Optimal material flow is key to the performance of any plant. Only the right processes can guarantee success. However, every plant is different, and standardization is not easy. We have developed a platform on which any material flow can be mapped. The LUCA Serversoftware handles the central control of the material flow computer (MFR).
An optimal flow of materials is key to your success.
We integrate all the technology and picking systems onto the modern LUCA-Server.
Material flow
We manage the technical material flow, integrate machinery and conveyor systems, control high-bay warehouses (HRL) and automated small-parts warehouses (AKL) along with their pre-staging areas, and coordinate destination control and outbound sorters. We use our material flow computer (MFR) to communicate with all higher-level warehouse management systems (WMS) and integrate all our pick-by systems in the process. All communication between the technology and the WMS is centralized, monitored, and visualized, thereby ensuring optimal coordination of the material flow.
Features
- Can be integrated with any WMS
- Connection to any subordinate controller and machine
- Real-time communication via the LUCA-Server
- Full integration of pick-by systems
- Optimization methods
- Customized processes
- Fast, stable, and reliable
Solutions
- I-Punkt Coordination
- Carton erectors and contour inspection systems
- Labeling Systems
- Destination and Sorter Controls
- AKL/HRL Pre-zones
- Sorting of Outgoing Goods
- Machine Coordination
- Production Control
Material Flow Control
WMS Integration
LUCA implements any integration with a warehouse management system (WMS) within the material flow computer (MFR) software. Our software developers have a range of technical options at their disposal, from database connections, files, and queues to direct interfaces such as web services, TCP/IP socket connections, and various SAP integrations.
Hardware connectivity
Connections to the subordinate PLCs, machines, devices, and order-picking systems (Pick-by-Light, Pick-by-Frame®, Voice Picking, etc.) are established via the customer’s network. A wide range of interfaces is available to us. Direct integration of the Siemens PLCs is implemented, for example, via the RFC1006 protocol. On the PLC side, the programming effort is minimal. If necessary, the interfaces are developed accordingly.
Control processes
The LUCA server’s modular design allows for the integration of both standardized and custom modules for process control. Any task can be implemented. The processes communicate with the databases, save your tasks, and report status updates.
Response times
Thanks to the professional software architecture of the LUCA server, response times to the interfaces are measured in just a few milliseconds. The multitasking architecture allows many tasks to be processed simultaneously. This enables us to create very fast and large-scale systems.