Do you ever wonder the behind-the-scenes processes that sort through and deliver all of the mail we receive each day? Mail sorters are an integral part of this operation, yet many people don’t know what they do. On any given day, mail sorters can handle thousands of everyday items like bills, letters, packages, cards anything sent via post. Through careful sorting and organizing, they make sure it gets to its destination as efficiently as possible.
what is Mail Sorters
Mail sorters are machines or systems that sort and process mail automatically. They can sort letters, flats, and parcels based on their size, shape, weight, and destination. Mail sorters use advanced technology like barcodes, RFID tags, OCR (optical character recognition), and AI (artificial intelligence) to read, analyze, and sort mail accurately and efficiently.
Mail sorters come in different types and sizes depending on the volume and type of mail they’re designed to handle. There are letter sorters, flat sorters, parcel sorters, mixed mail sorters, and automated guided vehicle (AGV) sorters. They can handle hundreds of thousands to millions of mail pieces per hour. Some mail sorters can even handle fragile or odd-shaped items like vases, golf clubs, or snowboards.
Mail Sorter Meaning
Mail sorting is essential for businesses of all kinds, from small businesses to large corporations. It ensures timely delivery of mail and parcels, reduces processing errors, and saves time and money. With a mail sorter, businesses can process mail and parcels faster and more accurately, guaranteeing timely delivery. Additionally, mail sorters prevent data entry errors, such as misspelled addresses or incorrect ZIP codes, that can result in delayed or lost mail.
Businesses to scale their operations by processing large volumes of mail and parcels at a much faster pace than manually sorting. They can sort mail and parcels into different categories, such as first-class, priority, or standard, depending on the delivery timeframe and service level. This helps businesses match the right shipping service with each package, minimizing shipping costs while meeting customer expectations.
Help businesses improve their customer service by reducing delivery times and increasing accuracy. By sorting mail automatically, businesses can ensure that their customers receive their mail and parcels on time, which in turn, can boost customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, businesses can use the mail sorting data to track delivery times, monitor performance, and optimize their operations for better efficiency.
How Mail Sorters Works
Mail sorters come in different shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to sort mail. The most common type of mail sorter is the OCR (optical character recognition) machine. This type of machine uses cameras to scan and read the addresses on envelopes. It then matches the address to a database of known addresses and sorts the mail accordingly. OCR machines can process up to 36,000 pieces of mail per hour, making them incredibly efficient.
Another type of mail sorter is the BCS (barcode sorter). This machine uses barcodes that are applied to the envelopes to sort mail. When the letter goes through the machine, the barcode is read, and the machine sorts the mail based on the information in the barcode. BCS machines can process up to 30,000 pieces of mail per hour, making them second to OCR machines in terms of speed.
The newest technology in mail sorting is the FSS (flats sequencing system). These machines are used specifically for sorting large envelopes, magazines, and newspapers. The FSS machine scans the mail and sorts it into different groups based on their size. The machine then sorts the mail into trays or bins to be delivered to its next destination. FSS machines can process up to 16,000 pieces of mail per hour.
What does mail sorter do
Mail sorters improve mail delivery accuracy
Mail sorters are designed to read barcodes and other information on mail items to identify their destination and delivery sequence. They can detect and organize the mail according to their delivery route with a high level of accuracy. The use of barcodes in mail sorting has significantly reduced errors in mail delivery, which ensures that mail reaches its intended recipients without delay.
Mail sorters increase productivity
Mail sorters have improved productivity in the mail industry by increasing the volume of mail that can be sorted in a shorter amount of time. This has been particularly helpful for businesses that deal with large volumes of mail. The speed of mail sorting is increased with the use of automated mail handling systems, which can handle more mail items in an hour than an individual could in a day. As a result, businesses can reduce their mail delivery times, which means that their customers receive their mail faster and more efficiently.
Mail sorters provide cost savings
Mail sorters not only improve efficiency and productivity but also reduce costs. The cost of sorting mail manually is high due to the need for more employees and increased time required to accomplish sorting tasks. However, with automated mail sorting, businesses can save costs by reducing the number of employees needed to perform the sorting task. They can also save on the time and effort required to carry out manual mail sorting and, ultimately, on postage costs.
Mail sorters play a crucial role in the security of mail
Mail sorters help to prevent loss, damage, and theft of mail. They play a significant role in enhancing the security of mail delivery by maintaining proper records of all mail items and tracking their delivery at every stage. Automated mail handling systems are tamper-proof, which means that mail cannot be mishandled or intercepted in transit. This ensures that sensitive information is protected and that mail is delivered securely.
Different Types of Mail Sorters and Their Benefits
Horizontal Sorter
A horizontal sorter is a popular option for small to medium-sized businesses, especially those that handle envelopes, flats, and small parcels. This type of sorter can handle up to 30,000 pieces of mail per hour, making it ideal for businesses that receive high volumes of mail. One of the benefits of this mail sorter is that it eliminates the need for manual sorting, as it automatically arranges the mail according to zip codes, addresses, and barcode scanning. In addition, a horizontal mail sorter can be customized with a variety of features such as induction conveyors, postal scales, and label printers.
Vertical Sorter
If your business mainly deals with packages and large parcels, a vertical sorter may be more suitable. The vertical sorter allows for efficient sorting of larger objects and can handle up to 8,000 packages per hour. With its space-saving design, this sorter is ideal for businesses that have limited floor space. The vertical mail sorter uses overhead conveyors and barcode scanning technology to accurately sort parcels according to their destinations.
Mixed Mail Sorter
A mixed mail sorter is designed for businesses that receive a variety of letters, flats, and parcels. This type of sorter can handle mixed mail load of up to 30,000 pieces per hour and is ideal for bulk mailing operations such as direct mail campaigns. One of the main benefits of the mixed mail sorter is the ability to sort mixed mail with varying sizes and weights accurately. This sorter can process oversized mail, and its barcode scanning technology ensures that every piece of mail is correctly routed. Optional features to enhance the mixed mail sorter include an automatic global positioning system and ID recognition software.
Manual Mail sorting Systems
Manual mail sorting systems are perfect for small businesses that do not receive high mail volumes. This type of sorting equipment is cost-effective and requires minimal training to operate. A manual mail sorter comes in different styles, including tabletop and freestanding options. This sorting system is ideal for businesses that handle letters or small parcels and require a more hands-on approach to sorting.
Mail sorter plays an important part in the delivery of mail. It’s a task that requires quick thinking and attention to detail. During their sorting process, they must ensure that the items are delivered to their correct destinations, as well as other aspects such as ensuring the operations run smoothly, scanning packages for data entry and other administrative duties.