intelligent control, reading and coding software. The contract value was not disclosed.

The strong growth in online commerce has also had a significant impact on the IPC satellite in Niederaula. While the volume of international letter mail continues to fall, the number of small and sometimes oddly shaped e-commerce parcels is rising.  

Siemens Logistics said it is supporting Deutsche Post with innovative technology and modern software solutions. Efficient processing of consignments in different formats and weight categories starting at 20 grams ensures nearly 100 percent sorting precision. In addition, the ergonomically designed workstations at the conveyor belts will ensure optimum working conditions.

“After successfully bringing the contract for the IPC in Frankfurt am Main to a close, we are pleased to now also be equipping the Niederaula satellite with our dependable hardware and software,” said Michael Reichle, CEO of Siemens Logistics. “With this newest contract we are further rolling out our proven technology and continuing our long-year, close collaboration with Deutsche Post.”

The contract scope includes a Siemens Logistics VarioSort Twin cross-belt sorter with 231 carriers with a length of more than 230 meters, and ten high-speed inductions. Beyond that, some 370 meters of conveyor technology as well as 200 special parcel terminals will be installed.

The reading and coding system ARTread in the Niederaula IPC satellite is based on the solution that Siemens Logistics successfully implemented in Frankfurt am Main. The software in use there will be expanded accordingly and subsequently implemented in both hubs.

The system enables high read rates – also for smaller items in diverse forms and packaging. Fast and correct extraction and interpretation of all relevant sorting and routing information for a parcel, including the weight and dimensions, is one of Siemens Logistics’ core competencies.

Siemens claimed that ARTread “sets standards regarding speed, flexibility and accuracy”. The technology decodes machine- and handwritten addresses in various alphabets with the help of intelligent, artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms.

Along with the contracts for both IPCs, Siemens Logistics has equipped more than 80 Deutsche Post sorting centers with machines for standard and large-format letters, reading and coding technology, and control software.