Configuring a Pick-by-Light System

Preparing the configuration after initial startup

For large systems with many storage bins, manually configuring the pick-by-light system is not ideal. The initial configuration of the Pick-by-Light system is performed using configuration lists that are imported into the software in a special mode. (Learn more about commissioning a Pick-by-Light system).
The configuration lists are simple CSV files (Excel) with the following columns:

• Zone designation
• Storage location code

In this configuration list, the relationship between the zone designation and the unique storage location is already defined. The order of the list should reflect the order of the storage bins on the shelves. For example, from top left to bottom right, or by column; from left to right and top to bottom.

In the configuration list, storage location names must be consistent with the warehouse management system and must be unique. You can choose any format. A logical address may be up to 16 characters long. See also System Structure and Addressing.

To ensure that the configuration is unambiguous, logical names often include zone names, e.g.,

In practice, the letters Z (Zone), G (Gasse), S (Seite), and the hyphens are often omitted (i.e., the short version: 0101LA01) to keep the configuration as short as possible.

Expert tip: For large systems, create multiple configuration files for individual zones or areas. This improves control and organization of the configuration steps and minimizes errors.

Enabling configuration mode

A configuration mode is activated via the user interface, and the prepared list is loaded (e.g., for a zone). All connected pick-by-light bin indicators light up (white LEDs).

Automatic configuration assignment with the push of a button

Now, the white-backlit bin displays are assigned to the logical addresses (bin labels) by pressing the confirmation button. The exact order specified in the prepared configuration list must be followed. Once the displays have been assigned correctly, the LED will light up green.

If an error occurs, the assignment process must start over from the beginning. For this reason, it makes sense to limit the lists to a maximum of 100–150 storage bins in order to minimize the effort required to repeat the process.

Once all storage compartments have been configured, the configuration is saved on the screen. The logical address can now be used.

Manual configuration

For small systems or minor configuration changes, each individual pick-by-light address can be changed manually via the on-screen interface. To do this, select the old logical address or physical address and assign it to the desired address.

Conclusion

Configuring a pick-by-light system is simple and can be done manually or, for larger systems, automatically. To do this, the relevant configuration lists are prepared in CSV format and imported.