Pick/put-to-light integration into Easy WMS

Seamless integration of PTL devices with Easy WMS through a Mecalux-developed service that ensures full interconnectivity

Pick/put-to-light technology

Pick/put-to-light (PTL) technology is an assisted picking solution that speeds up order fulfilment in both automated and manual warehouses. These systems feature light-based displays, typically installed on shelves, to guide warehouse operators during order picking.

PTL screens indicate the number of products to store or remove from each location, along with unit-of-measurement information (UN, BOX). They also feature validation buttons that can light up in different colours to further guide operators. Implementing pick/put to light solutions boosts productivity by maximising order picking speed and accuracy while drastically reducing errors.

PTL Service

PTL Service is an Easy WMS feature designed to integrate, configure and coordinate pick/put-to-light systems and manage the processes associated with them. Through this application, Easy WMS optimises task allocation among PTL devices, ensures bidirectional communication between hardware and software and monitors system status and ongoing tasks in real time.

PTL Service supports the working modes of the two main light-guided picking systems: pick-to-light and put-to-light.

• Pick to light: The system guides operators in removing items from storage locations. PTL displays at the relevant locations light up, showing the quantity of units to pick. The button colour indicates which order the item belongs to.
• Put to light: This mode assists operators in placing products into totes or boxes assigned to specific orders. PTL buttons light up to show the correct target locations, while the displays indicate the number of units to deposit.

A combined operating mode is also supported, with a pick-to-light module installed on shelving and put-to-light displays on handling equipment. In this setup, the PTL system guides the process of unloading goods onto the handling medium after picking. It displays the quantities on the screen and uses colour-coded lights to identify the corresponding orders.

Some of the main applications of Mecalux’s PTL Service include:

• Picking in manual warehouses using pick-to-light displays on shelving.
• Picking in manual facilities with pick-to-light displays on shelving and put-to-light modules on handling equipment (e.g. carts).
• Picking in automated warehouses where merchandise is moved to picking tables equipped with a put-to-light system.
• Sorting and retrieving goods picked in waves using compartments outfitted with put-to-light displays.

Advantages of PTL Service

• Effective visual guidance for faster picking. PTL displays use coloured lights to indicate pick and place locations, guiding operators directly to the correct spot. This efficiency shortens search time and speeds up order picking tasks.
• Error reduction and improved accuracy. Colour-coded signals and quantity information displayed on the screens minimise picking and placing errors, enhancing operational accuracy.
• Real-time updates. If there are changes to an outbound order, the PTL system automatically reassesses and updates, flashing to indicate new tasks without requiring manual input.
• Increased productivity. These devices are intuitive and user-friendly, enabling a higher number of operations and making workflows more efficient compared to other methods.
• Ease of use. PTL systems have a short learning curve, allowing operators to adapt quickly and perform at a higher level.