Pick-by-Weight
A counting scale used in conjunction with pick-by-light helps with the picking of large quantities, improves quality, and ensures consistency. TheLUCA-Server supports the integration of various scales. Having a scale directly integrated into the picking process ensures quality much more effectively than checking the weight of the entire shipment during final inspection.
The weighing process and calibration are supported directly by the LUCA system
Using variouspicking systems, such asPick-by-Light, the picking bin and the quantity are indicated. The pick is confirmed on the display. The quantity displayed at the picking bin begins to flash, and the scale’s tare is reset to zero. The employee places the parts on the scale. The “remaining quantity” is shown on the scale display. If the quantity is correct, the scale display shows “0” and the LED turns green. Any remaining items can be returned to the flashing storage bin and confirmed. The process is not very fast, but it guarantees very high quality. If necessary, the items can be weight-calibrated at any time. We would be happy to provide you with the details in a personal consultation.
To count correctly using the scales, certain criteria must be met
The most important criterion for using scales in the picking or shipping process is the consistency of individual item weights. For items where the weight cannot be determined precisely, the use of a Pick-by-Weight is not possible. If the items have stable weights, the question then arises as to when weighing should best be performed. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. Many factors must be taken into account.
List of questions for problem-solving:
- Are the weights of all items comparable, or do they vary significantly?
- How large are the weight variations within the tolerances for each item?
- What quantities are being picked?
- What performance must the process deliver?
- How can workplaces be designed?
- Can be adapted to any car
We would be happy to assist you in addressing these and other questions through workshops.
Weighing items directly during the picking process yields the best results
It is often claimed that a checkweigher installed directly at the point of error in the conveyor system is sufficient for ensuring the quality of shipments. Unfortunately, this is rarely true. Without tare weight detection at the start of the conveyor line, accurate net weight measurement is virtually impossible. With cardboard boxes, even humidity plays a very significant role. Sometimes the weight of the lightest item falls within the weight tolerances of the heavier items, making accurate weight verification impossible. For this reason, the checkweigher should ideally be useddirectly within the picking processrather than at the end. When calculating the total tolerance, at least half of the lightest item’s weight should always be included. However, the result is unsatisfactory because then almost every shipment becomes defective
