2019 buyer‘s guide to pick-to-light - mhi.org · pick-to-light and put-to-light are popular...

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.

02PAGE

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?

03PAGE 2019 Buyer‘s Guide to Pick-to-Light

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.


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


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.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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:


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.


2019 buyer‘s guide to pick-to-light - mhi.org · pick-to-light and put-to-light are popular...

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