Project Challenge
The French postal services provider Chronopost operates one of the world‘s largest parcel logistics centers in Chilly-Mazarin near Paris. On average, 450 trucks are called to the facility per day; more than 200,000 parcels must be routed to the loading ramps that serve their destinations. Traffic peaks in the weeks before Christmas, when on some days about 300,000 parcels make their way through the center.
<h3>Multi-Branch Conveying Lines</h3>
This distribution hub has more than 100 ramps where parcels are taken in and out. The two-storey complex comprises two fully automated sorting systems, each of which extends over several hundred meters. Incoming shipments are put on belt conveyors. They are promptly registered by digital cameras capable of scanning bar codes on any one the five visible parcel sides. Every parcel arrives at the right ramp for onward delivery within a span of less than three minutes.
<h3>Simple Handling Required</h3>
The extensive belt conveyor system was designed and installed by Budde Fördertechnik GmbH. For a system that was complex enough as is, Budde and Chronopost sought to find a drive solution featuring particularly easy wiring, commissioning, and maintenance. Maximum reliability was also called for in order to minimize malfunctions and downtimes of this very busy distribution center. Finally, in light of the great number of drive units required for this vast facility, there was a clear preference for compact constructions – and, of course, for highly efficient systems designed to optimize operating costs.