WIXOM, MI - ISD - Integrated Systems Design today announced the Robotic 3D Sorter Mini Putwall System, an advanced sortation solution that transforms warehouse operations through its innovative three-dimensional design. The system delivers impressive metrics including 70% labor savings and return on investment in under a year.The 3D Sorter Mini utilizes both vertical and horizontal space to minimize footprint while maximizing sortation capabilities. With a throughput of up to 1,500 pieces per hour and 3 to 5 times greater sorting efficiency compared to manual methods, the system addresses critical challenges facing modern warehouses."What makes the 3D Sorter Mini truly exceptional is its ability to deliver enterprise-level sortation performance in a compact footprint," said Ed Romaine, VP Marketing and Business Development at ISD. "We're seeing clients achieve dramatic improvements in efficiency while significantly reducing labor costs. This system represents a fundamental shift in how warehouses approach the entire sortation process."The system's intelligent design accommodates up to 100 customizable sort positions and integrates seamlessly with existing warehouse technologies, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), conveyor systems, and shelving solutions.By automating the sortation process, operations can significantly reduce reliance on manual labor while processing items at previously unattainable rates in comparable spaces. The combination of labor savings, improved throughput, and reduced error rates contributes to the system's notably fast return on investment.In today's competitive real estate market, the 3D Sorter Mini addresses space constraints through vertical design, requiring significantly less floor area than traditional sorting systems. Its modular, customizable configuration makes it ideal for operations experiencing seasonal fluctuations in demand.The system features advanced intelligence with seamless integration capabilities for major Warehouse Management Systems, Warehouse Execution Systems, and Enterprise Resource Planning platforms. Despite its sophisticated technology, the 3D Sorter Mini is designed for rapid deployment with minimal training requirements.Its versatility makes it suitable for diverse applications across numerous sectors including e-commerce, apparel and footwear, third-party logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. The underlying technology includes high-speed sorting robots operating at 1.0 m/s with vertical lifting ranges from 500mm to 2100mm, intelligent routing, and gentle handling through high-friction conveyor belts.As warehouses face increasing pressure to process more orders faster while controlling costs, solutions like the Robotic 3D Sorter Mini Putwall System represent essential technology for competitive operations. The system's combination of space efficiency, labor savings, and cross-industry adaptability positions it as a key advancement in warehouse automation.About Integrated Systems Design - ISD Integrated Systems Design is a comprehensive systems integrator of automated solutions for warehouses, manufacturing, distribution centers, retail, assembly, and wholesale applications improving processes and productivity while reducing operational costs. Whether providing consulting services to meet current issues or developing future scalable plans to address industry challenges, ISD creates value by designing systems to our clients' specific requirements. ISD expertise ranges from handling, storing, and picking pieces (eaches), cases, pallets, build lines, and special or custom handling solutions. Products and services include: automatic storage and retrieval (ASRS), conveyor, AMRs, robotics, batch stations, shuttles, pick-to-light, carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), sortation systems, truck loading/unloading systems, controls, software (including inventory management, WCS, WMS, MES, and ERP).ContactEd RomaineVP Marketing & Bus. Dev.215-512-2613eromaine@isddd.com

Bosch Rexroth is expanding its comprehensive VarioFlow conveyor system to include the new VarioFlow belt conveyor variant, which features a fine-meshed chain surface. It ensures the smooth transport of FMCG, pharmaceutical and healthcare products.The new VarioFlow belt conveyor is a stand-alone conveyor system for flexible CPG products, delicate products and diverse items. The modular belt chain has a very fine-meshed, almost closed and flat surface. This makes it suitable for the mass transport of unstable or bulk, film-packed products such as small sealed-edge bags. However, the VarioFlow belt conveyor can also be used to convey large or wide products, such as packs of paper towel or toilet paper. Products that are inherently stable can even protrude sideways in horizontal sections. Unlike conventional chain conveyor systems, VarioFlow modular belts are also suitable for the direct transport of deep-drawn plastic trays, which usually have a delicate contact surface.Customized basic modules – identical system componentsVarioFlow belt includes modular belts in standard widths of 406 and 608 mm. Scalable cross connectors make it possible for integrators to also implement customized belt widths with identical system components. The basic components of the modular belt conveyor system comprise the base unit for the drive, the return unit, the section profile as well as vertical and horizontal curves. These allow conveyor lengths of up to 30 m, layouts with curves on both sides and conveyor speeds of up to 40 m/min to be realized with one drive. In terms of accessories, VarioFlow plus and VarioFlow belt use identical system components such as product guides, leg sets and drive kits.Quick configuration and design with MTproMTpro, the free and intuitive software for planning assembly systems, supports users from selection and configuration through to ordering of Rexroth products. The Layout Designer enables even the most complex constructions and system layouts to be created in minimal time. An integrated evaluation function for the individual configuration eliminates the need for a third party to check the design and further reduces the engineering times.Quick and simple installation Smart solutions also reduce the time required to assemble the conveyor sections. For example, fewer sliding rails need to be installed compared to standard solutions on the market. The sliding rails are mounted from the side without the use of rivets, thereby eliminating the need to machine the running surface and ensuring the VarioFlow belt runs extremely smoothly and with little wear.About Bosch RexrothAs one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile and Industrial Applications as well as Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions, engineering and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, around 33,800 associates generated sales revenue of 7.6 billion euros in 2023.To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth-us.com.About BoschThe Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 429,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2023). The company generated sales of 91.6 billion euros in 2023. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 90,000 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers.Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.iot.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com.ContactBosch Rexroth CorporationEden Estabrook(704) 942-4227Eden.estabrook@boschrexroth-us.com

Hinwil (Switzerland), February 11, 2025 – Fnac, a European leader in entertainment product distribution, collaborated with intralogistics expert Ferag to establish an Omnichannel Distribution Center in Lisbon, Portugal. This venture marked the second successful partnership between the two companies, following a first project in Madrid, Spain. Ferag was entrusted as the general contractor for this transformative project, which started in April 2023 and achieved operational status end of 2023.Technology Integration for Efficiency BoostFnac's new distribution center faced several challenges, including the need to streamline operations for both B2B and B2C orders within its Omnichannel framework while optimizing space utilization. Previously, the manual and semi-automated zones operated disjointedly, leading to inefficiencies and space constraints. Furthermore, the process of preparing goods for shipment to shops required significant manual labor, hindering productivity and order fulfillment.Ferag engineered a comprehensive solution designed to Fnac's specific requirements, integrating modern technologies including TGW's Stingray Shuttle System, Interroll's conveyor systems, and Sealed Air's I-Pack® packaging system to enhance efficiency and operational performance across the Omnichannel distribution process. The software integration for this system at MFC and WCS level was carried out by Ferag.Optimizing B2B and B2C ProcessesThe B2B material flow in Lisbon includes fulfillment and dispatch of the orders, originated from the 46 Fnac shops across the country. The categorized and labeled SKUs (including technology, books, music, and more) are placed into containers and transported via roller conveyor to 4 of the 6 inductions of the  ferag.denisort allocated in a mezzanine-level , where the orders are fulfilled in 302 destinations. At these destinations, serving as pivotal hubs, the items undergo initial sorting in preparation for subsequent processing.Once the items are sorted, they move along the conveyor belt, transitioning to the roller conveyor system and transported to the Shuttle system, able to  handle containers and cartons as well as trays weighing up to 50 kilograms. Fnac’s Shuttle System serves as a shipping buffer and sequencer until the containers are ready to be dispatched.When a truck is ready for loading, the operators release the shipments in the Warehouse Management System. The system organizes the bins from the Shuttle system in the strict sequence demanded by the receiving shops. The fully automated tote stackers label the containers and stack them onto roller cases, additionally maximizing throughput performance in the distribution center. With this process complete, the roller cases are loaded onto the trucks for immediate dispatch. On average, the distribution center loads 6 or 7 trucks per day, supported by a system capable of handling up to 700 containers per hour.Space and Cost Savings Through AutomationThe B2C material flow process begins with orders placed through the web platform, accommodating both single and multiple items per order. A standardized carton box, of a single size, is utilized for packaging, replacing the former array of sizes for simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Once items are placed in the carton, they proceed along a conveyor line to reach the I-Pack packing machine, streamlining the packaging process, making it faster, more reliable, and cost-effective. The system calculates the product dimensions in real-time, optimizing package dimensions, reducing order volume and shipping costs. Cartons are then labeled automatically with shipping information, forwarded to the buffer zone before being conveyed to the shipping area for dispatch.But this is not all. In parallel, same buffer system manages return orders efficiently, ensuring seamless handling of returned items back to the provider. This streamlined process enhances efficiency and reduces complexities associated with varying carton sizes and by using one zone for different functions, ultimately improving overall logistics operations.Future-proof Logistics Solution for FnacThe successful implementation of Ferag's intralogistics solution at Fnac's Omnichannel distribution center in Portugal yielded remarkable results. “With a focus on integrating manual and semi-automated zones intelligently, Ferag overcame operational challenges while delivering tangible benefits in terms of efficiency, space utilization, and scalability” says Tiago  Figueirôa, e-Commerce, Supply Chain & Logistic Director at FNAC Portugal.Ferag's solution provided numerous benefits. Productivity increased exponentially, with the labeling process achieving a five-fold improvement compared to previous methods. By employing the Shuttle Buffer, space utilization was optimized, resulting in space savings within the distribution center. The modular design of the solution ensures scalability, allowing for seamless future expansion to accommodate Fnac's evolving needs.Ferag's collaboration with Fnac exemplifies its expertise as a system integrator and reinforces its position as a key player in the intralogistics industry. “By leveraging innovative solution design and fostering a collaborative partnership with other intralogistics providers and the Fnac’s Supply Chain specialists, we have demonstrated our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that drive operational excellence and business growth to our customers” says Alberto Mateos Sánchez, Sales & Customer Service Manager at Ferag. “We have empowered Fnac to achieve new efficiency and performance in its Omnichannel distribution operations, setting a new standard for retail logistics”.About FeragHeadquartered in Hinwil/Zurich, Ferag AG is a renowned Swiss family-owned company that has been a global leader in the development of conveying and processing systems for the printing industry for over 65 years. Since January 2025, the company has been restructured into two independently operating entities: Ferag GraphiX and Ferag Solutions.Ferag Solutions focuses on developing innovative conveying, sorting, and automation solutions for intralogistics. As a system integrator, consultant, and innovator in the field, we design, manage, and coordinate complete in-house logistics systems. Our core mission is to provide tailor-made solutions that enhance efficiency and flexibility across a wide range of industries. We offer comprehensive supply chain solutions for e-commerce, omnichannel distribution, as well as postal and 3PL automation.Our product portfolio includes the powerful ferag.doWarehouse software for warehouse management and process automation, complemented by innovative hardware solutions such as the ferag.skyfall pouch sorter and the ferag.denisort sorting solution. These cutting-edge technologies stand out for their flexibility, innovation, and scalability, providing significant value to businesses in an increasingly digitalized and automated world.Ferag Solutions operates across the world with dedicated sales and service teams to address the specific needs of local markets. Our Technologies division continuously drives research, development, and innovation, always with a strong focus on market and customer needs.With references in over 50 countries worldwide, Ferag Solutions is ideally positioned to take a leading role as a system integrator, consultant, and innovator in intralogistics.ContactFranziska GrafHead of Global Marketing & CommunicationT: +41 44 938 60 00D: +41 44 938 76 33Franziska.Graf@ferag.com

A conveyor that utilizes endless belts, made from fabric, rubber, plastic, leather, or metal, energized by drives and operating over those drives, tail ends, bend terminals, belt idlers or slider bed. Handles bulk materials, packages and any object placed directly on the belt.

A belt used to carry materials and transmit power required to move the load being conveyed.

A powered form of conveyor where the transporting belt is supported by rollers spaced along the frame, not unlike a gravity roller section. Power and forward motion is transferred by utilizing a moving belt powered by a pulley and motor configuration at one end of the section. Capable of handling rather heavy loads.