Complementing Fukuyama Transporting's large-scale terminals are automated sorting systems, originally installed to alleviate the work-load on employees and ensure smooth, efficient handling of parcels during peak hours and seasons. The installation of such equipment was first planned as far back as 1971 and became a reality in 1973 with the introduction of an automated sorting system at the Kitakyushu Terminal. After some early developmental struggles, a system developed by the then West German Sandvik Company, was chosen as best suited to our needs. In line with the trend, toward lower-volume shipments of more diverse types of products, Fukuyama Transporting has installed state-of-the-art, high-speed, large capacity automated sorting equipment at its main terminals.

64 of our terminals nationwide are now using the Sandvik sorting system The processing procedure at Fukuyama Transporting's terminals which utilize the Sandvik automated sorting system is as follows: Trucks returning from parcel collection arrive at the platform unloading area and unload their parcels onto a steel belt conveyer. Each parcel is marked with its destination number, which is input by an operator into the controlling computer. As the parcel travels along the conveyer belt and passes the laser scanner, the computer transmits the signal and activates the diverter to unload the parcel onto the assigned destination chute. This system is currently in use at 64 terminals nationwide. The system has increased our ability to handle complex sorts and has, reduced the burden on employees. The resulting increases in speed and accuracy have proven to be substantial.

■Fukuyama Terminal The automated sorting system installed at the Fukuyama Terminal allows high-volume through-put at high speed with a flexible layout. This makes it possible to increase processing efficiency.

■Tokyo Terminal The automated sorting system used at the Tokyo Terminal comprises four lines, capable of accurately sorting some 20,000 parcels per hour to each destination. The sorting capacity of this facility is regarded as one of the largest in Japan.

State-of-the-art, automated sorting systems The changing lifestyles of the 1990's have necessitated changes in distribution systems as well. In response to the trend toward multi-product, low-volume distribution, increased frequency of deliveries, computerized inventory and ordering systems, and just-in-time supply requirements, it has become necessary to further adapt terminal functions. In doing so, the most advanced automated systems available, combining the benefits of flexible layout and high sorting capacity, are being installed at our main terminals. Such advanced systems were installed in Nagoya, Fukuyama and Tokyo terminals in 1987. ■Laser scanner Laser scanning devices capable of reading parcel data contained in barcodes have been instroduced to increase by the system efficiency.