Top ten automated order picking systems from manufacturers and companies with barcode/barcode, RFID and 2D matrix code sensor technology

The smooth order picking process plays a crucial role in warehouse operations. In order to optimize this process, companies are increasingly relying on automated picking systems. In addition to traditional storage systems, these innovative systems offer a variety of advantages that lead to improved picking accuracy and increased productivity. In this text, we will take a closer look at the various automated picking systems, such as pick-to-light systems and voice picking systems, and explain their importance for warehouse operations.

Pick-to-light systems

Pick-to-light systems are visual aids that give pickers clear instructions about which products to pick from which storage locations. Special light displays are attached to the storage areas, which show employees the exact location and quantity of the product to be removed. Direct visual feedback improves picking accuracy by minimizing mix-ups. These systems also enable high speed picking because the employee can work without additional search effort.

Voice picking systems

Voice picking systems rely on voice control to optimize the picking process. The pickers wear special headsets through which they are given instructions for removing the products. The employee confirms the requests via the microphone and gives feedback on the completed order. This system allows for completely hands-free picking and increases productivity as employees can fully focus their hands and eyes on picking products.

Automatic conveyor systems

Automatic conveyor systems support the picking process by transporting the products from one storage location to the next. The products are moved on conveyor belts, gravity roller conveyors or automated vehicles. Using these systems eliminates manual transportation work, resulting in time savings and improved productivity. In addition, automatic conveyor systems can be used in combination with other automated picking systems to ensure the entire process runs seamlessly.

Robot-assisted picking

Robot-based picking systems are being used more and more frequently to reduce the manual effort involved in picking. These systems use robotic arms or driverless transport systems to remove the products from the storage bins and transport them to the picking stations. By using robots, companies can increase picking speed while minimizing error rates. They also enable flexible adaptation to different product sizes and shapes.

Combination of different systems

In many cases, different automated picking systems are combined together to achieve optimal efficiency and accuracy. For example, pick-to-light systems can be used in combination with automatic conveyor systems to further increase productivity. The combination of different systems enables a tailor-made solution that meets the specific requirements and conditions of warehouse operations.

➡️ The importance of automated picking systems in warehouse operations should not be underestimated. They make a significant contribution to increasing efficiency and productivity and help companies meet the increasing demands for fast and precise order picking processes. They also lead to a reduction in errors and the associated costs. The ongoing development of technology also enables increasingly innovative solutions that further optimize warehouse operations and offer employees a less stressful working environment. Companies that rely on automated order picking systems can gain a competitive advantage and strengthen their position in the market.

Daifuku

Daifuku is a major manufacturer of automated order picking systems. The company offers a wide range of solutions, including robotics and shuttle systems as well as pick-to-light and voice picking systems. Daifuku operates internationally and has a strong focus on innovative technologies and tailor-made solutions for the logistics industry. Your portfolio also includes software solutions for controlling and optimizing the picking process. Daifuku is an important brand in the field of automated order picking systems and is used by many companies worldwide.

Swisslog AG

Swisslog is an international provider of automated logistics solutions and offers a wide range of order picking systems, including pick-to-light and voice picking systems.

Kardex Remstar GmbH

Kardex Remstar develops and produces automatic storage systems and picking systems, including shuttle systems for the efficient picking of products.

SSI SCHAEFER AG

SSI SCHÄFER is one of the world's largest manufacturers of storage and logistics solutions and also offers automated order picking systems based on RFID technology, robotics and pick-to-light.

Dematic GmbH

Dematic is an international provider of automated logistics solutions and offers order picking systems for various industries, including high-speed order picking robots and RFID-based solutions.

Knapp AG

Knapp specializes in the development and manufacture of automated logistics and order picking systems and offers a wide range of solutions, including innovative shuttle systems for order picking.

Vanderlande Industries BV

Vanderlande is a global leader in automated material handling systems and also offers order picking systems that use robotics and pick-to-light technology.

viastore SYSTEMS GmbH

viastore develops and supplies picking systems for warehouse logistics and intralogistics and offers tailor-made solutions for the efficient and precise picking of products.

TGW Logistics Group GmbH

TGW is an international provider of automated intralogistics solutions and offers order picking systems based on robot, shuttle and pick-to-light technology.

Beumer Group GmbH & Co. KG

Beumer Group is a global provider of intralogistics solutions and also offers picking systems based on innovative technologies such as AR-controlled picking and sorting.

In addition to the pick-to-light systems and voice picking systems already mentioned, there are other picking systems that are used in various warehouse operations. Here are more examples:

RF/Barcode picking systems

These systems are based on the use of radio technology or barcodes to control the picking process. Employees use handheld devices or mobile scanners to scan the barcodes on products or storage bins to select the correct items.

RFID picking systems

This uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to identify the items in the warehouse. Employees carry RFID scanners or handheld devices that automatically recognize the tags and display the correct picking process.

Automatic picking systems

These systems use automated machines to carry out the picking of products. For example, robotic arms or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can remove items from shelves and place them in bins or on conveyor belts.

Picking shuttle systems

These systems use special shuttles that move along the shelves and automatically retrieve the products. The shuttles transport the items to a central picking station, where employees pick them.

Order picking robot

There are robots that are specifically designed for order picking. You can scan the shelves, select the items and place them in bins or on conveyors. These robots often work in collaboration with human employees.

Augmented Reality (AR) picking systems

These systems use AR technology to support the picking process. Employees wear AR glasses or use mobile devices to receive visual instructions or information about storage locations and products.

➡️ These order picking systems are used depending on the type of warehouse, products and company requirements. Each system has its own advantages and can help make picking more efficient and precise.

Automated picking systems that work with barcodes play a crucial role in modern warehouse and logistics processes. These systems enable efficient and precise picking of goods by leveraging the use of barcodes to identify and track products. By using automated order picking systems, companies can increase productivity, reduce errors, and improve order fulfillment accuracy.

One of the fundamental technologies in automated barcode picking systems is the barcode scanner. These devices capture the barcodes on products and translate them into digital information that is fed into the warehouse management system. Barcode scanners can read various shapes and sizes of barcodes, including linear barcodes, 2D barcodes and QR codes. They use various scanning technologies such as laser scanners, CCD scanners or image-based scanners to capture the barcodes quickly and reliably.

Another important element in automated barcode picking systems is the barcode printer. These devices allow companies to create and apply barcode labels and labels with unique identification codes to products, packaging or containers. The barcode printer plays a crucial role in the identification and traceability of goods throughout the logistics process.

A popular automated picking system for barcodes is the so-called pick-to-light system. This technology involves installing light displays on the warehouse's shelves or bins to provide visual instructions to pickers. The light indicators show employees which product should be removed and which containers it should be placed in. This visual support speeds up picking and minimizes the error rate.

Another automated picking system for barcodes is the voice picking system. With this method, pickers receive voice-controlled instructions via wireless headsets. Employees hear the order details and can provide confirmation or feedback using the microphone on their headsets. This technology enables hands-free and intuitive picking, allowing employees to focus their full attention on the products.

The advantages of automated picking systems for barcodes are manifold. They enable faster and more efficient processing of orders, reduce the error rate and improve inventory control and traceability of products. By using barcodes, companies can also collect detailed information about their products, such as inventory levels, production dates or expiration dates.

The integration of automated barcode picking systems requires a suitable software solution that enables communication between the individual components. A warehouse management software (WMS) or an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is often used to control and monitor the entire picking process. These software solutions enable seamless integration of barcode scanners, printers and other order picking technologies and provide real-time information about inventory levels, order status and logistics data.

➡️ Automated barcode picking systems offer companies an efficient and precise solution to optimize their warehouse and logistics processes. Using barcodes to identify and track products allows for increased accuracy, speed and traceability. By integrating these systems, companies can increase their competitiveness and satisfy their customers with faster and error-free deliveries.

Automated picking systems play a crucial role in modern warehouse logistics to enable efficient and precise picking processes. In addition to the use of barcodes as a means of identification, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technologies are also being used more and more frequently. RFID offers contactless and automatic data capture, which leads to further optimization of picking.

One manufacturer that specializes in automated picking systems with RFID is Honeywell Intelligrated. Their offering includes RFID systems that enable the identification and tracking of goods during the picking process. RFID technology is based on radio waves received from tags or labels on products. These tags contain information about the product, such as item number, serial number or production date. By using RFID, errors in recording and assigning products are minimized because the information is recorded automatically and without contact.

Another well-known manufacturer of automated order picking systems with RFID is Siemens. Their offering includes RFID solutions for warehouse logistics, including order picking. Siemens RFID systems enable fast and reliable identification and tracking of goods in real time. By integrating RFID into automated order picking systems, processes can be optimized by accelerating product recognition and improving accuracy.

An interesting aspect of automated picking systems with RFID is the possibility of real-time location of products. By integrating RFID tags into the products, they can be tracked throughout the entire picking process. This enables precise inventory tracking and management as the location and status of products can be recorded in real time. In this way, bottlenecks or stockouts can be quickly identified and eliminated.

The advantages of automated picking systems with RFID are manifold. In addition to improved accuracy and efficiency, they enable faster processing of orders and a reduction in errors and bottlenecks. Automatically capturing product data minimizes human errors and speeds up the picking process. In addition, RFID can also play an important role in the traceability of products in the supply chain and in compliance with quality and safety standards.

➡️ Automated picking systems with RFID help optimize warehouse logistics. They enable more precise and efficient picking, improve inventory tracking and provide better visibility into the location and status of products. As technology advances, automated picking systems with RFID are expected to play an even more important role in warehouse logistics and contribute to further increases in efficiency and cost savings.

Automated order picking systems have made significant progress in recent years, particularly with the introduction of 2D matrix codes. This advanced technology has allowed companies to make the order picking process more efficient and accurate. In this text we will look at automated order picking systems specifically designed to use 2D matrix codes.

A 2D matrix code is a two-dimensional barcode that can store a large amount of data in a compact format. Unlike traditional linear barcodes, a 2D matrix code contains both horizontal and vertical elements that encode information. This enables higher data density and improved readability, even with damaged or dirty codes.

An important area of ​​application for automated picking systems with 2D matrix codes is the logistics industry. By using 2D matrix codes, warehouse workers can quickly and accurately identify, track and pick products. The 2D matrix codes can be applied to packaging, pallets or even directly to the products. This enables seamless integration of the automated picking system into warehouse operations.

An example of an automated picking system for 2D matrix codes is the pick-to-light system. With this system, light displays are placed at the storage locations to show employees which product should be removed. By scanning the 2D matrix code with a handheld scanner or fixed camera, the system can identify the exact storage location and activate the corresponding light indicators. The employee can then remove the product and confirm the picking process by pressing a confirmation button. This achieves high picking accuracy and efficiency.

Another example of automated picking systems with 2D matrix codes are voice picking systems. With this system, employees receive clear instructions for the picking process via a voice control device. By scanning the 2D matrix code, the system can identify the position of the product in the warehouse and guide employees to the corresponding storage location through voice instructions. This enables smooth and error-free picking.

The advantages of automated picking systems with 2D matrix codes are obvious. On the one hand, they enable faster and more accurate identification and tracking of products in the warehouse. By using 2D matrix codes, more information can be stored in a smaller code, resulting in more efficient inventory management. Additionally, automated picking systems with 2D matrix codes can improve picking accuracy and minimize error rates, resulting in cost savings and higher customer satisfaction.

However, the implementation of automated picking systems with 2D matrix codes requires careful planning and integration into the existing warehouse infrastructure. Suitable barcode scanners, cameras or voice control devices must be selected that enable reliable and quick capture of the 2D matrix codes. In addition, it is important to choose the right software solution that allows seamless integration into the warehouse management system and ensures efficient processing of the captured data.

➡️ Automated picking systems use 2D matrix codes to offer an innovative solution for the efficient and accurate picking of products in the warehouse. By using this technology, companies can optimize their warehouse processes, improve picking accuracy and increase productivity. The future of automated order picking undoubtedly lies in the further development and application of 2D matrix codes, as well as the integration of these codes with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Order picking is a crucial step in logistics and is the process of assembling products or goods from the warehouse to fulfill customer orders. In order to make this process more efficient and precise, automated picking systems based on advanced sensor technology are increasingly being used.

Sensor technology plays a central role in automated picking systems as it enables the collection and processing of data that is essential for efficient picking. There are different types of sensors used in this context, including industrial sensors specifically designed for use in industrial environments.

An example of an industrial sensor used in order picking is the optical sensor. This sensor uses light beams to capture information about the position, shape and size of objects. For example, in automated order picking systems, an optical sensor can be used to identify the correct position of a product in the warehouse and ensure that it is picked correctly.

Another important sensor step is the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. RFID tags or labels are attached to products or packaging and contain information that can be read wirelessly by an RFID reader. In order picking, RFID technology and readers can be used to identify products, determine their location in the warehouse and optimize the order picking process.

Pressure sensors are also used. These sensors detect the pressure or weight of an object and can be used in automated order picking systems, for example to determine the correct quantity of a product or to monitor the quality of packaging.

The advantages of sensor technology in automated order picking systems are diverse. On the one hand, sensors enable more precise data collection and improved object recognition, which leads to higher picking accuracy. This reduces error rates and avoids incorrect shipments to customers.

In addition, automated picking systems with sensor technology help increase efficiency. By using industrial sensors, the process of product capture and removal can be accelerated. This leads to shorter lead times and higher productivity in the warehouse.

Integrating sensor technology into automated order picking systems also opens up opportunities for the use of data analysis and machine learning. The data collected can be analyzed to gain insights into inventory levels, picking patterns and process optimization. This enables continuous improvement and adjustment of picking strategies.

However, it is important to note that selecting and implementing the right sensor technology in automated order picking systems requires careful planning. Selecting the appropriate sensors depends on various factors, including the type of products to be picked, the environment and the requirements of the warehouse.

➡️ Automated picking systems use sensor technology to offer numerous advantages for companies that want to optimize their storage and picking processes. By using industrial sensors, picking accuracy, efficiency and productivity can be increased, ultimately leading to better customer satisfaction and competitiveness.