Pack2Light Installation Guide

Pack2Light enhances warehouse efficiency by utilizing light modules to guide packers directly to the required items for each order. Integrated with the ShipHero packing application, it aims to increase packing speed and accuracy for single-order fulfillment by visually indicating item locations.

Key Points:

• Guided Packing: Uses LED lights to direct packers to item locations.
• Efficiency Focused: Designed to streamline the single-order packing process.
• ShipHero Integration: Works directly with the ShipHero Packing App.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Before you begin the Pack2Light setup, ensure you have all the required hardware available and your ShipHero account is properly configured.

Software Requirements:

• Our support team must enable the Pack2Light feature on your account before starting the setup process. If you haven't already, please reach out to Support@shiphero.com to have this setting enabled.
• The Hub will only work on v0.7.3 or later. Ensure the most recent version of the ShipHero Packing App is installed on the pack station computer. Download from the My Account > Apps page.

Setting Up a Pack2Light Station

Installing the Pack2Light station consists of three main parts:

1. Creating the Pack2Light station locations in ShipHero
2. Wiring the Hub and LED modules to your cart(s)
3. Configuring Scanner Commands

Follow these steps to configure your Pack2Light hardware and software:

Step 1: Creating Pack2Light Station Locations

Creating locations for your Pack2Light setup is no different than how you would create other locations for your warehouse in ShipHero. However, there are strict rules to follow to ensure that your carts function as expected.

• Unique Prefix: Assign a unique prefix to each Pack2Light station (e.g., PS01, PS02). This distinguishes stations from each other.
• Location Naming: Create locations within ShipHero for each bin/spot at the station. The naming convention must be [Prefix]-[Numeric ID] (e.g., PS01-01, PS01-02, PS01-03, etc.). Only use numeric values after the hyphen.
• Location Settings: Ensure these locations are marked as Sellable and Pickable.
• Location Type: It's recommended to create a specific location type (e.g., "Pack2Light Station") for these locations to aid in reporting and inventory management.

Helpful Tip: Use this program to generate locations for your Direct PackStation. Simply enter the number of packstations you are creating locations for, the Station Prefix and the number of locations at each. Then, click Generate Packing Stations. 

A new window will open with a visual of your packing station locations, Printable QR Codes for your DirectPack Command barcode (explained in next section) and a prefilled, downloadable CSV you can use to upload your new locations into ShipHero. 

Enter information, (number of stations, Location Prefix and number of locations)	2. Download the prefilled Location Template and Print your DirectPack Command Barcode

Step 2: Wiring the Hub and LED Modules

Below are the steps to follow when installing the hardware on the carts/shelves that will be located at the packing station.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The lights must be daisy-chained in the exact sequence corresponding to your location numbering. The lights will follow a snake pattern from the top shelf of the rack to the bottom shelf of the rack. See image below.

1. Mount Hub: Using the provided zip ties, securely attach the Pack2Light Hub to the packing rack, ensuring it's close enough to the computer for the USB connection.
2. Mount Battery Pack Pouch: Using the provided zip ties, secure the battery pack pouch close enough to the hub so the USB-C connector can reach both.
3. Connect Hub: Plug the Hub into a USB port on the pack station computer.
4. Connect First Light: Use a provided JST male-to-male connector to link the Hub to the INPUT port of the first LED module. This module should correspond physically to your first location (e.g., PS01-01).
5. Connect Subsequent Lights: Daisy-chain the remaining LED modules by connecting the OUTPUT port of one module to the INPUT port of the next using the JST connectors. Maintain the sequence corresponding to your location numbering (01, 02, 03...).

Step 3: Configure Scanner Commands

You will need both a specific "Force Allocate" QR code and standard command barcodes for your workflow.

Force Allocate QR Code:

This specific QR code ensures the packer only receives orders that can be completely fulfilled by items located in the locations that station's prefix.

• CRITICAL QR CODE FORMAT: The command embedded in the QR code must follow the format: shp2l__[location prefix] (e.g., shp2l__PS01).
• Generation: Use this QR code generator (or any standard online tool) to create a QR code for each station's specific command.

Prepare Standard Command Barcodes/Buttons:

You can either print these command barcodes or use an Adaptive Packing Station configured with buttons for essential commands (e.g., Get Next Order, Print Labels).

Suggested Command Barcodes:

• Get Next Order
• Print Invoice and Labels
• Okay/Confirm (if used in your workflow)
• Send to Hospital (if used in your workflow)

For Printed Command Barcodes: Generate Professional Barcode Labelstool to print the specific barcodes needed for your operations. Here is more information about How to Use Command Barcodes.

Adaptive Packing Buttons: Use the set up guide in our Adaptive Packing Station article for more informatiion on how to streamline your packing processes even further.

Set Up Complete

You are all set up!For instructions on how to use your Packing station continue on to our article How to Ship with a Pack2Light Station.

Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Guide: ShipHero Attainable Automation Pack to Light