Abstract: A paperless picking system for use in a product distribution center includes multiple bays of product supports and operator interfaces, at least one of which is at the bays. The product supports include case flow racks, pallet racks and/or product shelving. The operator interface devices are data displays and/or pick confirmation input devices. A picking data management computer system receives data from the pick confirmation input devices and provides data to the data displays. A plurality of mounting rails are provided, each of which is at one of the multiple bays. The mounting rails support at least one data line. Each of the picking devices includes a housing. Electrical connection is established between the picking devices and the at least one data line as a result of the housing being supported by one of the mounting rails.

Abstract: The invention pertains to picking systems and more particularly to a paperless, order assembly system.

Abstract: The invention pertains to picking systems and more particularly to a paperless, order assembly system. The invention provides an elongate support rail (11) and a location or zone level data device (40) for a paperless picking system, the rail (11) having a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced apart channels (13) formed therein, each channel defining an opening into which may be inserted one or more lengths of insulated conducting wire (26), the location or zone level data device (40) being attachable to a front face of the rail and having a plurality of penetrating pins (45) corresponding generally in lateral spacing to the channels (13) in the support rail, the pins (45) being adapted to penetrate the insulation of the wire (26) with the device in an operational position, thereby to provide an electrical connection between the device and the wire at selected locations on the support rail.