Immediate response is the key to capturing customer commitment in today’s highly competitive environment.
Integrating automated processes to achieve more centralized warehousing is a means of achieving this goal.
GBI offers the solutions necessary to accomplish these goals while simultaneously providing attractive returns on
your investment in the near term and continuous savings thereafter.
Our philosophy has always been to place the customer first. Whether it is in the area of software customization,
customer technical support, or addressing specific customer needs, we are there when you need us. Our
courteous customer service engineers provide unparalleled 24/7/365 support.
Here we present an overview of what GBI has to offer. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your
specific requirements and explore the solutions that are appropriate for you.
To stay competitive:
You not only need to provide your customers with quality products
but with quality service as well. This translates to faster delivery and
better tracking of customer orders.
Coincident with this endeavor your company will achieve:
"High Speed" Tilt Tray Sorter
• Quicker response
- as shown on this CD, DVD, Video
Tape and Cassette Application
• Lower operating costs
• Higher accuracy
• Fewer charge-backs due to late delivery
• Increased storage space
• Faster inventory turns
Some of the Applications we offer sortation for include:
• Order Fulfillment Centers
• Returns Processing
• Bulk Mail Center Sortation; w/weigh in motion & complete
manifesting
"Multiple Divert Chute Sorter reduces sorter footprint"
- as shown in this Jewelry Application
sorting small boxes and polybags
• Material Handling of any product smaller than a Bread
Basket; including packaging such as "polybags"
Some of the Industries and Products we build sorters for include:
• Retailers, Distributors, and Wholesalers related to:
- Book Publishing
- Entertainment; CD’s, DVD’s, Cassettes, and Video Tapes
- Jewelry Industry; Boxes or Polybags
- Apparel; Hanging or Flat
- Pharmaceuticals
- Direct Mail & Catalog Houses
- Other Industries and Products such as; Optical, Sunglasses
and PhotoFinishing
Large Accumulation Sorter
- as shown on this Small Package
and Sunglass Application
The Tilt Tray Sorter will simultaneously sort irregularly shaped products from small, lightweight
polybags to larger boxes weighing up to 25 lbs. The tilt tray mechanisms and chutes are adapted at
time of manufacture to handle the weight and size product for each given application. All our sorters
are built in modules to allow fast and easy expansion with minimum interruption of work flow. The
sorter is designed to provide high reliability and require minimal maintenance.
Benefits
• Automatically and reliably sort individually
packaged and barcoded products
• Simultaneously sort mixed shapes of small
boxes and items in polybags
• Greatly reduce labor costs associated with
manual sortation and verification
• Greatly reduce the time needed to assemble
individual product by order or other criteria
The Tilt Tray Sorter - provides a cost effective
• Expand the sort window
and viable alternative to pick-to-light systems
• Recover more warehouse space
Load Section
Automatic, Semi-Automatic and Manual Mode Options
(see Additional Options for more details)
"Racetrack" or Oval Sorter Layout
- with automatic takeaway and dual load sections
Common Features
Straight In-Line Sorter Layout
• Fast sort rates of up to 12,000 trays per hour
• High accuracy rates
• Modular construction
• Ease of use
• Low maintenance
• Long life and reliable operation
• User friendly Windows ® software interface
• Sorts barcoded or non-barcoded products
• Cross platform integration support
BULK MAIL CENTER (BMC) SORTER - an offshoot of the tilt tray sorter is GBI’s Bulk Mail Center
Sorter used to separate packages by postal code for manifesting. This sorter is built to scan and weigh the
packages and communicate all pertinent information to our proprietary manifesting system. GBI’s Manifest
System is a Windows ® based tracking and reporting system that creates documents in the same format that
the shippers use. The system prices and manifests packages for shipments with UPS, FedEX, the US Postal
Service (USPS) and other carriers.
Print & Apply “on the fly”
Here we present an Entertainment Tilt Tray Sorter specifically designed to handle products
such as; CD's, DVD's, Video Tapes, and Cassettes. This Sorter features Print & Apply Label
Applicators, Automatic Induction, and Stacking Chutes for uniform products – used for
applications such as; Order Fulfillment, Returns and Loose Receipts Processing.
GBI’s Print & Apply “on-the-fly” feature will independently and uniquely label
each product while it is being sorted according to customer specified rules. As
little as two label-printer-applicators are mounted along the tray path with the
combined capability of labeling product at the maximum sort rate of 200 trays
per minute. A third printer is recommended to share the load equally with the
others and to provide redundancy.
GBI’s unique orientation design transfers the automatically inducted product
from the first belt (tray) to a second by tilting the product onto the second belt
(tray). This transfer reorients the product to an upright position. The product is
then conveyed passed the printers where the labels are applied. Once the label
is applied the product is repositioned to lie flat on the tray for conveyance to its
designated sort destination.
Automatic Induction Unit
The automatic feeders are used to receive the product and automatically
induce them onto the sorter. CD's, cassettes, videotapes or DVD's are
loaded in stacks onto each auto-feeder. Each feeder may be adjusted
using two quick release clamps for the size product to be loaded. Product
is oriented for disposition to the vision system scanner which is specifically
designed to scan entertainment products.
Below - Print & Apply Section
Shows product being labeled in
an upright position.
Above - Transfer Section
GBI’s unique orientation design
allows for a greater range of
product forms and sizes to be
simultaneously sorted & labeled.
Chute Sensors & Status Displays
Each chute may be equipped with a chute sensor to detect product either when it passes or has
accumulated. The sensor may be used to verify that product has been sorted accurately or to
indicate that product is backing up in the chute. Upon detecting an accumulation the sorter
controls will suspend the effected chute to prevent any other product from entering the chute.
Chute blocked beacons may also be provided to illuminate when this condition occurs to alert
personnel to empty the chute. Upon clearing the sensor, by removing product, the chute
automatically reverts back to a normal condition and the chute blocked beacon is turned off.
GBI utilizes a third party label printer applicator and
integrates it to work in concert with the sorter system.
Labels may be unique and are printed on demand as
required on an item-by-item basis.
Accumulation Section
for odd shaped products
Stacking Accumulation Chutes
Two Entertainment
Sorters - featuring
Autoloaders, Print & Apply,
Stacking and Accumulation
Chutes - shown with incoming
and take away conveyors.
GBI offers a combination stacking and accumulation chute. Products
of uniform size may be sorted directly to the stacking chute while
other sizes and shapes are sorted above to an accumulation chute.
The diverter that diverts the product may be "active" in that the sorter
controls actively position it to sort to either chute, or passive, where
by an operator positions the chute manually. When the diverter is
manually set, uniform product is sorted first to the stacking chute then
manually repositioned to sort to the accumulation section when ready
to sort other sizes and shapes. Each chute has a Lexan door to visually
monitor the stacking process and to provide access for product removal.
Stacking Chutes
for uniform shaped products
This High Density Carrier Sorter provides a new level of cost/performance not previously available. Working at
speeds of up to 10,000 packages per hour the sorter maintains an accuracy guaranteed at 99.99% with
verification. Packages are conveyed in clear LexanTM carriers which are shifted to interior and exterior bins. This
cost effective alternative to manual sortation may be used to sort small packages, and envelopes.
Automatic Loader
(Synchro-Loader)
This closeup shows verification sensors
- verifies that the product made it into the prescribed
drop at the precise moment expected. (See Additional
Options for more details on this sensor)
Features
• Modular construction
• High density chute arrangement
This sorter has evolved through several
• Autoloading capable
generations. There are over 50 carrier
based sorters in use around the world in
• Multiple configurations
companies such as Wal-Mart, Qualex (a
• Custom software integration
Kodak company), and Deluxe Check
• Built-in verification
Printers. The first one delivered over
• Low maintenance
eighteen years ago is still operating at
• High reliability
full capacity today. Many of these sorters
• High accuracy 99.99%
Simple Solution Sorter – shown with Automatic Loader Option
are operated six to seven days a week
The Synchro-Loader enables automatic loading of the product
into the sorter, and maximum throughput is achievable.
See Sorter-Lite for additional information.
and up to 22 hours per day.
GBI's new compact addition to our line of "Carrier / Bomb-Bay Style", Simple
Solution Sorters, is the economical Sorter-Lite, combining the best features of
our full sized sorters. The Sorter-Lite was specifically designed for the smaller
warehouse and photofinishing labs that could benefit from this technology, but
either didn’t have the space for a sorter or the volume to justify the return on
investment. Some of the products that are ideally suited for this sorter include
optical products, pharmaceutical products, and photofinishing envelopes.
GBI combines the
best features of the
time-tested Simple
Solution Sorter with the
proven technology of
the Advance Solution
Vision Systems
Outbound & Inbound Sorting
- using a single machine
GBI's Vision System may be added to the front-end of
this sorter to recognize and record inbound products
for sortation by process (in photofinishing) or by other
criteria (other industries).
Sorter-Lite Benefits & Features
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The Sorter-Lite Sorter utilizes the same proven technology, ruggedness, and software as GBI's full size sorters.
Automatic Induction is standard using our proven Synchro-Loader.
The Optional Vision Inspection Module may be added to recognize and/or record inbound & outbound product.
Interfaces to your WMS or host system.
Full tracking capability with numerous standard and custom reporting capability.
Easily configurable sort set-up using mouse clicks.
Flexible drop assignment and configuration.
Drops may be temporarily suspended or forced closed.
Sort Rate up to 10,000 sorts per hour.
Optional Oversize Station for including larger non-sortable items in the data sent to the host.
Modular construction enables easy expansion.
Reduced Cost & Size
The Sorter-Lite is a mechanically scaled down version of the larger Simple Solution Carrier Sorter,
while retaining all the functionality. The result is a
high density sort configuration in a smaller overall
footprint and a lower equipment cost.
Package Configuration
This sorter is available with 3.5", 5.25", or 7.0" chute centers and 1.5 or 3.0 inch wide carrier
openings according to accumulation or product requirements. This sorter accommodates
packages up to 2.8 inches thick, 6.75 inches wide and 13 inches high.
Synchro-Loader Features
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Gently handles your product
Increases accuracy & speed
Provides positive induction displacement
Greater loading efficiency
Handles a wide range of product sizes - including
35mm & Pano packages (in photofinishing)
Top View - above
Sorter-Lite with Synchro-Loader
Side View - below
Common Features
GBI offers our Paperless Pick/Put-to-Light System as an economical alternative to manual picking or placing of
product for lower volume operations. It is designed to electronically assist sorting personnel in pulling (pick) or
placing (put) SKU’s to meet order requirements. In a "pick-to-light" application the operator would scan the order and
the quantity to be picked is displayed on the "display module" at the bin location. In a "put-to-light" application the
product is pulled from the carton and placed with the order in the appropriate quantities as indicated by
the "display module". Once the pick/pull is completed, the operator presses the "send" button on the display module
and the data is electronically transmitted resulting in real-time order and parts tracking.
• Windows® graphical user interface
• Seamless integration with existing Warehouse Management
Systems and Conveyor Control Systems
• Modular design for growth
• Open database connectivity for easy creation of reports,
charts and graphs utilizing off the shelf software as
MS Excel® and MS Access®
Optional GBI Reports:
-
Personnel Requirement Report
-
Replenishment Analysis Report
-
Traffic Monitor Display
-
Order Tracking Report
-
Personnel Performance Report
-
Productivity Report
Pick / Put-to-Light Display Module
The Pick/Put-to-Light display module as
shown below is used for high volume picks
or puts and has a number readout, a "send"
button, and increment/decrement buttons.
Display Module
Increment
Push Button
This multi-colored light
indicates additional
status information and
quantities that exceed
two digits.
Paperless Pick / Put System
System Benefits
• Sorting and picking productivity is greatly
increased over manual picks
• Substantially reduced interpretation errors since
orders are bar code scanned and not read
• Sortation accuracy is greatly increased due to
directed picks
• Better order and parts tracking
• User can easily create custom reports or statistical
analysis charts and graphs
Decrement
Push Button
Two Digit
LED Display
Pick/Put Complete
SEND Button
Each Module may be removed easily and
snapped back into place without the use of
tools. The units are wired with quick
release ribbon connectors.
Options
• Row and Column Lights – used as an
alternative or in addition to the AlphaNumeric Display Unit to specify the
location of the directed pick/put.
• Alpha-Numeric Display Unit – used in
conjunction with an individual Display
Module - for displaying location coordinates.
• Zone Beacon – identifies zone or flow
racks that have product to be picked or
placed - when a zone consists of multiple
flow racks.
Scanner - accepts numerous
pairs of input devices including
barcode scanners in various
orientations and RF devices.
The GBI Hanging Garment Sorter is the result of our collaboration with various experts
within the garment industry, combined with our engineering expertise, and 18 years of
sortation experience. Numerous installations of GBI’s Hanging Garment Sortation System
are in various facilities throughout the world. We encourage you to contact us to discuss
your specific sortation requirements.
Operator Control Panel
- gives operators direct control to route product as needed
Hanging Garment Demonstration
Layout - systems are designed to meet
customer specifications
Singulator - separates product for proper sortation
Pneumatically Activated Diverts
System Benefits
• Windows ® graphical user interface
• Seamless integration with existing
Warehouse Management Systems and
Conveyor Control Systems
• Full tracking capability within the plant
to locate and expedite order deficiencies
Features
• Detail reporting by garment
• Sort rates starting at 7,000/hr.
• Equipment monitoring
• Modular design
• Pneumatic diverts
• State of the art C++ software
• Generous use of sensors & controls
Product Accumulation Conveyor
- used for accumulation of product based on any
given criteria
Drag Link Conveyor - allows accumulation of
garments and singular conveyance when released
Delicate or Fragile Product Handling
Chutes and Status Displays
GBI recognizes that no two installations are alike. Each customer has special requirements for their product
accumulation. GBI will design and build chute arrangements to meet these requirements. Status displays at the chutes
are used to inform personnel around the sorter about the status for each drop.
Custom designed chutes are used in
conjunction with "chute full beacons" to
handle delicate or fragile products as
shown in this book application.
Here are a few examples of chutes designed for specific applications, such as; large quantity or small
quantity accumulation, stacking chutes for uniform products, high density multiple divert chutes used
to reduce the sorter footprint, and chutes designed to handle delicate or fragile products.
This close-up shows the
Chute Full Beacons that are
used to indicate when a chute is
approaching full capacity or when
full capacity is reached.
Chute Status
Terminals
Non-uniform product
accumulation section
of chute
Large Quantity Accumulation Chutes
Small Quantity Chute Guides
– shown sorting to totes
Stack Uniform Products - for quick packing while
diverting other shapes and sizes into a separate
accumulation section of the chute - as shown in this
CD, DVD, Cassette and Video Tape application.
High Density Chutes
This high density chute arrangement reduces sorter
footprint by utilizing a multiple divert for each tray tilt,
as shown in this jewelry application.
Tri-color light is used to indicate additional status information.
SEND Button
This close-up shows the Tilt Tray
Mechanism simultaneously
sorting polybags and boxes.
Drop Status Display - individual modules that display
the remaining or accumulating counts. Notification is
given for chute full, low count and limit reached. The
SEND button may be used to initiate the electronic
transfer of chute contents data.
GBI will design a sortation system to meet your specifications for speed, package handling, and sorter
configuration. These are examples of Additional Options that you can add to your sortation system. We
encourage you to contact us to discuss your specific requirements and explore the solutions that are
appropriate for your operation.
Adjustable Guides
Semi-Automatic Induction Units
This option is used for inducting fast sorters with
products of varying sizes or for manually entered
UPC’s or SKU’s.
Manual Mode Product Identification
• Identifies bar code unreadable or non-barcoded
products
• Allows operator to hand scan or key-in SKU
• Terminal displays the quantity to be deducted
• Operator places one product per tray
• Sorter detects the presence of product on trays and
assigns manually entered SKU to each tray
• Displayed counter is decremented and the manually
input SKU is associated to the product
Drop Verification
• Additional sensors
destinations (chutes)
are
added
to
the
sort
• Sorting accuracy is guaranteed to 99.99% with
verification
• Verifies that the product made it into the prescribed
drop at the precise moment expected
Automatic Induction Units
This option may be used whenever package sizes are
uniform. The auto-loaders may be easily adjusted to fit
the product size. The operator places groups of products
into the auto-loading units and activates it to load product onto the passing trays as shown in this CD/DVD
application. This option enables the high speed Tilt Tray
Sorter to achieve maximum throughput.
After-Sort Package Sensor Array
Label Applicators - Print & Apply “on-the-fly”
More Optional Features
• Provides additional protection in the event that a
product was not deployed to the designated drop
• GBI’s unique orientation design allows for a greater
range of product forms and sizes to be simultaneously
sorted & labeled
• Chute Status Indicators
• Error message is posted to screen and recorded in
database
• Sort count is automatically adjusted and product
need only be re-induced onto the sorter
• Applies custom and unique labels to sorted products
• Beacons & Displays
• Drop Status Displays
• May be used for UPC pricing with barcode or other
informational purpose
See Entertainment Sorter for additional
information on this feature.
See Chute Types & Status Displays
for details on these Options.
GBI currently provides two types of tray mechanisms.
Integration
• User friendly graphical screens
and controls
• Intelligent and informative
messages on the state of the sort.
Light Capacity Tray Mechanism
– 5 lb. Weight Capacity
Conveys packages weighing up to 5 lbs., and
is used primarily for small items such as jewelry,
pharmaceuticals, check boxes, cosmetics, bags
or parcels.
• Built in safeguards report or
intervene to protect the integrity
of the sort or the maintenance of
the equipment
• Communications link with your
existing warehouse management
system and ties in all aspects of the
production or distribution process
for a seamless flow of data
• Trip lever is positively guided throughout the
sorter to help ensure a level tray position,
allowing the tray to only tilt at the designated
location.
• Trays are righted to a level position before
leaving the designated drop chute resulting
in increased accuracy.
• Tilt mechanism contains only two moving
parts and is attached to the belt by four
screws making it easy to replace, if needed.
Software Safeguards
Safeguards are in place to monitor equipment
function, display warnings and errors, and to act
when necessary to protect the operators,
equipment or the integrity of the sort.
Medium Capacity Tray Mechanism
– 25 lb. Weight Capacity
Conveys packages weighing up to 25 lbs.,
and is used primarily for larger packages, or
items such as books, groceries, clothing, and
parcels.
Tracking Software
• Over center design locks the tray level to
help prevent a forced tilt due to uneven
weight distribution.
Tracking information is available for remote examination
by network or modem to assist in diagnosing irregularities
or for generating productivity or other analysis reports.
• Weight is supported directly to the frame
for stable product transport.
• Tilt mechanism contains only six moving
parts and is attached to the belt by four
screws making it easy to replace, if needed.
Sorter Control Boards
• GBI’s proprietary node control boards work in
concert with the sorter software to track the
product and trip the mechanisms
Common Features
• Confirmations and cancel notifications are
communicated to the sorter computer by the
node controllers as a check on the sort
• Low maintenance and high reliability
• Node boards are standard issue for the tilt tray
and carrier family of sorters
• Trays can handle packages of varying sizes and types within design limits
• Low maintenance requirements
• Conveyed items are positively transported for better handling accuracy
• Long life
• Tray material is specially coated metal chosen for the product conveyed
• Quiet operation
Remote access software and modem are supplied with
each sorter computer.
GBI has built an outstanding reputation in small package sortation
for the Material Handling Industry. We design, fabricate and install
custom solutions that integrate with your existing system to meet
both current and anticipated needs. Our focus is on automation in
the area of distribution, returns processing, and order fulfillment to
help reduce labor costs, increase efficiency and accuracy, while
providing a rapid return on investment. GBI has also established
itself as the largest supplier of sorting equipment in the
PhotoFinishing Industry in North America.
GBI Milestones
1967 – GBI was founded by two engineers, Lloyd Gordon and
Robert Bledsoe
1980 – Founders are replaced by the team of Steve Gordon as
President, and Maurice Rochman as Vice President
1994 – A majority interest of GBI is purchased by it’s employees, and
a new era begins with Maurice Rochman as President,
and Mark Wolkenfeld as Vice President
1995 – GBI becomes the largest producer of photographic pricing
terminals in the world
1996 – GBI installs first Tilt Tray Sorter with manifesting
1997 – Windows-based Sortation System and Vision System Sorter
introduced
Quality and Reliability
We pride ourselves on the quality and reliability of our
products. We maintain a full staff of electrical, mechanical, and
software engineers utilizing the latest software languages and
tools available today. Our customers report that even with
continuous 24 hour use on a seven day basis, maintenance is
minimal and life span is long. The first GBI sorter ever
delivered is still operating today after 18 years, at the same
capacity as it was the day it was delivered. Accurate and
reliable small package sortation for time critical applications is
our business.
1998 – First Medium Capacity Tray Mechanism (up to 25 lbs.) is
installed
1999 – First CD Sorter with automatic induction and stacking
chutes is installed
1999 – GBI installs new smart module Pick–To–Light System
2000 – GBI relocates to a new 52,000 sq. ft. facility
2000 – GBI installs first complete hanging garment sorter
2001 – GBI introduced new economical Synchro-Loader for automatic
induction for Carrier Sorter
2002 – GBI develops unique label Print & Apply “on-the-fly” for
handling a greater range of product forms and sizes
2003 – GBI introduces the Sorter-Lite Carrier-Style Sorter
Customer Commitment
GBI’s philosophy has always been to place the customer first.
Whether it is in the area of software customization, customer
technical support, or addressing specific customer needs, we
are there when you need us. Our courteous customer service
engineers provide unparalleled 24/7/365 support.
Employee Owned "ESOP"
In 1994, the majority interest of GBI Data and Sorting Systems
was purchased by its employees, becoming an ESOP
(Employee Stock Ownership Plan) Company. All the
employees now have a stake in the success of GBI and are
totally committed throughout the entire product life
cycle – from initial specification to post-installation support.
Offices
Today
GBI assembles its systems in a newly renovated 52,000 sq. ft.
complex in Deerfield Beach, Florida. This move was necessitated
due to the rapid growth in both sales and personnel, which now
includes more than 60 engineering, production, sales and
administration employees. With the expected growth in sales the
company plans to add another 25 employees over the next one to
two years.
Shipping & Receiving
Given the Opportunity GBI will sort out the details to create an
efficient sortation system for your business.
You’ll be surprised at how
quickly everything
Manufacturing
1143 West Newport Center Drive • Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 USA • www.gbisorters.com • e-mail: info@gbisorters.com • Phone (954) 596-5000 ext. 231 • Fax (954) 596-5015
P r i n t e d b y S u p e r C o l o r, I n c . 1 - 8 0 0 - 3 3 0 - 1 1 2 5
Phone: (954) 596-5000 ext. 231
Fax: (954) 596-5015
1143 W. Newport Center Drive
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 USA
e-mail: info@gbisorters.com