2019 BUYER‘S GUIDE TO PICK-TO-LIGHT - MHI10 devices and 1 Turbo (router) to test the system out in...
Transcript of 2019 BUYER‘S GUIDE TO PICK-TO-LIGHT - MHI10 devices and 1 Turbo (router) to test the system out in...
Pick-to-light and put-to-light are popular order-picking technologies which have undergone significant
changes in recent years. Red and green light bars, hard-wired into inventory racks, have evolved into a
system of wireless Internet of Things (IoT) devices that can be used in all sorts of new ways!
2019 BUYER‘S GUIDE TO PICK-TO-LIGHTKeep up with the latest in order-picking technology
By Voodoo Robotics
CONTENT1 What is Pick-to-Light?
Order fulfillment technologies increase the speed and accuracy of picking putting.
2 Types of Pick-to-Light SystemsThere are two types of pick-to-light systems: traditional and modern.
3 Advantages of Light-Directed Picking and PuttingPick-to-light technology improves accuracy and speed while reducing errors.
4 Pick-to-Light CostModern pick-to-light systems are more affordable than traditional systems.
5 Purchase & Implementation ProcessThe implementation and installation process differs for modern vs tratitional pick-to-light systems.
5 Industries & Facilities using Pick-to-Light TechnologyAny operation or business with a warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing facility can benefit from pick-to-light.
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2019 Buyer‘s Guide to Pick-to-Light
Pick-to-Light vs Put-to-Light
What Is Pick-to-Light?Overview
Pick-to-light and put-to-light are popular
order-picking technologies which have undergone
significant changes in recent years. Red and green
light bars, hard-wired into inventory racks, have
evolved into a system of wireless Internet of Things
(IoT) devices that can be used in all sorts of new
ways!
Let’s quickly review the basics of put-to-light.Let’s quickly review the basics of put-to-light.
Pick-to-lightPick-to-light and put-to-light are light-directed order
fulfillment technologies that increase the speed and
accuracy of picking putting, sorting, or kitting items
in a warehouse, distribution center or
manufacturing facility. Light modules are installed
on racks, shelves, bins, or totes. When a pick-list is
initiated, a light indicates how many of each item
shouldshould be picked from or placed in a specific
location.
Pick-by-light and put-to-light are similar processes
that use the same hardware. In a pick-by-light
scenario, the light indicates how many items should
be picked.
Conversely,Conversely, in a put-to-light scenario, the light
indicates where the already-picked item should be
placed. Put-lights are oen used on picking carts or
for order sortation in a put wall.
Let’s talk about why picking accuracy is important.
Cost-Savings:Cost-Savings: Certainly, your costs will be
different , but the average picking error costs
$22, which can mean an average annual loss of
$390,000 for the typical business!
Customer Satisfaction: Picking errors reduce
customer satisfaction and may even drive
customers to your competitors.
TheThe key is balancing picking accuracy with speed.
Shipping more orders, in less time, with fewer errors
will boost productivity and customer retention.
Why is Picking Accuracy Important?
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Types of Pick-to-Light SystemsPick-by-light and Put-to-light technology has been around for more than 35 years but has changed very little - until
recently. The Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technologies are transforming the supply chain industry and having a
dramatic impact on order fulfillment technology.
The most popular traditional put-to-light systems
are:
• Honeywell Intelligrated
• Lightning Pick
• Bastian Solutions
• Dematic
IfIf you have an extremely fast-moving line, this is
the system for you! A system integrator can help you
combine the right hardware, soware, and
technology.
The downside of traditional pick-to-light are the
enormous expense, long lead times, complicated
installations and hardware that is retired frequently.
ForFor the last 35 years, traditional pick-to-light has
been the only light-directed picking option, but
thanks to the Internet-of-Things, pick-to-light
technology has evolved.
Traditional Systems
There are two types of pick-to-light systems:
traditional and modern. Traditional systems are the
typical red and green light bars that are hard-wired
to your racks. Modern systems are wireless
cloud-connected devices that can be easily installed
and relocated as needed.
Here's a look at both systems in detail.
Let’sLet’s look at the most familiar technology – the one
that’s been around for 35 years:
Traditional pick-by-light an put-to-light has a long
history of increased productivity. It is familiar,
comfortable, and proven. These systems are ideal
for fast-moving lines where milliseconds count.
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Devices can be easily relocated and even used for
non-picking operation such as kitting, quarantine,
service tracking, digital signage and anywhere
custom messaging is required.
Cloud Display Device Features:
• Wireless
• Two lines of custom text
• Lights up, flashes, and/or plays a custom tune• Lights up, flashes, and/or plays a custom tune
• Stores background data and can light up or
flash with instructions
• Hardware as a Service (HaaS)
• Simple URL integration
Let’s look at the individual features in greater detail.
In the last five to ten years, the Internet-of-Things
(IoT) and the Industrial-Internet-of-Things (IIoT) has
exploded into every sector and industry,
transforming the way we live and work, and do
business. This is even true in the supply chain sector,
where IoT and IIoT are revolutionizing operations
throughout the warehouse - not just for picking and
putting inventory.putting inventory.
Voodoo Robotics, a leading innovator in order
fulfillment solutions, is revolutionizing picking
automation with wireless IoT Cloud Display Devices.
A simple URL, like what you use in your web browser,
causes the associated device to light up or flash with
two lines of custom text in almost any language. The
wireless devices can be attached to racks, carts,
totes,totes, bins or almost anywhere you need. The
devices run on two AA batteries that can last for
years, depending on usage.
Modern Pick-to-Light Systems
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Companies needed a large number of devices may
prefer to purchase rather than lease.
AA simple URL, like what you type into your a browser,
causes the device to light up with two lines of
custom text. This same URL makes the devices
simple to integrate with your ERP or WMS soware.
It is so simple, you can even use it with Google
Sheets or Excel.
Cloud Display Devices can be used in several ways:
• Picking carts• Picking carts
• Pick-by-light
• Put-by-light
• Kitting & Sequencing
• Quarantine
• Will-Call
Devices can be attached to racks, carts, totes, bins,
forklis, bay doors, or almost anywhere using
industrial outdoor double-sided tape, zip ties,
screws, etc.
TheThe device's two AA batteries can last for years -
depending on usage. In fact, you can even estimate
the battery life by adjusting the display brightness
and duration (and flashing ability).
Devices can be relocated as needed and even used
for non-picking operations.
DevicesDevices display two lines of custom text in most
languages. Each line holds 16 characters with
additional text scrolling.
Devices can either light up and remain lit or flash for
a set period of time. They can also play a custom
tune.
Two-line Text Display
Simple URL Integration
Expanded Uses
Hardware as a Service (Haas)
Light‘s Up, Flashes and/or Plays a Custom Tune
Wireless
Cloud Display Devices help your pickers/kitters find
the right inventory quickly, increasing pick rates and
accuracy while reducing errors. Increased efficiency
and productivity give you the ability to grow your
business using the same number of employees and
without changing your supply chain process.
There’s no risk and no long-term commitment.
Voodoo Robotics' leased-model allows you to scale
up, utilizing more lights when demand is high and
scale back down during the slow season. Lease only
the lights you need with no contract and zero risk.
This leased-based model also allows you to move
your expense from capital expenditures (CAPEX) to
operating expenditures (OPEX).
The largest cost driver in a warehouse/distribution center is finding things.
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ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES OFVOODOO ROBOTICS‘ PICK-TO-LIGHT
A simple URL causes the Cloud Display Devices to
light up with any two lines of text and also allows for
simple integration with any modern WMS/ERP.
WirelessWireless devices can be moved and reconfigured
easily. They light up, displaying any two lines of text
and can be used for picking-by-light, put-to-light,
order sortation, batch picking, picking carts, flow
racks, put-walls, quarantine, kitting, and more!
Sixteen character alphanumeric display tells the
picker exactly which item needs to me picked or
placed by SKU, description, color, or other
information.
HardwareHardware as a service allows you to shi from
Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) to operational
Expenditure (OPEX).
Lease precisely the number of lights required each
month – permitting both upward and downward
scalability in your fulfillment operation.
NOTE: Some customer prefer to purchase devices.
Two-Line Text Display Simple Integration with Any Modern WMS/ERP
Simple Integration with Any Modern WMS/ERP
CAPEX vs OPEX
Upward and Downward Scalability
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Voodoo Robotics’ new wireless IoT Cloud Display
Devices, which can be used for light-directed picking
and putting among other things, are affordable for
both small and large operations.
How much does this new smart technology cost?
VoodooVoodoo Robotics leases the devices for $5 dollars per
month. You can even lease a starter kit with 10
devices and 1 Turbo (router) to test the system out in
your facility.
Companies needing a large number of devices may
prefer to purchase rather than lease the devices.
Voodoo Robotics leases the devices for $5 dollars per month. You can even lease a starter kit with
10 devices and 1 Turbo (router) to test the system out in your facility.
Traditional Put-to-light system can cost hundreds of
thousands of dollars, in hardware, soware,
integration, and maintenance fees. Newer, IoT
picking and putting systems are substantially
cheaper, leasing for $5 dollars per month per light
module. Newer systems don’t require lengthy
service contracts or extensive integration.
AccordingAccording to TranSystem’s Rules of Thumb for
Warehouse and Distribution Centers, a traditional
pick-by-light system is broken down as follows:
Soware $100,000
Hardware: $100 to $150 per display
TheseThese are 2010 statistics, but prices typically double
every seven years. At the same time, technology
tends to become less expensive over time.
Put-to-Light System Cost08PAGE
2019 Buyer‘s Guide to Pick-by-light
Light-directed picking lowers the learning curve and
training time for new employees.
Optimize batch and cluster picking by accurately
and efficiently picking multiple orders in one pass
through the warehouse.
Fill more orders in less time with fewer resources.
MeasureMeasure and track order fulfillment KPIs for a
continuous process improvement.
Shipping the right product in a timely manner results
in increased customer service.
Put-to-light systems increase pick productivity,
improve accuracy, reduce order cycle times,
optimize batch and cluster picking, increase
customer satisfaction, and enable the tracking of
key performance indicators (KPIs) for continuous
process improvement. Newer, wireless IoT picking
systems, such as Voodoo Robotics' Cloud Display
DeDevices, have additional advantages.
Order pickers find inventory much faster with a light
(and sound) to direct them toward products on their
pick list.
Pickers get the correct item on their pick list and
place it in the correct location, thereby increasing
picking accuracy and avoiding costly picking errors.
Advantages of Light-Directed Picking
Increased Pick Productivity
Improved Accuracy
Reduced Employee Training Time
Optimized Batch and Cluster Picking
Reduced Order Cycle Times
Increased Customer Service
Tracking Picking Key PerformanceIndicators (KPIs)
Advantages of Pick-to-Light
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Sometimes the selection of hardware may be limited
by those that:
• Are compatible with your WMS, ERP or other
inventory management system
• Pay the system integrator the highest
commission
• From your company’s “approved vendor” list
DesigningDesigning a new warehouse or DC can be an arduous
and lengthy process involving multiple ROI
evaluations and budgeting compromises. Even
adding traditional pick-to-light or put-to-light to an
already-functioning operation can involve months of
planning, installation, and integration before you
are up and running.
Picking and putting technologies are usually
purchased in one of two ways: through a system
integrator or directly from the manufacturer.
AA systems integrator is a person or company that
assists companies in selecting and installing
hardware and soware. In the supply chain, a
systems integrator may work with warehouse and
operations managers to design or update both new
and legacy warehouses, distribution centers, or
manufacturing facilities.
TTraditional put-to-light and pick-to-light systems
are usually a single line-item among a long list
racks, conveyors, and other equipment needed for a
new warehouse or distribution center (DC).
Purchasing Process
Systems Integrator
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Voodoo Robotics offers a different experience.
Cloud Display Devices can be leased through a
SKU-Rep or you can do it yourself. Really! The Cloud
Display Devices were designed to be easy to set-up
and integrate with any modern WMS/ERP. We even
provide code samples to get you started.
OrderOrder a starter kit of 10 devices and one turbo and
you can be up and running in a couple of hours.
Then, once you have the devices working the way
you like, you can order more devices and integrate
the system with your ERP or WMS. Or, if you don’t
have an inventory management soware, just use
Google Sheets, Excel or SKU-Keeper.
IfIf it doesn’t work for you, just send them back!
There’s no contract and no risk. You won't be stuck
with a solution that doesn’t meet your needs.
Companies needing a large number of lights may
prefer to purchase rather than lease.
Leasing Directly From Voodoo Robotics
If it doesn’t work for you, just send them back!
There’s no contract and no risk. You won't be
stuck with a solution that doesn’t meet your
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Integration between your picking system and
warehouse management system (WMS) , enterprise
resource planning (ERP) or other business soware
can be expensive, requiring specialized
programming skills and extensive testing.
Sometimes, your choice of picking systems is limited
by the ability to integrate with your current business
soware.soware.
Smaller companies that utilize spreadsheets are
unable to compete with the improved accuracy and
pick rates associated with put-to-light systems –
unless they can also afford to purchase soware and
adjust their order fulfillment process to
accommodate both put-by-light and the new
soware.
OnceOnce the tradition put-by-light system has been
installed, integrated, and tested, it is time to train
your employees and take the system live! Most
systems report up to 99.9% order accuracy rates as
well as significantly faster picking speeds.
Traditional put-to-light systems take several
months to implement. The implementation
process can be broken into four steps:
• Preparation
• Installation
• Integration
•• Production
Pickers get the correct item on their pick list and
place it in the correct location, thereby increasing
picking accuracy and avoiding costly picking errors.
TThe installation will be scheduled – hopefully not
too far into the future. Skilled labor and
experienced oversight are required, sometimes
pushing installation times further into the future
than you would like.
TTraditional pick-by-light hardware is hard-wired
into racks over a few days, weeks or months – oen
requiring a disruption to your day-to-day operation.
Once in place, the lights are semi-permanent and
you are committed to the inventory storage
locations and sizes - even as your business evolves.
Relocation is possible but requires an additional
exexpense and disruption of your operation.
Implementation Process
Preparation
Installation
IntegrationImplementing Traditional Pick-to-Light
Production
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Because a simple URL causes the Cloud Display
Devices to light up with any two lines of custom text,
integration with any modern WMS or ERP is simple.
You can be up and running in a matter of hours. If
you need a closed-loop system, it might take a bit
longer – maybe a few days. We provide code
samples to get you started.
BecauseBecause a simple URL causes the Cloud Display
Devices to light up with any two lines of custom text,
integration with any modern WMS or ERP is simple.
You can be up and running in a matter of hours. If
you need a closed-loop system, it might take a bit
longer – maybe a few days. We provide code
samples to get you started.
Cloud Display Devices are wireless and can be
attached to racks, totes, bins, carts, or almost
anywhere, allowing you to:
• Relocate inventory to make it easier for
pickers to pick the most frequently ordered
items
•• Change location sizes to accommodate
changing inventory needs
• Attach lights to totes, bins, or boxes that that
travel throughout your warehouse or
distribution center
Attach lights to your current picking carts
DevicesDevices can be attached using double-sided
industrial tape, zip ties, screws, bolts or whatever
works in your situation.
(Continued)Implementation Process
Wireless Hardware Installation Soware Integration
Implementing Voodoo Robotics‘ Pick-to-Light
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INDUSTRIES AND FACILITIESUSING PICK-TO-LIGHT
* Manufacturing
* Retail
* Pharmaceutical
* Food and Grocery
* Electronics
* Cosmetics and Beauty
* Supplements* Supplements
* E-Commerce
* Liquor
* Batteries
* And More
Any warehouse or distribution center can benefit
from pick-by-light or put-to-light technology -
especially the new wireless IoT technology that is
more flexible and can be used throughout the
warehouse - wherever custom messaging is needed.
* Warehouse
* Distribution center* Distribution center
* Order Fulfillment
* Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
* Exporters
* Wholesalers
• E-commerce Stores
Facilities Using Put-to-Light Industries Use Pick-to-Light Technology:
14PAGE 2019 Buyer‘s Guide to Pick-to-Light
By Voodoo Robotics
2019 Buyer’s GuideTo PICK-to-Light
Phone: 972-914-8758
E-Mail: [email protected]
Address: 6170 Research Road
Frisco, TX 75033
Website: voodoorobotics.com
About Voodoo Robotics
Voodoo Robotics, the leading innovator in picking
warehouse automation, provides cost-effective
technology for warehouse inventory management
and order fulfillment solutions. With engineering
and robotic expertise, the Texas-based pioneer
brings the next wave of state-of-the-art
automation to material handling industries.
VoodooVoodoo offers a unique lease-based Pick-to-Light
system designed to modernize warehouse
operations by leveraging the latest IIoT (Industrial
Internet-of-Things) technology. The picking
hardware integrates effortlessly with existing WMS
(Warehouse Management Systems), or ERP
(Enterprise Resource Planning) systems allowing
distributiondistribution centers, warehouses, and 3PLs
(third-party logistics) to scale operations, only
paying for the lights needed each month. This
revolutionary approach to leasing Pick-to-Light
devices on a month-to-month, pay-as-you-go basis
avoids long-term commitments and costly
up-front fees.
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