Faqs
What Warehouse Applications Are Electronic Tags Suitable For?

Electronic tags are suitable for a variety of warehouse and intralogistics applications, including shelf picking, floor-stacked picking, inventory management, material location identification, and order fulfillment.

By providing visual or audible guidance, compatible electronic tags can help operators locate items more efficiently, reduce unnecessary searching, and improve workflow accuracy.

Depending on the application, electronic tags can be used in wired or wireless Pick-to-Light systems and other warehouse guidance solutions. The appropriate configuration depends on the storage environment, operational processes, and project requirements.

What Is PTL – Pick-to-Light Electronic Labeling?

An electronic tag is an electronic device installed on warehouse bin locations. It guides warehouse personnel to complete picking tasks via indicator lights, LED displays and other visual signals. Such systems are also referred to as Pick‑to‑Light System or Light‑Directed Picking System.

Depending on specific operation modes, these systems may go by various names and abbreviations, including DPS (Digital Picking System), DAS (Digital Assorting System) and PTL (Pick‑to‑Light).

By designating target bin locations and providing relevant picking information, electronic tags enable staff to locate materials more rapidly, reduce picking errors and improve overall warehouse operational efficiency.

Our electronic tag products fall into two major series: wired and wireless. The product portfolio includes single‑light tags, 2‑6‑digit digital display electronic tags, LCD tags, e‑ink display tags, RFID tags and other variants. Subject to individual models, tags can deliver functions such as light guidance, buzzer alerting and positioning. We can deliver customized bin‑location guidance and picking solutions in accordance with customers’ warehouse layouts, operational workflows and specific project requirements.

What Is PTL – Pick-to-Light Electronic Labeling?

The primary differences between wired and wireless electronic tags lie in communication protocols and installation requirements.

  • Wired Electronic Tags: Communicate with controllers and other system components through wired connections. They are suitable for warehouse scenarios with fixed bin locations where cabling can be pre‑planned.
  • Wireless Electronic Tags: Communicate with gateways, base stations and other compatible devices via wireless signals. They allow for highly flexible deployment and eliminate cabling work for individual bin locations.

Both product categories are applicable to warehouse picking and bin‑location guidance. The final selection shall be determined by warehouse layout, system architecture, on‑site installation conditions and project‑specific requirements.

Below is an introduction to the core advantages of wired and wireless electronic tags to help you better understand product characteristics and applicable scenarios.

What Is PTL – Pick-to-Light Electronic Labeling?

(I) Advantages of Wired Electronic Tags for Warehouse and Manufacturing Operations
  1. Stable Communication: Wired connections establish dedicated communication channels among compatible devices.
  2. Centralized Control: Multiple tags can be managed uniformly through connected control systems.
  3. Compatibility with Fixed Layouts: Well‑suited for warehouse and production zones with static bin locations and workstations.
  4. Facilitated System Integration Planning: Cables and controller configurations can be planned holistically based on project requirements.
  5. Wired electronic tags represent a practical solution for projects where cabling deployment and maintenance can be implemented efficiently.

What Is PTL – Pick-to-Light Electronic Labeling?

(II) Higher Deployment Flexibility Brought by Wireless Electronic Tags
  1. Reduced Cabling Workload: Wireless communication minimizes the requirement for communication cables at each tag position.
  2. Flexible Installation: Separate communication cabling for each tag is unnecessary provided wireless signal coverage meets operational standards.
  3. Convenient Layout Adjustment: Tags can be readily redeployed when bin‑location settings or workflows are modified.
  4. Adaptability to Existing Warehouse Infrastructure: Ideal for warehouses where additional cabling is technically challenging or cost‑prohibitive.
  5. Wireless communication performance is subject to communication protocols, signal coverage, on‑site environmental interference and hardware configurations.
(III) Application of Electronic Tags

Electronic tags guide personnel to fulfil warehouse picking tasks through standardized and well‑defined workflows:

  1. Task Issuance: Picking instructions are generated by the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or a compatible control system.
  2. Instruction Transmission: Controllers dispatch commands to target tags via wired links or wireless communication hardware.
  3. Visual Guidance: Corresponding tags activate indicator lights, present picking data or trigger other supported alert signals.
  4. Material Picking: Operators identify and retrieve required materials following on‑tag prompts.
  5. Task Confirmation: Subject to system configuration, operators confirm task completion via tag buttons, handheld terminals or other feedback devices.

This workflow cuts down redundant material‑searching time and enhances picking efficiency.

(IV) How to Select Suitable Electronic Tags

An optimal solution is determined by practical operational demands and on‑site conditions.

  1. Prioritize wired electronic tags when bin locations remain relatively fixed and wired infrastructure can be efficiently planned.
  2. Prioritize wireless electronic tags if the project emphasizes flexible deployment, reduced cabling workload or convenient tag repositioning.

Prior to final decision‑making, comprehensive evaluation shall cover warehouse layout, tag quantity, communication requirements, power supply modes, installation costs, as well as compatibility with existing WMS or control systems.

Should you require solution recommendations for your specific project, please contact us for professional assessment based on real‑world application requirements and system configurations.

How to Install Electronic Tags?

Installation approaches for electronic tags depend on product models, mounting structures and field environments.

(I) Wired Electronic Tags

Common installation options include clip‑in mounting, screw fastening, rail mounting and adhesive mounting, subject to product structures. Upon completion of mechanical fixation, relevant cables shall be connected and system configuration implemented in compliance with system specifications.

How to Install Electronic Tags?
(II) Wireless Electronic Tags

Based on product designs, typical mounting methods include clip‑in mounting, adhesive mounting, magnetic mounting and screw fastening. Meanwhile, full consideration should be given to wireless signal coverage, gateway or base station placement and power supply requirements for devices.

Supported installation modes and detailed operating procedures shall strictly follow the product specifications of your selected model.

How to Install Electronic Tags?

What Are DPS, DAS and PTL?

DPS, DAS and PTL are industry terms describing distinct warehouse picking and sorting operation modes.

What Are DPS, DAS and PTL?

Term definitions and practical implementations vary among manufacturers and projects. These terms describe separate operational modes and shall not be regarded as identical system names by default.

What Is the Difference Between Wired and Wireless Electronic Tags?

Wired and wireless electronic tags differ mainly in their communication methods, power supply requirements, and installation flexibility.

Wired electronic tags typically communicate through wired connections and are suitable for warehouse systems that require stable, centralized control. Wireless electronic tags communicate wirelessly with compatible gateways or controllers, offering greater flexibility in installation and deployment.

The right choice depends on your warehouse layout, application requirements, infrastructure, and system configuration. Our team can help you evaluate the most suitable solution for your project.

How Do I Choose the Right Electronic Tag for My Warehouse?

Choosing the right electronic tag depends on your warehouse operations and application requirements. Key factors to consider include the picking workflow, storage layout, communication method, display requirements, installation method, and system compatibility.

For example, tags with visual indicators and digital displays can help operators identify picking locations and item information quickly. Wired or wireless solutions can be selected according to the warehouse infrastructure and deployment needs.

To recommend a suitable solution, we suggest evaluating your application scenario, required functions, and integration requirements before selecting the appropriate products.

Can Electronic Tags Be Customized for Different Warehouse Requirements?

Yes. Electronic tag solutions can be customized according to specific warehouse applications and project requirements, depending on the product model and technical feasibility.

Customization options may include display types, indicator light colors, housing designs, mounting methods, and communication configurations. For example, different warehouse environments may require different installation methods or visual guidance features.

To determine the available options, please share your application scenario, functional requirements, and preferred product specifications with our team. We can then evaluate the feasibility and recommend a suitable solution.