Warehouse Picking System with Touch Devices

SolidPick Touch is an operator prompted order picking system used to streamline the order fulfillment process. SolidPick Touch saves time and labor by automating the item selection process and providing automated feedback via CASI Core picking interface or SolidSuite 2010 web based applications using .Net techology.

The device used is an off the shelf low cost device with many advantages such as WiFi used to interface our web based applications to drive real time picking waves. One single device can point to several pick locations by illuminating the direction or pointing to the carton or bin the item is to be picked from. The simplicity of the design reduces cost by eliminating costly typical pick to light hardware and controls. By using a wireless device, mobility, changes in operation, pick locations, etc. becomes a complete non-issue as opposed to fixed mounted lights and wiring used in pick-to-light applications.

Warehouse Picking Using SolidPick Touch

Touch pickingt may be associated with a small number of SKUs that have a large amount of picks per SKU, although it can be used in large sized installations with a large SKU count.Touch picking is typically used in product areas with a medium to high turnover, and may be combined with radio frequency (RF) systems in order to cover areas with lower turnover.

Typical screen for a "confirm item" that the operator would see once a pick is made.

SolidPick Touch utilizes the standard SolidPick interface to drive the picking routines as well as SolidComm data management module as a versatile single point interface into legacy applications such as WMS, ERP and existing conveyor controls. Unlike many typical pick to light and WMS products, SolidPick is designed to integrate seamlessly with conveyor automation as well as labeling, and sortation.

Touch Picking Applications

Depending on how orders are packed or consolidated, pick to light operations vary.

Touch Picking > Pick to Belt > Sort to Pack

Order picking to belt is described as each item on multiple orders are placed on a belt and then sorted to pack stations in large batches or waves. Lights on the pick module display to workers the item and quantity to pick. The items are then conveyed, scanned, and sorted to pack stations. This process may also apply to dispensing (machine picking) and voice or RF picking. It allows operators to pick in high volumes, sort items to pack stations, and streamline the entire process without paper. See a case study of sort to pack.

Touch Picking > Pick to Carton or Tote

CASI also utilizes touch picking processes in pick to carton or pick to tote processes.

This pick method generally begins with reading a barcode on the carton (or tote). This activates the digital display corresponding to the articles to be picked. The display lights up, showing the amount to pick from each location. The worker confirms picking operations by pressing the display confirm button. Although the process itself is typically very similar for each pick, the system may be structured in various ways depending on the number of product references and the layout of the warehouse. CASI understands that different picking systems have different criteria, so we adapt every system to fit each customer’s unique requirements.

The choice of the 'pick to' method will depend on customer needs, SKU mix, facility footprint, space limitations, etc.

Put to Touch

Just as touch methods can be used for picking, put to light refers to "putting" items into cartons or totes in batches. A picking cart with several boxes or totes will indicate where to put each item as it is picked or in a consoliation/pack station there may be a series of open cartons with associated lights to indicate picked items placement.

Interfacing Touch Pick Technology

CASI can use existing WMS picking routines with pick to touch as well as integrating SolidPick to the system. SolidPick allows CASI to assist in flow or complete redesign of the picking routine as needed to address specific needs in your environment and unique business rules. Order picking without a system in place can be quite cumbersome in terms of efficiency and indirect cost. As much as 60% of picking time is related to travel; whether it is walking or using a forklift to pick orders. Light picking is one method of reducing wasted travel time and in taking advantage of a hands free operation.

Implementation and training are usually quick. Adjusting for peak seasonality is accomplished by purchasing a few extra terminals; which is far cheaper than employees or temporary workers.

Light picking systems from CASI are designed to meet customer requirements for high performance, modularity, reliability and flexibility.

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