"1-to-1" refers to a single location for picking and placement. This means workers only have to think about the product to be picked and where it is going. They don't have to think simultaneously about multiple carriers, pick locations or put locations. This streamlines the cognitive processing involved with the job.
One of the principles of ergonomics is that the body should remain in a neutral position as much as possible. The majority of movements should take place close to the body, and workers should not have to reach very often—especially above their heads—or bend their necks to look at something. Repetitive reaching and bending can cause injuries and muscular stress in workers; also, when they move away from a neutral position, they have to return to it, and those small motions add up and increase the time required for each task.
These systems integrate with X-PTS® AS/RS by design, but they can also work with other types of systems. They integrate with the storage structure and conveyor lines, all working together through the WMS or WES.
Conveyors deliver totes or containers from the AS/RS storage unit, employees pick the correct quantity and confirm the pick, and the conveyor line takes the totes away. When the order is complete, the conveyor carries the packed carton to shipping. The worker interacts only with the HMI, which reduces both their mental workload and the number of steps they have to take. The result is better order accuracy and throughput, along with the benefits that come with improved ergonomics, including better retention and fewer musculoskeletal injuries.