Paperless order picking system

摘要

A system and method for paperless, self-contained partial case picking of goods in a distribution center for cartons or containers subsequently shipped to a customer store. A set of cartons or containers is moved along a pick face in a series of move cycles. Operator display units provided at the pick face prompt workers to distribute goods from batches on the pick face to the cartons. The operator display units define contiguous put zones for each worker and assign each worker to particular batches of goods for each move cycle. The operator display units can include key entry means for the workers to signal the end of pick cycles, and in one embodiment to adjust pick quantities and distributions in real time according to changing circumstances. The put and pick zone assignments are reconfigured for each move cycle depending on factors such as worker ability and the picking difficulty of the batches assigned. In a preferred embodiment a mobile array of put stations runs along the pick face and is controlled by a computer, each put station on the array carrying an operator display/interface for assignment of put and pick zones.