Pick-to-light technology: Lightening the load

As recently as 15 years ago, when pick-to-light systems were gaining wider acceptance, a common application might include some 20,000 light modules spread throughout a warehouse. Such systems were only affordable for Fortune 100 companies and large catalogers, who installed modules without regard for walking distances and pick velocities.

In the past half-dozen years or so,however, warehouse managers have gained a better grasp on light-directed picking technology. Improvements in the hardware—coupled with a better understanding of how an installation of as few as 300 units can make a dramatic difference in picking efficiency and accuracy—have made pick-to-light systems accessible to considerably smaller facilities.

“When it was a brand new technology, pick to light was applied improperly by being applied to everything. No matter whether it was a fast-mover, slow-mover or medium-mover—it was applied to every-mover,” recalls Colman Roche, vice president of sales for KardexRemstar (800-639-5805, www.kardexremstar.com). “Now, users are analyzing their inventory and requirements to determine the most appropriate use of pick to light for their application.”