envía implements the first Smartsorter robotic sorting system in Colombia
First installation of Smartsorter technology for parcel sorting in Colombia.
envía, a Colombian logistics and transport company with over 30 years’ experience, is carrying out optimization of route planning and increasing its operational capacity thanks to the implementation of the robotic sorting system.
Smartlog has implemented a comprehensive automated sorting solution for envía, focused on optimization of route planning within its parcel operations. The installation enables the handling of up to 3,000 parcels per hour over a continuous 10-hour shift, supporting operations comprising approximately 200 routes per day. The scope includes 68 autonomous robots, 4 ergonomic induction stations, loaders and the Galys management software.
This is the first implementation of this technology in Colombia, positioning the company as a leader in automation within the parcel sector in the Andean region.
Three decades of experience serving the national logistics sector
With over 30 years’ experience, envía is a Colombian logistics and transport company with a presence in the country’s major cities. It offers solutions for individuals and businesses and has an extensive operational network and service points, enabling it to connect multiple destinations across Colombia.
The company handles a high volume of shipments daily, with diverse characteristics and destinations. Its operations are organised through regional operations centres, service points, vehicles and specialised equipment. This requires agile and accurate sorting by route to help ensure delivery times are met and maintain service reliability.
Given these dynamics, the courier requires systems capable of maintaining speed, order and traceability, even during periods of high demand.
The need to scale up sorting: speed, accuracy and optimization
Faced with growing parcel volumes and the demand for ever-faster deliveries, the company identified opportunities to enhance the efficiency of its sorting processes within the parcels business unit – one of the largest areas within its logistics operation.
With 200 daily delivery routes and 1,400 destinations across the country, the company needed a solution capable of adapting to its operational requirements and ensuring fast and accurate sorting. It was necessary to increase processing speed, reduce errors and implement optimization of available space.
The main challenge was to boost the capacity of the sorting process, handle a high volume of parcels with greater accuracy, and respond to peaks in demand without affecting operational performance. Prior to automation, this activity required a high level of manual intervention. The introduction of technology would complement the teams’ expertise, facilitate their work, and promote scalability and the timely fulfilment of dispatch deadlines.
Smartlog’s solution tailored to the layout and actual operations
Smartlog has implemented a robotic sorting system based on Smartsorter technology, comprising 68 autonomous robots operating on a robotic platform. The solution was specifically designed for the new envía logistics centre in Bogotá, adapting the layout to current and future operational needs.
The installation is configured in five vertical branches, which achieves optimization of the flow of goods, separates outputs according to route type and reserves space for future expansions. This layout facilitates a balanced distribution of loads without affecting the system’s overall performance.
Each parcel is identified by a barcode and automatically sorted to its destination, distinguishing between courier routes and higher-capacity routes.
The system integrates the Smartlog SGA Galys Auto software, which acts as the control and orchestration hub for operations. This platform enables comprehensive management of the sorting process, from data reception to the dynamic allocation of destinations and real-time monitoring of activity. Galys Auto connects to the client’s ERP system, ensuring the synchronisation of orders, routes and logistics statuses.
Furthermore, it provides full traceability of each parcel, real-time operational visibility and analytical tools that facilitate data-driven decision-making. Its flexible architecture allows for the adaptation of sorting rules, the management of changes to the distribution network and the scaling of operations without affecting the system’s stability.
The solution is designed to process up to 3,000 units per hour and integrates seamlessly with the client’s technological environment.
A platform designed to evolve with demand
The current configuration allows for the addition of more robots or extra sorting lines, enabling the number of destinations to be expanded without modifying the rest of the installation. This approach facilitates medium- and long-term planning.
The solution’s architecture allows for the assessment of its potential implementation in other envía operational centres or processes, based on the needs and data of each operation.
We chose Smartlog as our partner for this project because they demonstrated the ability to integrate different technologies, understand our needs in detail and propose a suitable solution. The Sorter enables us to measure key variables such as dimensions, weights, times and errors. At envía, we recommend Smartlog as a partner for automation solutions. We built a robust business case that enabled us to understand the need and project the impact of its implementation. Today, we have a solution that strengthens our capacity for growth and has generated savings in the cost of parcel sorting.
The solution has helped to boost sales, as it enables us to process parcels more quickly and improve our service levels. This makes us more attractive to the market and helps to attract new customers. Furthermore, we have achieved 100 per cent accuracy in sorting, with no zone errors, which has a positive impact on service levels.
For Smartlog, this project represents a milestone in our presence in Latin America. We have worked closely with envía, from analysing their operations through to adapting the system to the available space, ensuring that the solution meets real needs. Integration with Galys Auto has been key to ensuring visibility, control and scalability from the very outset. This installation demonstrates that parcel automation is viable and scalable in environments with high operational demands.