PickDIRECTOR optimises workflow, particularly in split-case operations, by offering various methods of order induction and managing the routing and sortation of containers. Orders can be inducted either “Centrally” or “Globally”. Where the contents of the order’s containers can be predetermined through cubing, Central Induction can be utilised and has the advantage of using the conveyor system to deliver empty cartons to the picking zones and allowing the components of urgent multicontainer orders to be picked in parallel. PickDIRECTOR also coordinates the use of different sized containers to improve container utilisation.

Under Global Induction, orders start in the zone of their first pick and picking continues until the container is full, maximising container utilisation.

At this point, the picker invokes a “Container Swap” function and is directed to induct a new container of appropriate size.

Because Central Induction is effectively a “push” system, the induction rate has to be carefully controlled to match the picking rate, whereas, with Global Induction, which is a “pull” system, the induction rate is selfregulating.

PickDIRECTOR also controls the routing system, co-ordinating zone skipping to improve pick efficiency and providing sortation for full cases and split-case containers.

Additional PickDIRECTOR workflow functions include Check-Weighing, Divert-to-QA, Divert-to-Invoicing Lane and Automatic Despatch Labelling.