Part-to-man picking solution debuts

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 2/1/2006

Taking full advantage of part-to-man picking, Kiva Systems has developed a picking and replenishment system that transports the product to and from the operator at a fixed location.

The picking solution features a number of mobile robotic drive units that run underneath the racks, picking individual racks up from their temporary locale, and delivering them directly to the picker, located at a stationary pick location. A warehouse management system (WMS) directs picking, instructing workers at each of the picking stations.

"Fixed elements create rigidity," says Mick Mountz, company founder and chief executive officer. "Traditional solutions—racking, AS/RS, sorters—have definite limitations." Already in use in a Staples DC, the system is available not just for picking and putaway operations in distribution, but also for returns management and third-party logistics provider warehousing, Mountz says. "The system is most effective when using an operation's entire SKU (stock keeping unit) range," he says.

The system can also use a lift apparatus that brings pods to a mezzanine level to accomplish picking at several levels. And, the system does not require any light to operate.