Picking Solutions to Meet Today’s Growing Challenges
Accuracy and speed are the name of the game when it comes to picking or putting. Voice and light-directed order fulfillment systems direct operators to assigned 
locations, instructing them where to pick or put products in your warehouse or distribution center. Using the same technology, pick-to-light and put-to-light picking solutions provide operators with an easy, fast, and efficient approach to handling a large number of SKUs and fluctuating volume compared to other complex and costly automated fulfillment methods.
Benefits of Light-Directed Order Fulfillment System
- Enhanced picking efficiency
- Reduced error rates & labor
- Improved inventory accuracy
- Quick & easy process to learn
- Paperless
- Integrates with existing WMS
Pick-to-Light System
Compared to manual methods or a paper-based system, a pick-to-light system increases pick rates at twice the speed of a paper pick
system and reduces the error rate by more than 85%. Lights visually indicate item locations and quantities required. Operators simply press a button to acknowledge each transaction. The system is flexible to be reconfigured for changes in demand, and the software captures data in real-time with a warehouse management system (WMS). Pick-to-light systems are normally complemented with barcode technology. A barcode carrying the order processing information is read, and that activity will energize the lights and displays in that pick zone. Download more information on CAPS pick-to-light system.
Put-to-Light System
A put-to-light system is visual so operators can quickly be trained to scan and sort or put items into the appropriate location, yielding faster replenishment rates and increased order accuracy. Particularly useful for splitting larger quantities of product across several containers for individual stores or eCommerce order fulfillment, put-to-light requires less floor space and minimizes travel time for operators. The impact on productivity yields increased throughput and improved operational costs. Download more information on CAPS put-to-light system.
Voice Technology
Voice-directed order picking allows workers to receive picking instructions and provide confirmation verbally, using a headset with a microphone, speech recognition software and wireless technology. Productivity improvements between 10-20% and accuracy up to 99.9% are often achieved with this paperless picking technology. Training time for new operators is reduced with voice technology by as much as half, and fewer accidents occur due to hands-free and eyes-free picking. Voice-directed picking technology also operates in extreme temperatures and is ideal for cold storage environments that require operators to wear gloves and make it difficult to handle paper.
Voice Goes Beyond Picking and Fulfillment
Voice-directed systems are now being applied to other processes in a warehouse, including receiving and putaway, cycle counting, or packing and shipping stations. Thanks to eCommerce, voice technology also is making its way to retail store stockrooms and store-based fulfillment areas. Companies must keep an open mind about how voice can enhance multiple processes within their operation, not just picking anymore.
What is the Right Picking Solution for you?
Contact us for a complimentary assessment of your current order fulfillment process today and we’ll help you determine which order picking technology or combination will optimize your application.
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