With around 2,000 brands, more than 300,000 articles and more than 23 million active customers, Zalando connects customers, brands and partners in 15 countries. In order to be closer to its customers in the Nordic regions of Europe and to keep delivery times short, Zalando is building a new logistics center in the Stockholm area. As a long-standing strategic partner, the system integrator Vanderlande was commissioned with the planning and implementation of the bag sorting system.

The pocket sorter is the heart of the order processing system in Zalando's logistics center. It is the Airtrax Pocket from Vanderlande, which was presented for the first time at this year's Logimat. Vanderlande particularly emphasizes the use of state-of-the-art, tried and tested materials, the low number of components and redundant technology/functionality.

The pocket sorter is part of Vanderlande's Airtrax product family, which efficiently transports, sorts, sequences and stores large volumes of goods over long distances and changing heights in high-frequency environments. Airtrax Pocket offers an order fulfillment system that is ideally suited to the dynamics of omni-channel and/or e-commerce processes. Due to its unique sequencing technology, it can easily handle changing order profiles. It provides optimal control over the flow of items, resulting in efficient picking, personalization, packing and other value-added services.

Efficient returns processing

The Pocket system is scalable and therefore flexible when dealing with rapidly expanding and dynamic product portfolios, whether it is fashion (including hanging garments), jewelry, multimedia or other items. Returns handling has never been more efficient, as returned items are processed directly and automatically made available to new customers.

According to the manufacturer, Airtrax is the first concept on the market with a 100% friction drive and, compared to traditional chain drives, runs without interruption and with less mechanics and control, even when bridging long distances. For example, the plastic chain links used do not need to be tensioned, which allows for longer maintenance intervals. These chains do not need to be oiled or greased, so that unprotected goods do not become soiled. In this way, retailers and consumers receive consistently clean goods as expected, as no stains or blemishes can occur. as