Person-To-Goods
Person-to-goods (P2G/PTG), or Operator-to-Goods (OTG), picking is a traditional approach to order fulfillment still widely used for both batch and discrete order picking. It is straightforward and flexible with a warehouse associate directed to a storage area to locate and pick items for orders. It’s a human-led process, often supported by technology like RF scanners, pick-to-light systems, or voice picking.
The P2G approach typically lowers an operations cost/pick and improves accuracy and fulfillment speed, with the technology used selected to match the flexibility and growth goals of a business.
Benefits of Person-to-Goods Automation
P2G is often a starting point for growing operations with the adoption of RF or voice picking or combined with automation to be a critical part of medium and high-volume operations.
Operations adopt P2G when:
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Inventory is spread out or changes frequently.
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Flexibility is key, like in seasonal or high-SKU environments.
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Labor efficiency gains are needed to scale the business.
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Accuracy improvements are needed to meet goals.
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Employee turnover is a challenge and training times need to be reduced.
Types of Person-To-Goods Technologies
Radio Frequency (RF)
RF picking presents order information to selectors via a mobile device, often worn on the wrist. It improves accuracy and pick rates over paper-based methods and offers flexibility for various order types and inventory. RF is commonly used for discrete picking or combined with batch picking and order consolidation.
PickPad™
PickPad™ is a tablet-based solution that uses graphics to guide picking operations. Mounted on a sled or cart with multiple order totes, it supports cluster and batch picking, where inventory is picked in bulk and distributed into orders. This method can boost productivity by up to 40% compared to RF or paper and achieves near 100% accuracy.
Pick-to-Light
Pick-to-light improves accuracy and efficiency, especially in less than full case and each-pick environments. Lights direct selectors to inventory within designated zones and support both discrete and batch picking, often in pick-and-pass setups. SmartMoves WX WES enhances capacity by enabling multiple workers per zone ideal for handling fluctuating volume and peaks.
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Finding the Right Fit
Every warehouse is different. At Trew, we help you choose the P2G technology that best fits your:
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Order volume
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SKU variety and velocity
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Available space
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Fulfillment goals
Whether you’re working with an existing facility or starting from scratch, G2P systems can deliver faster picking, better accuracy, and smarter use of space.