Siemens kick starts six open mail handling systems in Australia

December 18, 2017: In an interesting move, Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics (SPPAL) has recently commissioned a number of new cutting-edge flats sorting machines at four major mail sorting centers for Australia Post.

According to sources, six of Siemens' most advanced Open Mail Handling Systems (OMS) were installed in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

It will be used to efficiently sort flats, plastic-wrapped magazines and small packages. The OMS will assume its tasks performed for over ten years by sorting machines previously supplied by Siemens.

"We needed to update our existing equipment to handle the large variety of mail coming through our sorting centers. Hence, we selected Siemens' OMS technology to maximise the volume of product that could be processed through automation," said Jadd Brammall, head of processing of Australia Post.

"We're quite satisfied with the way this project was executed successfully. The equipment was delivered on time against a very aggressive schedule, and our new OMS have enabled us to significantly improve our efficiency and provide the best platform for meeting the future needs of the business," he said.

Salient features of the OMS include its high level of automation for handling flats and small parcels, coupled with fast sequencing and sorting processes in an ergonomic environment.

"The OMS is our answer to the demanding requirements our customers have to meet, as it's capable of processing a broader range of mail types and formats than other sorting systems on the market," said Michael Reichle, CEO of Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics.

Key features of the OMS include high level of automation for handling flats and small parcels, coupled with fast sequencing and sorting processes in an ergonomic environment.

Five of the delivered OMS are equipped with four input lines and 284 outlets for mail trays, and can each sort up to 50,000 items per hour.

The sixth OMS is fitted with two input lines and 148 outlets and can sort up to 25,000 items per hour. Barcode readers and printers are used in all six systems.