In this article, we will answer the question of whether you can build a pick-by-light system yourself. We will draw on our experience as a long-standing supplier to provide you with an objective answer. We will outline various aspects such as feasibility, problems, cost-effectiveness, and the possibilities. Ultimately, however, you will have to make your own decision.
If you are interested in further details, then you should definitely read our main article on the topic of pick-by-light: Pick-by-Light. This article also covers and answers many other topics. If you have any further questions, please contact us.
We have compiled the answers as FAQ section. Further information on pick-by-light can also be found on Wikipedia.
Build it yourself or develop it yourself?
The decisive factor here is what skills you and your employees or colleagues have. Do you know of any companies that build complete pick-by-light systems or only supply electronic components? Do you have developers and fitters at your disposal? Ultimately, you have to ask yourself what is more economical: building it yourself or leaving it to the professionals?
Would you like to assemble Pick-by-Light yourself?
OK. Why not? We supply you with the equipment and assist you with planning. Read the article: "How to plan a pick-by-light/pick-to-light system."Our system has a highly modular design and requires only a few special tools. However, mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge is required for installation. This means you can also build a pick-by-light system yourself.
The question is whether our experienced installation teams work better, faster, and more cost-effectively than your specialists, who first have to familiarize themselves with the subject matter. With self-installation, there is also the question of warranty and guarantee, which we then have to deal with separately.
Developing your own pick-by-light system?
Highly qualified electronics engineers and software developers have been working on this topic since around 1990. The components have undergone several phases of development during this time. The problem of distributed BUS systems has been tested and certified several times in laboratories and in practice. As a result, the effort involved in recent years has been considerable. Some providers have attempted to circumvent the real BUS problems and have used the highly outdated ASI-BUS for this purpose. Unfortunately, with little success. Our pick-by-light software is very professional and very well developed.
For this very reason, we only recommend developing your own pick-by-light system if you know exactly what you are doing and have a large team at your disposal.
What specialists do you need to develop a pick-by-light system yourself?
- electronics technician
- mechanic
- software developer
- designer
- fitters
- Certification specialists
- quality assurance
- repair shop
- Marketing and Sales
- ... and many reliable partner companies
Whether you have the team or can put one together is something you will have to decide for yourself. The financial aspect must certainly be taken into account. The development of the first pick-by-light systems used to take several years. At that time, however, the requirements were not as high as they are today.
Services provided by the customer
As a supplier of various order picking systems, we are very open to collaborative and optimized cooperation with our customers. For this reason, your share of the possible on-site services can be very high if you wish. This allows you to save costs. Nevertheless, we can of course also deliver turnkey solutions. Just talk to us ...
In another blog post, we will soon provide you with a detailed definition of the necessary and possible on-site services required for setting up a pick-by-light system. Don't miss out on anything and sign up for our LUCA newsletter. You will find a form for this below.
Conclusion
It is certainly possible to build small pick-by-light systems with a small number of displays yourself. Today, any PLC can control simple LED lamps and buttons. However, the cabling effort involved is very high. In most cases, however, a professional pick-by-light system is more cost-effective and efficient. Our displays are professionally developed and operate on a BUS system. This also makes subsequent conversion or expansion possible without any problems.
Every businessperson must answer the question "Should I build my own pick-by-light system?" for themselves. If you have any questions, please contact us.
FAQ
How can I plan pick-by-light?
1. Define the type and number of displays for your process. Tip: You can find the currently available displays here:Display gallery.
2. Determine the total length and number of mounting rails for attaching the displays.
3. Draw a layout of the system and plan the cabling and number of controllers. Tip: For smaller systems, plan for a maximum of 100 displays per standard controller. For large systems, plan for a maximum of 400 displays per XXL controller. The cable routes should be as short as possible. We are happy to assist you with this.
4. Don't forget the power supply and network for the controllers!
5. Prepare the Windows server (also possible as a virtual machine).
6. Define the process flow and the interface to your system (SAP, WMS, LVS, production control, etc.).
Can I install Pick by Light myself?
Yes, that is possible. You will need mechatronics specialists and a few tools, such as: a chop saw for aluminum, a cordless screwdriver, and standard power tools. If you do not have any specialists, we can also supply you with aturnkeysystem, including complete installation and commissioning.
How do I commission the pick-by-light system?
Once your wiring is complete, simply switch on the system. Nothing can go wrong. The controllers are equipped with automatic fuses. If everything is correct and communication is working, the small LEDs on the displays and controllers will flash. We will be happy to help you if you encounter any problems.
How can I assign the logical storage locations to the pick-by-light displays?
This is very easy to do using software on the LUCA-Server. Once technical commissioning has been successfully completed, all available displays automatically log on to the server. Using simple storage location lists (e.g., as CSV: storage location ; zone), many displays can be taught in very quickly in a teach-in mode. Smaller systems and changes can of course also be made manually.
Which pick-by-light software do I need and how do I connect it to my system?
The LUCA base software is installed on a Windows server provided by the customer (also possible as a VM). The software controls the displays. There are several standard interfaces to the higher-level systems. All you need to do is send your electronic picking list. If required, we can develop customer-specific interfaces and special process flows.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Your LUCA team
