Software for replenishment with put-to-light
The Pick-by-Light software not only supports picking, assembly, and production. The reverse process with the Put-to-Light software can also be very successful in supporting the replenishment of goods.
Replenishment of goods in a picking warehouse and the software
Each time goods are removed from a picking warehouse, the stock level changes and the removal is reported to the warehouse management system. If the minimum stock level in a storage compartment is reached, the goods must be replenished. This process is referred to as goods replenishment.
A storage location can be a shelf with shelves, a channel in a flow channel, or a pallet. There are certainly other types of storage locations, but they are not relevant here.
The replenishment of goods is closely linked to the higher-level process control in the warehouse. A related system solution is the pick-to-light system, which supports synchronized material flow and clear feedback between warehousing and picking processes through structured displays and feedback.
The importance of correct replenishment of goods
Order picking is a chain of different activities. Each step in the chain must be as precise and error-free as possible. When we hear the term "order picking," we often only think of the removal of goods and the order picker. They are often also referred to as pickers.
However, without precise and error-free replenishment of goods, picking cannot function correctly. For this reason, its quality is just as important as that of picking itself. The performance of the picking side naturally depends heavily on the performance and timing of replenishment.
Software for system support
Almost no one works with pen and paper here anymore. Technically, there are various methods to support the filling of shelves. One of the most common solutions is a handheld scanner terminal, which is used to store goods. The item number is scanned, the storage compartment is located, and the barcode on the storage compartment is scanned for confirmation.
The other option is to support the replenishment of goods with a put-to-light system.
Put-to-light software as optimal support for replenishment
The put-to-light compartment displays are particularly well suited for use on flow racks. In this case, compartment displays with simple LEDs and buttons, without quantity displays, are installed on the rear sides.
When the employee scans the replenishment item, the software controls the appropriate LED.
Placing the item in the storage compartment is confirmed by pressing the confirmation button and immediately reported to the warehouse management system via the software. Optionally, the put-to-light compartment display can also be equipped with a sensor. The sensor automatically confirms the activity.
Conclusion
Replenishment of goods using put-to-light and the appropriate software makes it easier for employees to find storage locations and simplifies the confirmation of storage. The cumbersome handheld scanner no longer needs to be carried around all the time.
Advantages: The most important advantages of the put-to-light solution include high precision and quality of operations, high performance, and direct inventory correction through immediate feedback from the storage location. Disadvantage: The major disadvantage is the price. To equip your warehouse with put-to-light technology, you can expect hardware costs of around €100 per storage compartment. If you have a large number of storage compartments, this solution is not very cost-effective.
You can find out more about another use of put-to-light in sorting in a separate article.
