Other Neat Stuff About FastFetch!
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Multiple Languages

Since FastFetch uses pre-recorded speech, it can speak to the picker in any language and with any accent the picker prefers.   Associated with each picker is one of the language files so when the picker logs into FastFetch, the preferred set of words in that language file is used.  If a client chooses to use a different set of vocabularies than those provided with the system, FastFetch Corporation will provide the user with software to record the new vocabulary.

Web-based Management Performance Reporting System

Using the internet, authorized users can view mangement performance reporting information by warehouse, zone, picker, pick ticket, short picks, etc (filteredl by selectable date range) in both tabular and graphical representations.  The user can drill down on high level information to see the details underlying the information.

Hardware Components

FastFetch third party hardware components include a standard mobile computer (PDA) or Tablet PC with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilies, a Bluetooth scanner. an optional Bluetooth headset  and the Windows Mobile operating system.  FastFetch proprietary components include black durable ABS wiring raceways, red, translucent, durable acrylic raceway covers, modules, power supplies and precut CAT5 cables to connect the components.

Installation

FastFetch installation is very simple.  A wiring raceway is attached to the face or underside a horizontal beam on a rack or shelf on a cart with self tapping screws after drilling holes in the beam or shelf.  A 24V power supply, the controller and as many as 255 light modules are connected using precut Cat5 cable with RJ45 modular clips on the ends.  After power is applied, each light module is turned on with an onboard slide switch and communicates with the attached controller to automatically be assigned a unique address.  Finally, the red translucent cover is clipped on the front of the wiring raceway and encaps are inserted into the ends of the raceway.  Special FastFetch software is used (in conjuction with the FastFetch hardware) to make the association of a unique light address with a warehouse location and automatically record the association in the FastFetch centralized SQL database for use by all PDAs or Tabet PCs during subsequent picking.  If warehouse traversal information is not available in the WMS/ERP, this information can be collected during the address association process.

Dynamic Zone Picking (a.k.a. The Bucket Brigade)

Rather than using static (fixed size) zones in the picking area for assignment to pickers who pass orders or carts, FastFetch uses dynamic (changing size) zones.  When the picker in the last zone completes picking an order, he walks back to the picker in the preceding zone to "bump" that picker and take over picking immediately at that location.  The "bumped" picker walks back to his preceding picker to "bump" him and the process continues until the first picker is "bumped" and starts a new cart through the picking area.  Learn more about dynamic zone picking by clicking here.

Fault Tolerance

FastFetch was designed to be tolerant of faults with its "fail soft" design and approach to  resolving probelms.  Click here to learn more.