Automated Parcel Sorting
& Sortation Systems
Quick answer
Automated parcel sorting systems use conveyor belts, barcode scanners, and divert mechanisms to route parcels to the correct despatch lanes without manual handling. Emerdis designs and deploys end-to-end sortation solutions — including singulators, DWS systems, conveyor sortation, and robotic AMR sorting — for UK and EU 3PL providers, e-commerce fulfilment centres, and postal operators. Systems are configured to your throughput, parcel profile, and WMS integration requirements.
Automated Parcel Sorting Systems
Conveyor systems form the foundation of modern parcel sorting operations, enabling continuous, controlled movement of parcels through key stages such as induction, scanning, sorting, and dispatch.
Emerdis designs and delivers conveyor-based solutions that integrate seamlessly with upstream and downstream automation technologies.
Parcel Singulators & Induction Systems
Parcel singulators are a critical first step in conveyor-based sorting, ensuring items are separated and aligned correctly before entering downstream systems.
By automatically singulating parcels from bulk flow, these systems create consistent spacing and orientation, which is essential for accurate scanning, dimensioning, and sorting.
Benefits of Parcel Singulators
-
Consistent Parcel Flow: Separate and align items for downstream processing
-
Improved Accuracy: Enable reliable scanning and data capture
-
Reduced Manual Intervention: Eliminate the need for manual singulation
-
Optimised Throughput: Maintain steady flow into high-speed systems
Static DWS Dimensioning Systems
The vMeasure Parcel Ultima is an automated static dimensioning system that captures precise weights and dimensions in under a second with ±0.2" accuracy. NTEP-certified and SOC-2 compliant, it eliminates manual measurement errors and delivers an average saving of 25% on shipping costs — making it an indispensable tool for warehouses, fulfilment centres, and 3PLs.
Benefits of Static Dimensioner:
-
Measurement Accuracy: Dimensions, Weight, and Annotated Images in under a second
-
Savings: Average of 25% savings on shipping charges
-
Seamless WMS/ERP/TMS integration: Real-time dimensions sync with WMS and ERP software through no-code API integrations
-
Quick, low-friction installation: Plug-and-play system
-
Built-in audit trail & compliance: Proof of receipt, proper pick, or dispatch
Inline DWS: Dimensioning, Weighing & Scanning
Emerdis offers a range of DWS solutions to automate parcel data capture at both inbound and outbound stages.
These systems accurately record dimensions, weight, and barcode data, supporting billing accuracy, operational visibility, and carrier compliance.
Benefits of DWS Systems:
-
Accurate Data Capture: Reduce discrepancies in shipping and invoicing
-
Improved Throughput: Automate manual measurement processes
-
Versatile Handling: Suitable for a wide range of parcel types
-
System Integration: Connect seamlessly with WMS, ERP, and reporting tools
Conveyor Sortation Systems
Conveyor sortation systems automate the routing of parcels to the correct destination, such as chutes, cages, or dispatch lanes.
Using technologies such as divert mechanisms and controlled routing logic, these systems ensure parcels are sorted quickly and accurately based on destination, carrier, or service level.
Benefits of Conveyor Sortation Systems
-
High-Speed Sorting: Process large volumes of parcels efficiently
-
Accurate Routing: Reduce mis-sorts and manual correction
-
Operational Efficiency: Minimise manual handling and decision-making
-
Scalable Design: Adapt to changing throughput requirement
GET A CUSTOM PROPOSAL
Ready to Automate Your Parcel Sortation? Talk to an Engineer.
Not a sales call. A technical conversation with automation engineers who has designed and deployed sortation systems across 200+ installations in the UK, EU and Middle East.
Robotic Parcel Sorting
Emerdis provides advanced robotic parcel sorting solutions using Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), designed to complement or replace traditional conveyor-based sortation in certain environments.
These systems use intelligent, mobile robots to transport and sort parcels into designated locations, often using vertical racking structures to maximise space utilisation.
Benefits of Robotic Parcel Sorting:
-
Space Optimisation: Make efficient use of vertical storage space
-
Flexible Scalability: Easily scale operations by adding more robots
-
Reduced Labour Dependency: Automate repetitive sorting tasks
-
Improved Accuracy and Traceability: Ensure reliable parcel routing with real-time tracking
%20Solutions.png)
CLIENT REVIEWS
What are clients saying about Emerdis Parcel Automation Solutions
Emerdis' DWS system for parcels revolutionised our inbound processing, eliminating 98% of dimensioning errors and speeding up carrier billing for our 3PL operations.
— Operations Manager, YLC (UK)
With Emerdis' warehouse pick to light solutions, we achieved peak-season readiness without overtime, processing 7,000 more parcels daily.
— Supply Chain Director, ASYAD EXPRESS
"Emerdis' DWS system for parcels revolutionised our inbound processing, eliminating 98% of dimensioning errors and speeding up carrier billing for our 3PL operations."
— Operations Manager, YLC (UK)
"With Emerdis' warehouse pick to light solutions, we achieved peak-season readiness without overtime, processing 15,000 more parcels daily."
— Supply Chain Director, ASYAD EXPRESS
"Emerdis' DWS system for parcels revolutionised our inbound processing, eliminating 98% of dimensioning errors and speeding up carrier billing for our 3PL operations."
— Operations Manager, YLC (UK)
"With Emerdis' warehouse pick to light solutions, we achieved peak-season readiness without overtime, processing 15,000 more parcels daily."
— Supply Chain Director, ASYAD EXPRESS
BLOGS
Latest Insights
FAQs
Most Asked Questions
What is an automated parcel sorting system?
An automated parcel sorting system uses conveyor belts, barcode scanners, and divert mechanisms to route parcels to the correct despatch lanes without manual handling. Systems typically include a singulator to separate parcels, a DWS unit to capture dimensions and weight, and a sortation controller that routes each parcel based on destination, carrier, or service level.
What is the difference between a parcel sorter and a conveyor system?
A conveyor system moves parcels from one point to another. A parcel sorter adds intelligent routing — using divert gates, tilt trays, or cross-belt mechanisms to direct each parcel to a specific lane or chute based on its destination data. Sortation is the decision-making layer built on top of the conveyor infrastructure.
How fast can an automated parcel sorting system process parcels?
Emerdis parcel sorting systems process up to 20,000 parcels per hour depending on configuration, conveyor speed, and parcel profile. Throughput is determined by singulator capacity, scanner read rate, and the number of sort destinations. Every system is specified to your verified peak-hour requirement, not average daily volume.
What is a DWS system and why is it used in parcel sorting?
A DWS (Dimensioning, Weighing and Scanning) system automatically captures a parcel's length, width, height, and weight while reading its barcode — all in a single pass on the conveyor. In parcel sorting, DWS data triggers the routing decision, ensures billing accuracy for dimensional weight charges, and validates parcel contents before despatch.
Can automated parcel sorting systems integrate with my existing WMS?
Yes. Emerdis parcel sorting systems connect to existing WMS, ERP, and TMS platforms via standard API integration. The Warehouse Control System (WCS) layer receives routing instructions from your WMS and translates them into real-time conveyor commands, without requiring you to replace your existing software stack.