The PTL solution is usually employed for order assortment, product consolidation, tracking, traceability, kitting, product assembly, replenishment, packaging, validation, and slotting, among others.
The versatility of combining software and hardware to main certain parts of the processes visible within the manufacturing plant or distribution center generates multiple advantages for the operation. For instance, it provides realtime information by completing the central picking activity, establishing lines of orders to be fulfilled, and classifying them according to priority, reporting progress in units or boxes, closing processes once completed, facilitating quality control (whether individually, randomly, by batch, or by weight); among others.
It is usually required for Pick to Light, Pack to Light, and Put to Light applications. The following is a further review of the advantages of working with these tools:
Pick to Light, Pick Cart
The picking area usually contains a great variety of SKUs, which may be handled on a box or item level. Item assortment is usually greatly benefited with the implementation of Pick to LIght, where item positions are identified through fixed displays. In assortment areas, the system is organized so that the items are conveniently classified according to high, medium, or low rotation.
The same PTL software may contain the Replenishment module, which helps to ensure that the minimum amount of SKUs is never reached by placing an automatic order for more materials.
Furthermore, a Slotting module may also be added, which assists by relocating SKU positions so as to balance work loads by assortment area.
With regards to the quality control count, a module has been made available that can serve in two ways:
1.- By reviewing part by part, in batches or randomly.
2.- By passing all products through an in-line scale and comparing between the expected weight and actual weight. If a difference is found, the product is rejected and transferred to review.
Pack to Light or Put to Light
How does it work? Companies arrange assortment zones as fixed areas, thus allowing a flow of SKUs. When products arrive at the assortment zones, their barcode is scanned, thus illuminating the corresponding displays and providing an exact instruction of where should the product be placed. Operators immediately confirm the operation. An inventory control is provided, which allows identifying the order status; all of this in real time. Additionally, this control identifies the time needed for completion regarding the productivity currently handled by the system.
Both solutions may be linked to the same WCS software. This module may be acquired with an interface, or as a standalone; which means that it can be an isolated sale; not necessarily linked to the WMS. Likewise, reporters are included to indicate the status of assortment orders. This is a potential solution for companies for which at the heart of their business is order assortment or product assembly (cosmetics, pharmaceutics, retail, e-Commerce, music, books, automotive parts, groceries, 3PL, manufacture, electronics, etc.)
This module allows having a consolidated order assortment with the use of a single software with the added technology and implementing Hot Pick.
It eliminates assortment process issues by implementing new technological solutions. We strive to agile and improve your operations, so that you may experience full command, technical control, and competitive advantages. This way, you will only focus on boosting growth and improving customer satisfaction.
