Put to Light and Pick to Light are operator assistance systems used in logistics processes, particularly for picking and distribution tasks in warehouses. They use visual signals, such as LED lights, to guide operators to the correct product locations, enabling a fast, accurate, and efficient workflow.
Differences:
- Pick to Light: Lights are activated at the locations of products that need to be picked. The operator follows the illuminated signals to collect items from the correct shelves.
- Put to Light: Lights indicate where products should be placed after being picked or received, which is useful for sorting and distributing items within the warehouse.
Advantages of Put to Light and Pick to Light systems:
Implementing these systems offers several benefits:
- Accuracy: Reduce human errors by visually guiding operators to the correct locations, ensuring the right products are picked or placed.
- Efficiency: Speed up picking and distribution processes by eliminating manual searching for items.
- Ease of use: Intuitive systems reduce training time and increase staff productivity.
- Flexibility: Adaptable to different warehouse configurations and usable across multiple industries, from retail to automotive.
How they work:
Both systems operate through LED lights installed on shelves or storage locations. They are connected to a Warehouse Management System (WMS) that, based on work orders, activates the lights at the appropriate locations. Operators follow the light signals to pick or place items, confirming the operation via buttons or touch screens.
Applications in industry:
- Retail: Fast and accurate preparation of online orders.
- Automotive: Managing parts and components during vehicle assembly.
- Food & Beverage: Handling perishable products where speed and accuracy are critical.
Integration with other systems:
These systems can integrate with RFID and ERP systems to improve inventory tracking and management. They can also work alongside AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) to further automate the picking and distribution process.
Conclusion:
Put to Light and Pick to Light systems are effective solutions for improving accuracy and efficiency in warehouse picking and distribution operations. They are essential tools for any company seeking to optimize logistics processes and remain competitive in a demanding industrial environment.
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