The role of the order picker is central to modern logistics processes, whether in manufacturing or distribution contexts. The growing demand for precision and speed makes it crucial to optimize the picking process, as it can account for up to 60% of warehouse costs. To address this challenge, ICAM has enhanced its offering of vertical and horizontal automated storage systems with optional features and software functionalities to transform picking into a faster, more accurate, and sustainable process.
Our mission is to provide solutions that meet today’s operational needs while contributing to efficient and sustainable logistics processes in the long term. In this perspective, pre-sales consulting is essential to define the right picking strategy, that takes into account the characteristics of the items, upstream and downstream activities, and the company’s desired performance and business objectives. This approach translates into tangible support for the order picker, who benefits from advanced technologies and methodologies.
IRIDE: the interactive picking system
Flagship of ICAM’s offering is IRIDE, the multimedia and interactive visual guidance system that simplifies picking and refilling operations. Integrated into the picking/refilling stations of SILO² and RIGO automated warehouses, IRIDE uses colored light beams and a digital interface projected in front of the operators to clearly and intuitively guide them on the type and quantity of items to pick. This solution increases pick rates per hour while eliminating errors.
Additionally, IRIDE’s customizable dashboard colors optimize batch-picking logic through a color-coded approach: the order picker immediately identifies color of the container in which to deposit the picked items, corresponding to the one shown on the dashboard. This innovative “color batch-picking” method simplifies and accelerates the picking and sorting of items, enabling the preparation of multiple orders simultaneously—up to 12 in the case of a distributor of baking products and ingredients with physical stores and online shop.
SMART VISION: accurate picking of equally packaged items
Another technology enriching ICAM’s range of picking options is SMART VISION, a system integrated into the picking/refilling station to facilitate the picking and refilling of materials with identical packaging. Leveraging sophisticated image processing algorithms and QR code scanning on each package, SMART VISION ensures correct picking or refilling while flagging anomalies. For the order picker, this means no longer spending valuable time reading long alphanumeric codes on boxes, resulting in a drastic reduction in errors, improved performance, and fewer inventory discrepancies.
ICON: advanced integrations and functionalities to support order pickers
The mastermind behind ICAM’s solutions is ICON, the automated storage system management software. It seamlessly integrates with various information systems (ERP, WMS, etc.) and is continuously enriched with new functionalities to meet evolving market demands. Among the latest innovations is dynamic multi-factor association, which enable companies with highly variable inventories to determine the optimal allocation for each item within the automated storage system. This is achieved by adding to the size and category criteria, other criteria such as matching item and/or supplier. The result is a significant simplification of loading activities in the warehouse resulting in a reduction in tray movements against an increase in the number of picks/hour. For the order picker, this means working in a more efficient and structured environment.
By implementing advanced technologies like those described above, ICAM supports order pickers in tackling daily challenges, making the picking process not only more efficient but also more sustainable.