The center has its split-case picking operation arranged around two lines of takeaway conveyor on each level. Each line consists of two rows of gravity roller conveyor, with a row of powered roller conveyor in the middle. As orders are filled, the employees in this area check order accuracy, then transfer the cartons to the powered takeaway conveyor. The process is repeated in the full-case picking area. In this area, which is also two-tiered, the products are stored in conventional pallet racks, rather than in flow racks.
Employees pick the required cartons of products, then load the cartons onto the outgoing conveyor.
Each of the two picking areas or the upper level has its own decline to bring the products down to the main floor. The picked cartons from both levels are consolidated as they pass through a number of merge sections. Overhead fixed-position bar code scanners located immediately downstream from the merges identify carton destinations. Next, all of the picked products flow through a sortation section that diverts certain cartons to quality control lanes. The remainder of the cartons are conveyed on to shipping.