PROLAG®World works with mobile or stationary data entry devices with a graphical user interface, such as PDAs, PCs, notebooks, tablets, smartphones or RF scanners. At picking or retrieval, your employees are guided on an optimised route through the warehouse by following the display on their terminals. Functions such as stocktaking, double cycle, direct storage and setting down pallets at meeting areas are steered by PROLAG®World.
Combining orders into shipments:
To facilitate faster picking, orders can be automatically grouped by geographical, logistical or time characteristics, for example. This means that multiple orders can be processed in one single step before being forwarded to their individual recipients.
Combining orders at picking:
If the mobile device in use is capable of collecting several orders in one picking run, the system assists by showing employees the shortest route through the warehouse. The barcodes are confirmed for each container and order after every action so that mistakes are virtually impossible.
Multi-step picking:
Identical articles can be picked for several orders at the same time. First, identical articles are collectively retrieved for multiple orders. Then the articles are picked and assigned to the relevant orders.
Double cycles:
PROLAG®World combines putaway and retrieval actions so that stock can be put away and retrieved in one workflow. Close coordination of goods receipt and goods issue means that order processing in individual storage areas is optimally organised, minimising empty runs and optimising staff deployment.
Stocktaking for small quantities:
Stock in amounts that can be quantified at a glance is inventoried on the go. Employees simply confirm the target quantity for remaining stock on their device during the picking process. The current stock level can be called up in PROLAG®World at any time. You no longer need to perform periodic stocktaking.
Shortage quantities:
Special situations such as shortage quantity handling are integrated into PROLAG®World’s workflows. Secondary picking may have to be initiated to resolve shortage quantities. First, a message is sent to the control centre that stock levels are inadequate. The shelf may then be automatically locked for later stocktaking. Alternatively, stocktaking can be initiated immediately.
Pick and Pack:
When an order is entered in the system, PROLAG®World suggests appropriate packing units based on the volume of goods. Employees can pick items and immediately put them in the relevant package so that they are ready for shipping. PROLAG®World can also make suggestions based on weights so that heavy articles are placed at the bottom of the boxes.
Worklists:
The system can be configured to define the worklists for mobile devices. Based on weights, volumes and number of picks, orders are assigned to specific mobile devices or employees depending on their profiles.
Interruptions:
Any picking run can be interrupted and continued the next time the user logs in.
Priority-based processing:
Orders are processed online by priority. Priorities are defined or modified by the host system or control centre. For example, a large order can be stopped so that a small order with a higher priority can be processed.
Collecting empty pallets:
In picking storage areas, it can sometimes happen that the picking vehicle cannot pick up empty pallets that have been generated. With PROLAG®World, the operator can start a separate picking run to collect empty pallets.
Stackability:
In block storage, PROLAG®World shows whether pallets can be stacked. This is defined in the master data.
Additional texts for picking:
Additional information can be displayed on mobile devices to inform the picker about any special features, such as how the goods should be handled and packed.
Route optimisation:
There are various configuration options for route optimisation, such as drive-in, zigzag and looping.
Keeping track:
The order picking system can be configured so that pickers can view their worklists and select the orders they want to process.
All options can be configured by activating or deactivating the relevant settings in PROLAG®World. The order picking system is a cross-sector solution and can be tailored to the processes in any warehouse.
Pick-by-voice
Voice recognition, pick-by-voice
Some tasks require users to have both hands free rather than working with handheld scanners. Our pick-by-voice system is the ideal choice in this case. Instead of using a data terminal and a handheld scanner, employees get their picking instructions through a headset and can confirm them by speaking into a microphone.
Tracking systems
Depending on the warehouse structure, some storage technologies offer no option for confirming the location through a barcode. This applies primarily to block storage areas where little space is available for barcode identification, or the barcode quickly gets dirty because it is close to the ground. Tracking systems are used in such cases. These systems determine the location of a vehicle by reading transponders which are embedded in the floor, or by a location transmitter in the forklift. Other options are scanners and height sensors on the forklift for registering the location of a pallet in the warehouse management system.
Picking in automated warehouses
For automated warehouses, PROLAG®World provides screen templates which organise picking at picking stations. The automatic system informs PROLAG®World by telegram when a pallet or tray is at the picking station. Employees are guided in a user-friendly dialog. The functionalities available at the picking station are very similar to the characteristics of the order picking system. You can choose stocktaking for zero or small quantities so that periodic stocktaking, shortage quantity handling and doubles cycles are not required. In addition, PROLAG®World’s background processes for material flow include route optimisation and order prioritisation control options.
