Dematic Automated Piece Pick for Automatic Replenishment System

Overview

The Dematic Automated Piece Pick for Automatic Replenishment System uses an automated storage sub-system with flow rack and conveyor to automatically refill pick faces, and Dematic Warehouse Execution System (WES) software manages reserve inventory and the inventory quantity at active pick faces. The system provides quick response times to refill pick faces with minimal labor and is described as a pre-engineered, standardized design configuration that ensures predictable picking performance. Automated storage machines replenish inventory totes to pick faces, and pick faces in the pick module are replenished with miniload storage machines (one machine per aisle) or automated shuttles (one shuttle per pick level). Pick-to-light devices on the flow rack indicate item and quantity to pick and the WES software directs the workforce via pick-to-light technology. The Dematic WES software directs put-away and location management for inventory inducted via a decanting process, directs automated replenishment on demand, coordinates picking using an order-container-to-zone methodology, and routes completed order containers via conveyor to palletizing stations or parcel shipping; the WES manages a continuous flow of orders downloaded from the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and includes supervisor interface screens showing transfers to pick modules, order picking, order pick performance, system progress, order information, picks per operator, and total picks. The system processes orders in multiple configurations including mixed case pallets, reverse route sequence delivery, and sort to parcel carrier. It is used to distribute products for retail store replenishment, route delivery, and customer direct e-commerce, and customer direct (e-commerce) orders are sorted to parcel carrier truck trailers. Typical users listed include retailers of groceries, general merchandise, apparel, pharmacies, and office supplies, as well as business-to-business distributors and producers of consumable and durable products.