Goods-to-person dynamic picking systems

Goods-to-person picking is part of a semi-automated intralogistics system. An automated warehouse with a shuttle system, an AutoStore system, an automated small parts warehouse (ASRS) or a CarryPick system supports the order picking process. Stationary picking workstations - connected directly or via automated conveyor technology - are located on the periphery of the warehouse. Although these workstations are designed differently depending on the picking system, they all consist of a supply of goods from the warehouse and a return of goods to the warehouse.

The workstations meet ergonomic requirements, for example by being equipped with adjustable shelves or work surfaces, ensuring optimum grip heights for employees of different heights. The load carriers used for goods-to-person picking are usually containers, trays or - as in the CarryPick system - mobile racks.

With the goods-to-person principle, items to be picked are delivered dynamically and automatically straight to an order picker's workstation. The picker takes the desired items from a source container, for example, and transfers them to a target or order container or to an order pallet. Goods can also be picked directly into shipping cartons. Software-controlled screen displays, light signals (e.g. put-to-light) and scanner functions (barcodes, etc.) guide the picker and control the work process. The goods-to-person system immediately detects any picking errors and signals to the operator to correct them.

The high level of automation, combined with the fact that an employee does not have to travel long distances through a warehouse to fulfill an order, gives the "goods to person" picking system these advantages:

• high picking performance
• error rate tends to zero
• effective timing of the picking process
• easy handling of a wide range of goods
• fast training of new employees thanks to intuitive interface
• protection of employees from physical exertion and rapid fatigue