Distribution centers in today's era face significant challenges, and one of the most complex is operating with greater precision, speed, and efficiency. To achieve this, distribution center automation becomes a key strategic necessity. Within this context, picking technologies play a fundamental role by optimizing one of the most critical processes: order preparation.
Below, we share three picking technologies that are revolutionizing the operation of modern distribution centers: Pick to Light, Pick to Voice, and Pick to Cart. All of these solutions significantly increase productivity compared to manual processes, reducing errors and improving traceability in the supply chain, while optimizing employee operations. Let's talk about their advantages!
What challenges do distribution centers that lack picking technologies face?
Inefficiency in managing a distribution center without automation, or in any intralogistics process, directly affects inventory and can lead to challenges, such as poor product traceability in high-flow operations. This makes real-time inventory control and precise product location difficult, which can cause delays and bottlenecks.
The lack of modern technologies such as picking reflects limited operational efficiency, compromising the company's productivity and quality.
As a result of the rise of e-commerce, order preparation is becoming especially vulnerable to human error due to the high demand for product handling. Repetitive picking tasks lead to high staff turnover in companies, as operator tasks become monotonous and boring.
You might be interested in: Are you looking for precision in the picking process?
Retail Store Automation: Pick to Light, Pick to Voice, and Pick to Cart
When looking to transform and increase the operational efficiency demanded by markets, Picking Technologies in Retail Stores are the best ally.
1. Pick to Light: This solution is synonymous with speed and visual precision, as the Pick to Light system intelligently uses indicator lights placed on shelves or storage locations to guide the operator to the correct product. Once the operator stands in front of the guided order picking system, it displays the quantity of that SKU to be picked, and the operator confirms the action by pressing a button.
Key Advantages:
• Increases picking speed by reducing search time.
• Achieves greater efficiency in high-volume, high-turnover operations.
• Minimizes errors by visually guiding the operator.
2. Pick to Voice: This is a voice-guided picking technology that allows the operator to receive instructions through a headset connected to a management system. This allows the operator to respond with voice commands, keeping their hands and eyes free throughout the process. Its implementation improves productivity and enables rapid training of new operators.
Key Advantages:
• Provides greater ergonomics and safety for the operator.
• Reduces errors due to visual or written misinterpretations.
• It is especially useful in cold environments with limited lighting.
Why is the Pick to Voice system ideal for the food and beverage industry?
3. Pick to Cart: Pick to Cart combines mobility and technology by integrating picking carts equipped with screens, barcode readers, and, in some cases, zone-based location systems. These systems allow for the simultaneous preparation of multiple orders in optimized routes. Their flexibility makes them an excellent solution for wave or batch picking processes.
Key Advantages:
• Reduces unnecessary travel.
• Improves workflow in multi-order operations.
• Facilitates integration with WMS for dynamic routing.
Automating your retail center starts with a smart investment in picking technologies.
Picking can represent more than 50% of a retail center's operating costs. Therefore, investing in advanced picking technologies optimizes efficiency and directly boosts profitability, scalability, and end-customer satisfaction.
Having a well-defined picking strategy aligned with key variables such as the type and volume of SKUs, their turnover, and the physical characteristics of the retail center is essential to maximizing operational productivity. Contact our advisors and assess your requirements!
