Method, system and computer program product for automated sorting of goods in a handling system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and handling system for automated extraction of goods (4). The method involves receiving goods (4) at a primary handling station and automatically transporting them to a secondary handling station. The goods (4) are then processed and sorted based on predefined criteria. The handling system includes various components such as conveyor belts, tilt trays, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for efficient transportation and sorting of goods. The invention also allows for remote execution of the method for multiple goods (4) and handling systems, providing flexibility and scalability. Additionally, the handling system includes a secondary workstation capable of interfacing with the handling system and an additional workstation at a different location, promoting seamless communication and collaboration. The invention offers advantages such as increased productivity, reduced errors, improved operational efficiency, and centralized management of the extraction process.

Description

[0001] Method and System for Automated Sorting of Goods in a Handling System

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of handling systems, particularly to the sorting of goods in such systems and more particularly to the sorting of airport baggage or air cargo in baggage or cargo handling systems. More specifically, the invention pertains to a method and system for automating the sorting process by extracting and processing identifier contents without the need for manual input or software modifications to the handling system. The invention integrates additional components into existing BHS and cargo handling systems without the need for software modifications.

[0003] Baggage handling systems (BHS) and cargo handling systems (CHS) are integral to the efficient operation of airports and logistics facilities. These systems are responsible for the transportation, sorting, and tracking of baggage and cargo items .

[0004] In a Baggage Handling System (BHS) , the sorting of bags is primarily based on the information encoded in the baggage tag (e.g. flight number, airline, destination, passenger's details) . This identifier tag can be read using barcode scanners or RFID readers as the bag moves through the BHS. The information from the baggage tag is sent to the BHS control system, which processes the data to determine the bag's destination (using a BHS database) and the appropriate sorting path. Based on the processed data, the BHS uses various sorting technologies, such as conveyor belts, tilt trays, or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) , to direct the bag to the correct location. This could be a specific gate, a transfer area for connecting flights , early baggage storage , or the baggage claim area .

[0005] However, i f a baggage tag cannot be read in a primary processing line of the Baggage Handling System (BHS ) where scanners are typically installed in-line , the bag with the unread baggage tag is diverted to a Manual Encoding Station (MES ) acting as a secondary handling station . To ensure continuous flow for all unproblematic bags , the manual encoding stations are located away from the primary processing line , being the main sortation route (where all unproblematic baggage is handled) . At the MES , an operator manually enters the necessary information .

[0006] The use of additional components such as optical cameras can capture images of the unreadable tag, then making use of Optical Character Recognition ( OCR) technology to assist in the identi fication of the tag information . I f the tag information remains unidenti fied, these images are then sent to an operator who can remotely view, manually encode the information and manually input the deciphered identi fication into the Video Coding Workstation . In this way, one single human operator can remotely service more than one single tag reader . The hardware for these deciphering attempts ( automatic tag reader ATR, camera for OCR attempts and Video Coding) are all installed at the main sortation line of the baggage handling system .

[0007] The integration of these additional components into baggage and cargo handling systems (BHS and CHS ) requires hardware and software modi fications to the existing higher level controls (HLC ) sorting allocation computer ( SAC ) and lower level controls ( LLC ) programmable logic controller ( PLC ) . This process is time-consuming, costly, and disruptive to the operation of the system . Furthermore , the need for software modifications poses signi ficant challenges , as it requires resources with speci fic knowledge in the speci fically installed IT and PLC software . Because there are di f ferent providers of handling systems and the IT set up is di f ferent for each individual system, the hurdle for implementing any physical additional components into the handling system is very high . Additionally, in many airports and logistics facilities , BHS and cargo handling systems operate almost continuously, with limited windows of opportunity for system modi fications . This further exacerbates the challenges associated with the integration of additional components .

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the obj ective of improving the state of the art . This obj ective is achieved by the solutions described in the independent claims .

[0009] An improved method and system for seamlessly integrating additional components into existing baggage handling systems (BHS ) and cargo handling systems ( CHS ) is provided . The current practice of manually inputting or making software modifications to integrate new components , such as automatic bag tag readers (ATR) , into the system is time-consuming, costly, and disruptive to the operation of the handling system .

[0010] The improved solution eliminates the need for software modifications of the handling system and reduces reliance on manual input , simpli fying the integration process and enhancing the overall performance of handling systems . This ensures seamless and ef ficient sorting of goods , minimi zing costs and disruptions and allows the integration of additional components without software modi fications or system disruptions .

[0011] The handling system described herein is speci fically a baggage or cargo handling system (BHS / CHS ) , but the invention is also applicable to various other logistics systems in industrial and manufacturing settings . These systems may include , but are not limited to , warehouse automation systems , distribution center operations , automated storage and retrieval systems , manufacturing execution systems and conveyor systems for production lines . In all these systems , the goods are labeled with an identi fier (product barcode , shipping address label , ... ) and are automatically tracked and sorted . Furthermore , these systems include manual intervention points (= secondary handling stations ) for tasks like inventory adj ustments , order picking, and quality control . All these manual intervention points have functions similar to how a BHS handles unreadable baggage tags at the manual encoding station .

[0012] However, for the purposes of this application, airport applications , speci fically baggage handling systems (BHS ) or cargo handling systems ( CHS ) , are exemplarily cited as embodiments .

[0013] The invention addresses the challenge of integration additional components such as imaging devices into the handling system, especially the challenge of the integration into the IT system of the handling system .

[0014] The present invention relates to a method for sorting goods in a handling system, comprising a primary and a secondary processing line , and a secondary handling station with a user interface wherein each good is labeled with an identi fier tag and the identifier is mapped with a sorting criterion in a database of the handling system. The method comprising the steps of: a) Transporting the good on the primary processing line and automatically attempting to extract the identifier from its identifier tag. b) If the attempt to extract the identifier is unsuccessful, diverting the good onto a secondary processing line leading to the secondary handling station comprising an imaging device, such as a camera and / or a scanner. c) Capturing at least one image of the good at the secondary handling station with the imaging device and utilizing optical character recognition (OCR) to read the contents of the identifier tag from the at least one image, as well as employing robotic process automation (RPA) both to extract the contents of the identifier and to input the extracted contents of the identifier to the user interface of the secondary handling station. d) Transmitting the extracted contents of the identifier from the user interface of the secondary handling station to the handling system. e) Mapping the extracted contents of the identifier within the handling system to the database of the handling system. f) Rerouting the good back to the primary processing line and transporting the good in accordance with its extracted sorting criterion.

[0015] This method provides an efficient and automated approach to sorting goods in a handling system, reducing errors and improving overall efficiency.

[0016] The present invention discloses a handling system for efficiently sorting goods, addressing the need for accurate and automated sorting processes . The system comprises a primary processing line and a secondary processing line , ensuring a seamless flow of goods within the system . At the secondary handling station, an imaging device such as a camera and / or a scanner is deployed to capture images of the goods , while an optical character recognition ( OCR) system is utili zed to extract the contents of identi fier tags from the captured images . This enables the system to accurately identi fy and map the goods with their corresponding sorting criteria stored in a dedicated database . Furthermore , a robotic process automation (RPA) system is implemented to extract and input the extracted identi fier contents to the user interface of the secondary handling station, ensuring a streamlined and ef ficient workflow without the need of a human operator . The handling system further includes a routing mechanism that reroutes the goods based on their extracted sorting criteria, ensuring that they are transported along the appropriate processing line . This innovative handling system signi ficantly improves the sorting process , minimi zing errors and enhancing overall ef ficiency .

[0017] The present invention encompasses a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, speci fically designed for enhancing the sorting capabilities of a handling system . When executed by a processor, the computer program product enables the handling system to perform a series of steps . Initially, goods are transported along a primary processing line , while attempts are made to extract identi fiers from the corresponding identi fier tags . In cases where the extraction is unsuccess ful , the goods are diverted to a secondary processing line . At a secondary handling station, an imaging device such as a camera and / or a scanner captures images of the goods , and the contents of the identifier tags are extracted using optical character recognition ( OCR) technology . The extracted contents are then inputted to a secondary workstation via robotic process automation (RPA) . Subsequently, the extracted identi fier contents are transmitted to the handling system, where they are mapped within the system ' s database . Based on the extracted sorting criteria, the goods are rerouted accordingly, ensuring ef ficient and accurate handling throughout the sorting process . This computer program product provides an ef fective solution for automating and streamlining the sorting operations of a handling system, minimi zing errors and optimi zing overall ef ficiency .

[0018] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various embodiments , each advantageous in itsel f and, unless otherwise speci fied, freely combinable with one another . These embodiments and their associated advantages will be discussed below .

[0019] According to one embodiment , the good can be a baggage item or a cargo item, the handling system a baggage handling system (BHS ) or a cargo handling system ( CHS ) ; and the identifier tag can a baggage tag or a shipment identi fier, e . g . an air waybill or a cargo label ; the secondary handling station can be a manual encoding station (MES ) . Baggage and cargo handling systems are widely used and standardi zed . The same method can be used with more than one handling system . When there already exists the infrastructure for remote video encoding, only one setup is suf ficient to service more than one handling system . According to one embodiment, the OCR system can utilize machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of extracting the contents of the identifier tag. By using machine learning algorithms, the OCR system can continuously learn and adapt to improve its accuracy over time. This means that even if the system initially struggles to accurately extract the identifier contents, it can gradually improve its performance through experience and training. This allows the OCR system to handle variations in fonts, sizes, and orientations, ensuring accurate extraction from diverse identifier tags. Consequently, the system's efficiency and reliability are increased, leading to improved sorting processes and greater customer satisfaction.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a verification step can be applied to confirm the accuracy of the extracted identifier contents by mapping them within the handling system's database. This additional step ensures that the extracted contents are correct and reliable, reducing the risk of errors in the sorting process. The handling system can maintain the efficiency and reliability of the sorting operation, leading to improved overall system performance.

[0021] According to one embodiment, there may be a human operator to analyze the image and input the extracted data into the secondary workstation if previous attempts to extract the identifier are unsuccessful. This allows for a flexible approach in cases where the automated attempts failed. By involving human operators in these situations, the handling system can ensure accurate identification and input of the identifier contents, further enhancing the reliability of the sorting process. According to a further embodiment, this human input as well as any other results can be used to train the method in the way of reinforcement learning . By analyzing the data collected from previous extraction attempts , the system can adapt and refine its algorithms , leading to enhanced accuracy and ef ficiency over time . This iterative learning approach reduces errors and optimi zes the extraction process , resulting in improved overall system performance and increased reliability in identi fying and sorting goods .

[0022] According to one embodiment , the goods can be transported using any suitable sorting technology . This applies , but is not limited, to widely used sorting technologies such as conveyor belts and / or tilt trays and / or automated guided vehicles (AGVs ) .

[0023] According to one embodiment , the method can be executed remotely for more than one good of more than one secondary handling station and / or more than one handling system . By enabling remote execution, the method of fers increased flexibility and scalability, allowing for ef ficient handling and processing of a larger volume of goods . This remote execution capability reduces the need for physical presence at each handling station, resulting in cost savings , streamlined operations , and improved resource allocation . Additionally, it allows for centrali zed control and monitoring, facilitating better coordination and management of the entire extraction process . I f capacity is suf ficient , the resources only need to be provided once but can be used for more than one secondary handling station and / or more than one handling system .

[0024] According to one embodiment , the secondary workstation the user interface of the secondary handling station can be a workstation and can be configured to interface with the handling system and with an additional workstation at a location di f ferent than the secondary handling station .

[0025] According to one embodiment , the imaging device can be comprised by a scanner gantry .

[0026] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures .

[0027] Figure 1 shows the state of the art of the implementation of additional components into the IT system of an existing handling system;

[0028] Figure 2 the implementation of additional components into the handling system' s IT infrastructure ;

[0029] Figure 3 schematically the interfacing of the IT and the components of the handling system according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0030] Figure 4 the principle of using robotic process automation and vision encoding in a handling system .

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates the state of the art of a baggage handling system (BHS ) HS and the integration process of additional technical components 2 , such as a scanner gantry 2 and cameras 2 , into the baggage handling system HS . Coding and software modi fications are required to incorporate these components into the existing BHS IT infrastructure .

[0032] As can be seen in figures 2 and 3 , the baggage handling system 2 comprises a primary processing line 10 ( transport direction of the baggage 4 indicated by arrows ) which transports goods 4, such as baggage items 4, towards a sorting area located downstream. The goods 4 are labeled with identifier tags, and the identifiers are mapped with sorting criteria in the BHS database. A primary scanning attempt of all bags 4 typically happens in-line at a primary scanner 8 located on the main sortation line 4.

[0033] However, if a baggage tag (identifier tag containing data determining the sorting criteria, in the case of airport baggage: flight number, name, destination, airline, ...) cannot be read in a primary processing line 10 of the Baggage Handling System (BHS) where scanners are typically installed in-line, the bag with the unread baggage tag is diverted on a secondary processing line 12 to a Manual Encoding Station (MES) acting as a secondary handling station MES. Note that there is no need for true hands-on manual handling at the manual encoding station, video encoding is also possible.

[0034] To integrate additional components 2, e.g. imaging devices 2, such as a scanner gantry 2, cameras 2, into the existing BHS, coding and software modifications are needed. These modifications are represented by the coding symbols 14 and arrows in figures 1 and 2, showing the communication between the components 2 and the existing PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and SACs (Sorting Allocation Computers) of the baggage handling system BHS.

[0035] The integration process requires establishing a communication protocol between the components and the PLCs and SACs. This protocol allows for the exchange of information and coordination between the various components and the BHS system. However, this process is time-consuming, costly, and often disruptive to the operation of the BHS .

[0036] Figure 1 thus highlights the problem with the current integration process , where changes to the existing IT SAC and PLC software are necessary . These modi fications often exceed the cost of the additional components themselves , making the integration process inef ficient and expensive .

[0037] The invention described in this patent application overcomes this problem by providing a solution that eliminates the need for software modi fications to the existing PLCs and SACs .

[0038] This allows for the seamless integration of additional components 2 , such as the scanner gantry 2 and cameras 2 , into the BHS without the associated coding and software changes .

[0039] The advantage of this invention is evident , as it simpli fies the integration process and reduces costs . By eliminating the need for software modi fications , the integration of additional components becomes more ef ficient , less time-consuming, and minimi zes disruptions to the operation of the BHS .

[0040] Overall , the figure visually demonstrates the existing integration process and highlights the problem that the invention aims to solve by showing the need for coding and software modi fications . This provides a clear context for understanding the novelty and inventive step of the invention, which allows for the seamless integration of additional components into the BHS without any software changes

[0041] Figure 2 shows how this is achieved . Each and every baggage handling system comprises a manual encoding station MES . Baggage 4 , where the first attempt to read the baggage tag was unsuccess ful , is diverted on a secondary processing line 12 leading to a manual encoding station MES .

[0042] At a typical MES , manual encoding happens : a human operator 6 tries to identi fy the baggage 4 by reading the baggage tag and manually inputting the deciphered data into a MES workstation MES-WS . The MES workstation MES-WS is the user interface of the MES .

[0043] The video encoding still involving a human operator 6 that happens in some BHS , an image is taken with a camera 16 . This camera 16 is located at the same place as the automated tag reader ATR 8 , both camera 16 and ATR 8 at the main / primary sortation line 10 . Some ATR 8 comprise cameras 16 , some don' t . This action may be supported by optical character recognition OCR . The video encoding improves the read-rate drastically and reduces the number of baggage items 4 that need to be send to the manual encoding station MES . It does however not only require the installation of a camera, but it requires the very tedious integration of the camera into the IT system . The human operator 6 is able to decipher the baggage tag, but existing baggage handling systems are not setup for receiving any input at the location of the ATR 8 at the main sortation line 10 .

[0044] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems by providing a novel approach to integrating additional components 2 , such as ATRs , into BHS and cargo handling systems CHS - HS . The invention achieves this by making use of the manual encoding station MES and its existing ability to access the IT of the handling system . Instead of placing the imaging device for the task at the primary processing line 10 , it is placed at the manual encoding station MES . A dialogue between the additional component 2 and the installed SAC operator workstations WS is established as shown in figure 3 . This dialogue is facilitated by a software application that interacts with the operator workstations , mimicking the actions of a human operator 6 . The software application utili zes a technology known as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) , which automates repetitive , rule-based tasks . By utili zing RPA, the invention enables the seamless integration of additional components into the BHS and cargo handling systems , without any disruption to their operation .

[0045] Figure 3 illustrates the sorting of goods 4 in a baggage handling system HS according to one embodiment of the present invention . The integration of additional components 2 such as a camera 2 or scanner gantry 2 into a BHS is simply done by automatically extracting the input with any suitable method and then feeding the extracted data into the manual encoding workstation . Each handling system HS comprises a manual encoding workstation and is therefore suitable and already configured to interface with the baggage handling system HS . Required is only a device 2 ( additional component ) suitable for obtaining data that can be used to automatically extract the identi fier of the bag 4 . The identi fier of the bag is mapped with a sorting criterion in the BHS database .

[0046] What is done is : the image or video of the baggage 4 that is (preferably automatically) taken by the additional component 2 ( camera, video , ... ) at the manual encoding station is automatically analyzed with any suitable technology to extract the content of the baggage tag . Very suitable for this process is optical character recognition OCR . Robotic Process automation RPA is then used to feed the extracted content of the baggage tag into the manual encoding workstation .

[0047] The extraction of the contents of the baggage tag can be improved by utili zing machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of extracting the contents of the identi fier tag . In cases where the OCR delivers unclear results , a verification step to confirm the accuracy of the extracted identi fier contents by mapping them within the BHS database can be added .

[0048] And of course , i f all attempts to automatically extract the contents of the baggage tag fail , a human operator 6 can still try to decipher the baggage tag - remotely by video encoding ( thus analyzing the at least one image taken by the camera ) or on site at the manual encoding station itsel f .

[0049] After extraction of the contents of the baggage tag ^identifier of the baggage ) and feeding of this information into the workstation MES-workstation, the baggage is handled according to its sorting criterion .

[0050] This method eliminates the need for software modi fications to the existing baggage handling systems ( especially their PLC and SAC ) enabling a more ef ficient and cost-ef fective integration process .

[0051] The improved integration process provided by the present invention of fers signi ficant advantages over the current state of the art . It eliminates the need for software modi fications , reducing costs and minimi zing system downtime . Furthermore , it allows for the integration of additional components without requiring speci fic knowledge in the installed IT and PLC software .

[0052] Overall , the present invention represents a substantial advancement in the field of baggage handling systems and cargo handling systems , providing a more ef ficient and cost-ef fective solution for integrating additional components .

[0053] Figure 4 shows the integration of the RPA process into an existing baggage handling system according to one embodiment .

[0054] Interfacing with the BHS is done at the workstation of the manual encoding station MES-WS . The present invention overcomes the need for software modi fications to the PLCs and SAC when integrating an ATR into the BHS . The solution involves establishing a dialogue between the ATR and the MES operator workstations without requiring any software changes . This dialogue is facilitated by a software application that interacts with the operator workstations , mimicking human operator 6 tasks . The software application utili zes Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology, which combines automation, computer vision, and machine learning to automate repetitive , rule-based, and trigger-driven tasks . Through this automated interaction, the acquired information from the ATR is conveyed to the BHS MES workstation, seamlessly integrating the additional component without modi fying the existing PLC and SAC software . Note that a manual encoding station workstation MES-WS (which is the user interface of the secondary handling station) is comprised by the SAC of the BHS .

[0055] The inventive step lies in the use of RPA technology to automate the interaction between the ATR and the SAC or PLC by accessing the user interface of the manual encoding stations (manual encoding station workstation MES-WS ) , eliminating the need for excessive software modi fications . This technical feature provides several advantages . Firstly, it signi ficantly reduces the costs associated with integrating additional components into the BHS , as the expenses related to software changes are eliminated . Secondly, it mitigates the risks and challenges involved in finding resources with the necessary knowledge of the installed IT and PLC software and identi fying suitable windows of opportunity for software changes without disrupting BHS operations . This invention provides a unique and protected solution in the BHS context , giving the applicant a competitive advantage over competitors who may need to modi fy their software for similar integrations .

[0056] RPA technology is utili zed to interface with existing baggage handling systems (BHS ) without the need for knowledge of the installed programming code . This is achieved through the application RPA, which can be applied to every single BHS . The workstation of the manual encoding station MES-WS is present in each BHS and serves as the interface for this integration .

[0057] The data is automatically extracted from an image obtained with the additional component . The extracted data is then inputted into the MES (Manual Encoding Station) workstation . As a result , the MES workstation interfaces with the existing BHS (Baggage Handling System) IT infrastructure . By inputting the extracted data ( sorting criterion) , the corresponding bag is handled by the BHS according to its speci fic sorting criteria . In this way, the invention addresses the problem of integrating additional components , speci fically automatic bag tag readers (ATRs ) , into existing baggage handling systems (BHS ) without the need for software modi fications to the BHS higher level controls (HLC ) sorting allocation computer ( SAC ) and lower-level controls ( LLC ) programmable logic controller ( PLC ) . This integration process is typically time-consuming, costly, and disruptive to the BHS operation .

[0058] In the prior art , integrating components like ATRs required software modi fications to the existing PLCs and SAC, involving communication protocols and changes to the installed IT and PLC software . These modi fications posed signi ficant challenges for airport operators in terms of resources and finding suitable windows of opportunity without disrupting BHS operation .

[0059] The invention solves this problem by establishing a dialogue between the ATR and the installed MES operator workstations without the need for software modi fications . This dialogue is enabled through a software application that interacts with the operator workstations and conveys acquired information to the BHS MES-WS . The software application utili zes Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology, automating repetitive , rule-based tasks . As a result , additional components can be seamlessly integrated into the BHS without modi fying the existing BHS PLC and BHS HLC SAC .

[0060] The novelty and inventive step of the invention lie in the use of RPA technology to automate the interaction between the ATR and the SAC operator workstations . This eliminates the need for software modi fications to the PLCs and SAC, resulting in signi ficant time and cost savings . The advantages of this technical feature include seamless integration, reduced disruption to BHS operation, and avoidance of the risks associated with software changes . This unique inte- gration approach provides a competitive advantage .

[0061] According to an embodiment , the additional component 2 is a scanner gantry or comprises at least one component of the scanner gantry . Crucial for the method is the automatic imag- ing of the baggage tag at the manual encoding station, followed by the automatic extraction of the contents of the baggage tag and the automatic feeding of this information to the manual encoding workstation MES-WS using robotic process automation RPA. This allows interfacing with the baggage han- dling system without the need for additional modi fications of the BHS IT system .

[0062] List of reference signs

[0063] HS handling system ( cargo handling system, baggage handling system, ... )

[0064] BHS baggage handling system

[0065] BHS IT BHS IT infrastructure

[0066] RPA Robotic Process Automation

[0067] WS workstation

[0068] MES manual encoding station, secondary handling station

[0069] MES-WS secondary workstation, manual encoding workstation

[0070] PLC programmable logic controller

[0071] AODB Airport Operational Database

[0072] (B ) HS-DB (baggage ) handling system database

[0073] 2 additional component ( camera, scanner, imaging device , scanner gantry, ... )

[0074] 4 good, baggage

[0075] 6 human operator

[0076] 8 primary scanner, ATR ( automatic tag reader )

[0077] 10 primary processing line , main sortation line

[0078] 12 secondary processing line , leading to MES

[0079] 14 coding symbol

[0080] 16 additional camera for vision encoding

Claims

Patent claims1. A method for sorting goods (4) in a handling system (HS) , comprising a primary and a secondary processing line (10, 12) , and a secondary handling station (MES) with a user interface wherein each good (4) is labeled with an identifier tag and the identifier is mapped with a sorting criterion in a database of the handling system (HS-DB) , the method comprising the steps of: a) transporting the good (4) on the primary processing line (10) and automatically attempting to extract the identifier from its identifier tag; b) if the attempt to extract the identifier is unsuccessful, diverting the good (4) onto a secondary processing line (12) leading to the secondary handling station (MES) comprising an imaging device (4) , such as a camera (4) and / or a scanner(4) ; c) capturing at least one image of the good (4) at the secondary handling station (MES) with the imaging device (2) and utilizing optical character recognition (OCR) to read the contents of the identifier tag from the at least one image, as well as employing robotic process automation (RPA) both to extract the contents of the identifier and to input the extracted contents of the identifier to the user interface of the secondary handling station; d) transmitting the extracted contents of the identifier from the user interface of the secondary handling station (MES) to the handling system (HS) ; e) mapping the extracted contents of the identifier within the handling system (HS) to the database of the handling system (HS-DB) ;f) rerouting the good (4) back to the primary processing line (10) and transporting the good (4) in accordance with its extracted sorting criterion.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that- the good (4) is a baggage item (4) or a cargo item (4) ;- the handling system (HS) is a baggage handling system (BHS) or a cargo handling system (CHS) ;- the identifier tag is a baggage tag or a shipment identifier, e.g. an air waybill or a cargo label;- the secondary handling station (MES) is a manual encoding station (MES) .

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the OCR system utilizes machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of extracting the contents of the identifier tag.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a verification step to confirm the accuracy of the extracted identifier contents by mapping them within the handling system's database (HS-DB) .

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that if the previous attempts to extract the identifier are unsuccessful, the following method steps are executed by a human operator (6) at a location different than the secondary handling station (MES) : analyzing the image, extracting the content of the identifier and remotely inputting the extracteddata into the user interface of the secondary handling station (MES) .

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the goods (4) are transported using sorting technologies such as conveyor belts and / or tilt trays and / or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) .

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is executed remotely for more than one good (4) of more than one secondary handling station and / or more than one handling system (HS) .

8. A handling system for sorting goods, comprising:- a primary processing line and a secondary processing line;- a secondary handling station with an imaging device such as a camera and / or a scanner and a user interface of the secondary handling station (MES) ;- a database for mapping identifier tags with sorting criteria;- an optical character recognition (OCR) system for extracting identifier contents from images captured by the imaging device ;- a robotic process automation (RPA) system for extracting and inputting the extracted contents to the user interface of the secondary handling station;- a routing mechanism for rerouting goods (4) based on their extracted sorting criteria.

9. The handling system of claim 8, characterized in thatthe handling system is configured to carry out the method ac- cording to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The handling system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that- the good (4) is a baggage item or a cargo item;- the handling system is a baggage handling system (BHS) or a cargo handling system (CHS) ;- the identifier tag is a baggage tag or a shipment identifier, e.g. an air waybill or a cargo label;- the secondary handling station is a manual encoding station (MES) .

11. The handling system according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the routing mechanism is configured to automatically divert goods (4) to different transport paths based on their extracted sorting criteria.

12. The handling system according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the user interface of the secondary handling station (MES) is a workstation and configured to interface with the handling system (HS) and with an additional workstation (WS) at a location different than the secondary handling station (MES) .

13. The handling system according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the primary and secondary processing line comprise sorting technologies such as conveyor belts and / or tilt trays and / or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) .

14. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a handling system to perform the steps of:- transporting goods (4) on a primary processing line (10) and attempting to extract identifiers from identifier tags;- diverting goods (4) to a secondary processing line (12) if the extraction attempt is unsuccessful;- capturing images of the goods (4) at a secondary handling station (MES) using an imaging device (2) such as a camera and / or a scanner;- utilizing optical character recognition (OCR) to read the contents of the identifier tags from the images;- employing robotic process automation (RPA) to extract and input the identifier contents to a user interface of the secondary handling station (MES) ;- transmitting the extracted identifier contents to the handling system (HS) ;- mapping the extracted contents within the handling system's database (HS-DB) ;- rerouting the goods (4) based on their extracted sorting criteria .

15. The computer program product of claim 14, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, when executed by a processor of a handling system (HS) according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

Images