Split-Case Conveyor Picking

Conventional retail replenishment systems often use case conveyor to move full cases to the shipping sorter and the despatch docks. Picking technology can be based on despatch order notes, or can be made paperless with radio frequency terminals, voice picking or pick-to-light technologies.

Conveyor can also be used to route order cartons between different pick areas in a DC. These systems are typically used for handling smaller orders in wholesale or direct distribution systems.

When shipping containers are cartons, automated carton assembly equipment can be worthwhile. Systems are now also available to automatically void fill the cartons, drop in a dispatch note, lid the carton, and apply an address label.

A pick-to-light system is ideal for faster moving products, or where there are several picks to be made at a particular pick zone. They allow the operator to be fast, efficient and accurate.

Voice picking technology can be used for split case picking as successfully as for full case picking. This technology is generally ideal for slow and medium moving lines as the investment depends on the number of pickers rather than the number of SKUs.

Completed shipping totes may be sorted to a dispatch dock, or buffered in a small AS/RS system called a consolidation buffer. When a complete stack of totes is ready for a particular destination, they can then be released to an automated stacker, avoiding any manual handling.