A warehouse is a bustling supply hub that acts like a storehouse of goods for the industries. It’s the place from where all the products are stored and transported for order fulfillment. But isn’t this process quite exhausting and confusing?
To help you out, there are some processes, such as “Pick by Light” and ” Put to Light,” which play a pivotal role in improving efficiency and accuracy in the order fulfillment process. But what do both of these processes exactly mean? How do they differ from each other? Let’s explore!
What Is a Pick by Light System?
The “Pick by Light” system, also known as “Pick by Light,” involves installing unique alphanumeric displays and buttons at various parts of the warehouse, thus guiding pickers and making manual picking easier. Also known as light-directed picking, this order fulfillment technology has illuminated LEDs that not just guide the pickers to the right storage location but also have the required order quantity mentioned.
These are simple yet effective and robust processes used in a variety of industries, namely, retail, subscription, automotive, manufacturing, order fulfillment, etc. Although it increases the efficiency and productivity of the workers by reducing their walk time, it’s mostly used alongside zone picking.
How Does a Pick by Light System Differ from a Put to Light System?
We’ve already explored what a pick by light system is. To better understand how it differs from a put to light system, let’s first understand the latter in brief.
A put to light system is often considered the reverse of a pick by light system, which uses the same technology of illuminated LEDs to direct pickers to arrange the products in their appropriate storage locations. It’s basically used for sorting or stocking goods within a warehouse.
Now, how do these above-mentioned systems differ? You must have realized that the basic difference between them is that a pick by light system is used for order picking, whereas a put to light system is used for organizing and stocking goods.
Pick by Light is a system designed for scenarios where the number of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) remains constant while the number of orders to be fulfilled can vary infinitely. Additionally, it is also well-suited for situations where the number of orders to be processed remains fixed, but the quantity of individual products to be picked can be variable and limitless. This versatility allows the pick by light system to effectively handle assorting different kinds of products with efficiency and accuracy.
How Does a Pick by Light System Work?
Have you wondered how the pick by light system works? Well, we are here to explain it in a simplified way.
Firstly, the entire warehouse is divided into some zones with illuminated directional devices installed in each one of them. Firstly, the picker has to reach the stock location, wherein he has to scan a barcode. On scanning the barcode, the system will automatically indicate the item which the picker has to collect.
The picker collects the orders and confirms the action by pressing a button. Then, the system will automatically update the picker about the next location. Throughout the entire process, the main aim is to ensure that the picker picks the items accurately and efficiently.
Benefits of a Pick by Light System
We’ve discussed a lot about the complex pick by light system. But what benefits does it bring to the table? Let’s explore the benefits of a pick by light system.
1. Easy to Use
The inherent user-friendliness of the pick by light system is important in streamlining order fulfillment processes. It’s an easy-to-use system wherein the lights and displays are strategically placed to facilitate and guide the pickers through the picking process. The use of visual aid also eliminates the need for complex training or extensive prior knowledge of the warehouse layout.
2. Paperless
The traditional order-picking methods generally involve printed pick tickets and paper lists. This is not just time-consuming but also increases the chances of human errors. However, with a pick by light system, the entire process is digitized, which removes the need for traditional methods. Thus, this is a paperless method.
3. Improved Efficiency
A Pick by Light system streamlines the order fulfillment process by guiding warehouse operators directly to the correct items through visual cues, such as lights or displays, at the pick locations. This eliminates the need for time-consuming searches and minimizes the risk of errors.
With faster and more accurate picking, the overall efficiency of the warehouse operations significantly increases, leading to a smoother workflow and quicker order processing times. This not only boosts productivity but also enhances customer satisfaction due to reduced delivery times and timely order fulfillment.
4. Improved Accuracy
The visual indicators directly guide the pickers to the appropriate storage location, thus instructing them on the right item to be picked in the appropriate quantity. This reduces the chances of human errors.
5. Reduced Labour Costs
The pick by light system is an easy and straightforward process that reduces the need for extensive training and experience for order pickers for new employees. Additionally, the system optimizes the picking routes, minimizing unnecessary movements and saving time, which in turn reduces the number of staff required to fulfill orders. Thus, it streamlines the entire process, thus reducing labor costs.
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FAQs: Pick by Light
1. What is a Pick By Light system?
The “Pick by Light” system, also known as “Pick by Light,” involves installing unique alphanumeric displays and buttons at various parts of the warehouse, thus guiding pickers and making manual picking easier.
2. What is a Put To Light system?
A put to light system is often considered the reverse of a pick by light system, which uses the same technology of illuminated LEDs to direct pickers to arrange the products in their appropriate storage locations.
3. How does a Pick By Light system differ from a Put To Light system?
The basic difference between the two is that a pick by light system is used for order picking, whereas a put to light system is used for organizing and stocking goods.
4. How does a Pick By Light system work?
A Pick by Light system uses lights or displays at storage locations to guide operators in the picking process, indicating the items to be picked and the quantity required.
5. List the benefits of a Pick By Light system.
A Pick by the Light system is paperless and easy to use and comes along with many benefits, such as improved accuracy, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and reduced labor costs.
Wrapping Up
Light-directed order picking processes such as pick by light and put to light are innovative technologies designed to enhance order-picking processes in warehouses and distribution centers. While they share similarities in their use of visual cues to guide operators, they differ in their primary functions and application.
Besides the two processes we’ve explored, there are other advanced processes that you may go for, such as voice-directed picking. Before choosing the best one for your business needs, make sure to consult with experts.
If you still feel stuck or want to start exploring any of these amazing technologies, contact us at QodeNEXT now! We are here to help you make the best choice to manage your fleet and optimize your process!
