Lyngsoe Systems – Defining your Automated Material Handling System

Defining the needs – Patron perspective

When a library starts the process towards automating the sorting process of physical items, the starting point should be the service level, the library wants to offer the patrons or “customers”.

Framing it as a “customer journey” is a good way to initiate the process. Help the customer sketch out, how, and where they want to welcome their patrons. Automated returns (inductions) become part of their welcoming process and service, and the return process should be easy and accessible.

Should there be an exterior return/induction to allow for returns 24/7/365? If so, is it a drive-up or walk-up, which allows for wheelchairs to access?

Should the patrons be able to return items inside the library? If so, where would it be natural to place the return from the patrons’ perspective?

Often patrons will also be picking up holds/ reserved items, so consider if you can place returns and holds strategically to guide patrons through the library.

Defining the needs – Library, operational perspective

Pretty much only the imagination, space, and budget set the limits, so it is important to clarify minimum needs and aspiration. Lyngsoe sorters operate close to unattended, except when the containers at destinations need to be emptied.

Ask the questions:

How big is your daily number of returns?
Which categories would you like to split/sort them into?
How often do you want to empty containers, be it totes, trolleys, or carts?
How much staff can you or do you want to allocate to material handling?

Naturally, the more destinations, the more capacity, but if the library is not able to fulfill the aspiration year one due to budget restraints, the modularity allows you to add more later, but you should consider the available space from the beginning.

Match the two perspectives and Sketch out the Structure

Compare the two perspectives. Maybe they are a perfect match. If not, you should help the library rank the wishes and decide on the final requirements. With those in hand you can start to sketch out how you want to structure the new sorter in terms of placement, inductions, and destinations.

Making the Layout

As stated before, the Lyngsoe Sort Mate™ 2000 AMH system is modular by design. It consists of a range of standard products, which can be connected in a multitude of ways to fit the needs of libraries of all sizes – and rooms in odd shapes.

Inductions

Like the actual sorting, the process starts with selecting the inductions for the system. The tunnels have a length of 800mm starting from the front, so some of the length will be inside the wall.

Modules and Conveyors can be placed in a multitude of ways. Modules have a fixed size, while several lengths of conveyors are available to be flexible to different physical surroundings.

We can separate the inductions, or inlets, into three major types: Exterior, interior, and for staff. In the Lyngsoe Sort Mate system, they would be called Library Mate™ 2100, Library Mate™ 1200, and Ergo Staff, respectively.

The more inductions for patrons, the more can be served at the same time without people having to stand in lines. You should determine, what is an acceptable service-level for the library and its patrons.

An exterior induction is potentially available 24 hours a day. It can be placed to serve as a walk-up or drive-up. If access determines that it must be installed away from the main sorting function, the distance can be bridged by conveyors. Or it can be installed as a stand-alone, and staff will bring the returned items to the sorter.

If the library needs high induction capacity, receives significant amounts of items from other branches to sort, or uninterrupted access for members of staff, a dedicated staff induction is a good choice to place on a module.

The Sort Mate™ 2000 modules are the building blocks for the sorting function. Some are used for changing the direction of an item, while others are the actual sorting destinations. The assigned destination is controlled through the Library Mate and/or Lyngsoe Sorter Controller software.

Modules and Conveyors

When designing the sorting function, you should consider the process happening around it as well. Typically, there will be a need to store full containers/receptacles, until the content can be processed, or to store empty containers nearby to quickly switch, when one runs full.

The more destinations, the finer the sorting, and the less the need to have staff allocated to handle the sorter. If placed at a distance, conveyors can connect the inductions to the space relevant for the sorting function.

As part of product safety we have the E-Stop (Emergency Stop) button, which will stop the system immediately when pushed. On the layout you just mark the placement of the E-Stop buttons with a red dot on the module or conveyor (left or right side) in accordance with safety regulations in your country.

Lyngsoe Systems’ recommendation is that there are no more than 2.1 m to the closest E-stop button anywhere in the solution.

Large-size sorting systems may require an additional power phase to be added to the design. So, if you have more than 18 modules (sum of primary and secondary sorter modules and conveyors), then please contact your Lyngsoe Systems contact person for a system design review.

You are welcome to contact us at Lyngsoe Systems for a review of any of your layouts as a quality control before submitting a bid or a purchase order.

Destinations / Containers

Many options of containers/receptacles are available for the destinations. If the library favors ergonomics for the staff a range of products are available. If basic needs are covered by traditional bins or totes/ boxes, then a foldable shelf might be relevant.

Design the Patron Journey

First Impressions Count: How does your library greet its patrons? With automation, returns become a significant part of this greeting. The ease with which patrons can return their items plays a critical role in shaping their experience.

24/7 Returns: Do you envision an exterior return point accessible at all hours all year round? Should it cater to walk-ups, wheelchair accessibility, and drive-ups?
Internal Returns: How about returns inside the library? Where would it make the most sense from a patron's perspective?

Often patrons will be picking up reserved items at the same time as returning items, therefore consider combining returns and holds in a strategic manner, guiding your patrons through the library's offerings seamlessly.

Determine Your Library Sorting Needs

Your ambitions, combined with budget and space constraints, will determine your library's automation needs. It's essential to consider:

Return Volumes: What's the daily count?
Sorting Categories: How would you categorize the returns?
Container Management: How frequently would you want to empty the totes, trolleys, or carts?

While you might be constrained initially, the modular design ensures future expansion. Planning space right from the outset is crucial.

Naturally, the more destinations, the more capacity, but if you are not able to fulfill your aspirations in the first year due to budget constraints, the modularity allows you to add more later on, but you should consider the available space from the beginning.

Balancing Perspectives

It's about reconciling the patrons' experience with your library's functional needs. Once you have your wish list in place, compare it with practicalities to finalize your requirements. With those in hand, you can start to sketch out how you want to structure your new sorter in terms of placement, induction, and destinations.

This will form the blueprint for structuring your new automated sorter.

Experience Innovation in Library Sorting: The Sort Mate™ 2000

Dive into a world of seamless sorting with the Sort Mate™ 2000 Automated Material Handling System by Lyngsoe Systems. We're not just offering a tool, but a gateway to an expansive range of proven, refined options, meticulously crafted for your needs.

We understand the crucial touchpoint between the system and its users: the returns or inductions. And that’s why our design philosophy prioritizes your patrons. With an intuitively designed physical structure complemented by a user-friendly software interface, the Sort Mate™ 2000 ensures an effortless experience every time. Elevate the standard and watch your library operations transform. Choose smarter, choose Sort Mate™ 2000.

The Modular Brilliance: Design Your Own Lyngsoe Sorter

With Lyngsoe Systems, customization is the name of the game. From one destination to over a hundred, the modular system scales to meet your unique needs. It's about finding the right balance between return volumes, space, and staffing.

Let's go on board on this journey together

Choosing the Right Control with Lyngsoe Sorter Controller

Adjust, monitor, and report - the Lyngsoe Sorter Controller ensures you're always in control and can adjust your sorter after your needs. Adapt to changing needs, monitor utilization, and get the most out of your inductions and destinations.

All this makes it easy for you to have the full benefit of your investment.

Customizing Inductions & Destinations

"Inductions" and "destinations" are key components in a library management system. "Inductions" refer to the points where materials are introduced or brought into the system. These can be external (e.g., return points outside the building) or internal (e.g., return boxes inside the library). Inductions ensure that materials can be easily and efficiently reintegrated into the system after use.

On the other hand, "destinations" pertain to areas where the materials end up being stored or processed. These can be specific shelves, staff processing areas, or even dedicated rooms for sorting. Having clear and efficient destination points ensures that materials swiftly return to their rightful place, ready to be accessed by visitors.

With options for both external and internal inductions, you can tailor the system to match your library's structure and patron traffic patterns. Although destinations are primarily for staff, they are equally crucial. The flexibility offered ensures a perfect fit for branch libraries, main libraries, or even central sorting facilities.

Understanding Your Induction Needs

Whether it's a 24/7 external induction or a dedicated staff induction for high-capacity scenarios, you're covered. The Lyngsoe Library Mate™ software is the backbone, ensuring seamless check-ins.

Deciding Your Destination Needs

From stationary solutions to ergonomic carts, the Lyngsoe system offers a variety of choices. The flexibility extends to adapting to different logistical needs around sorting.

Work Smarter and Design Your Own Lyngsoe Sorter

Lyngsoe Systems is always happy to listen, advise, and design a system layout optimized to your needs and available space. Contact us today to start your journey of automating your sorting

Designing an AMH System