Picking and Putting Systems

Picking systems provide very smooth and efficient operations if implemented correctly.  GRSI integrates picking systems with its FastTrak OMS batch and wave and dynamic slotting systems to improve picking processes.  Orders can be batched based on many factors including packaging type, quantity of items per order, final destination, size, and others.  Slotting organizes items by calculating optimal and convenient picking scenarios based order statistics, item velocity, and other user-defined criteria.  The result reduces aisle congestion and “walk-labor”, which allows client’s to have fewer, more efficient pickers.  The solution creates an efficient picking environment with faster fulfillment cycle times.  GRSI’s extensive experience provides integration of any picking equipment from any manufacturer:

• Pick/put-to-light
• Paper
• Voice
• Carousel
• Bar code
• AS/RS
• VLM
• Automated guided vehicles (AGV)
• Robots

Example System:

A pick-to-light system starts with a tilted flow rack with any desired number of outward facing SKUs outfitted with a pick display next to each SKU.  Each display lights up one at a time to show the necessary quantity of the specific SKU necessary.  On the other side of the flow rack is a packing station.  Packing stations have a specific number of bays that can be tailored based on user specifications.  Above each bay is a put display that lights up and shows the appropriate number of each picked item to place into carton, tote, or container.  Behind the packing station is an outbound conveyor that conveys completed orders to shipping.     

Pick and put combination (PPTL): 

• Empty cartons are placed at each of 10 bays
• Each carton has a pre-printed tracking bar code that is  scanned to associate each carton with an order
• Pack-lists are automatically printed and then inserted into each carton by the operator
• A pick display lights up for a specific SKU and displays the total quantity needed for all 10 orders
• The operator picks the required number of the SKU and presses a confirmation button on the pick display when finished
• The put display shows above each carton the quantity of the just picked SKU necessary for each order
• The operator divides the just picked SKU between the 10 cartons according to the put display
• When finished, the operator presses a confirmation button on the put display and returns to the flow rack to start over
• The operator retrieves SKUs one at a time from the flow rack using the pick display and divides them among the cartons using the put display until every SKU in all 10 orders is processed
• As orders in the group of 10 have all necessary SKUs, they are pushed onto an outbound conveyor for shipping
• When all 10 orders are completed, the operator begins another set of 10