5 Common Misconceptions About Pick-to-Light

You might assume you know everything there is to know about pick-to-light systems. After all, they haven’t changed much in the last thirty-five years.

Well, you’re wrong! Recent changes in pick-to-light technology have turned this industry on its head.

Let’s look at the top five misconceptions about the latest picking technology.

Misconception 1: Pick-to-Light = Red and Green Light Bars

When people think of Pick-to-Light, they picture the same red and green light bars that they’ve seen forever. But as Barak Obama would say, “1990 is calling, and it wants it Pick-to-Light technology back!”

At Voodoo Robotics, we’ve leveraged modern Internet of Things (IoT) technology and created a pick-to-light solution that communicates with a simple URL. Our devices light up in six colors with five customized lines of text, barcodes, QR codes, icons so that you can specify, in whatever language you need, specific information about filling your order.

Specify a product’s:

SKU
Quantity
Size
Weight
Dimensions
Serial number
Picker’s name
Order ID
Some other alphanumeric text

Misconception 2: Pick-to-Light is Installed Permanently, and Requires Wiring Up Your Racks

Our pick-to-light system is wireless, eliminating the need to run power or communication wires. Devices can be mounted almost anywhere and relocated with ease. Two AAA batteries can last for a year or more (depending on usage) and are easily accessible – making battery changes simple. You can also monitor batteries from our cloud server and get plenty of warning time if batteries are running low.

Misconception 3: Pick-to-Light Carts are Expensive Specialized Carts with Heavy Car Batteries

Batch picking with pick-to-light carts used to require custom carts with built-in hardware and heavy rechargeable batteries. Now you have the flexibility and freedom to use the economical picking cart that is right for you and your warehouse!

Put lights on:

Utility Carts
Security Carts
Bin Carts
Lift Carts
Hybrid carts
PackMuless
Other electric and non-electric carts that you already own!

Misconception 4: Pick-to-Light is Only Installed as Part of an Entire Order Fulfillment System

In the past, light directed picking systems have been included as part of a comprehensive order fulfillment solution. Lights were purchased along with racks, conveyors and other equipment. Implementing pick-to-light required special knowledge and a complicated integration process. Often your choice of pick-to-light systems depended on who your system integrator had experience with or who was already integrated with your WMS or ERP.

Not anymore! Now, you can order a pick-to-light system directly from Voodoo Robotics and install it yourself. We provide code samples to make it even easier to integrate. Or, you can use Microsoft Excel. It really is that simple!

Misconception 5: Pick-to-Light is Expensive and Only for Large Operations

We created a pick-to-light system with the intention of revolutionizing the industry. All warehouses and distribution centers should be able to improve their order picking accuracy – not just the largest, most competitive operations. By using arrows, we’re leveling the playing field with devices that can be used for up to eight picking locations.

Impress your boss with the 7 Things Your Boss Expects You to Know About Pick-to-Light.