In this article, we will address the question of whether it is possible to build a pick-by-light system on your own. We will draw on our experience as a long-standing supplier to provide you with an objective answer. In doing so, we will discuss various aspects such as feasibility, potential challenges, cost-effectiveness, and the options available. Ultimately, however, you will need to make your own decision.
If you're interested in more details, be sure to read our main article on the topic of Pick-by-Light: Pick-by-Light. Many other topics are also covered and addressed there. If you have any further questions, please contact us.
We have the answers as FAQ . Further information on Pick-by-Light is also available on Wikipedia.
Build it yourself or develop it yourself?
The key factor here is what skills you and your employees or colleagues possess. Do you know of any companies that build complete pick-by-light systems or only supply electronic components? Do you have developers and technicians on staff? Ultimately, you need to ask yourself which option is more cost-effective: building it yourself or leaving the work to the professionals?
Would you like to install the Pick-by-Light system yourself?
OK. Why not? We’ll supply you with the equipment and help you with the planning. Read our article:“How to Plan a Pick-by-Light / Pick-to-Light System.”Our system has a highly modular design and requires only a few specialized 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 can do the job better, faster, and more affordably than your specialists, who first need to familiarize themselves with the subject matter? With self-installation, there is also the issue of warranties and guarantees, which we would then have to handle separately.
Want to develop your own pick-by-light system?
Since around 1990, highly qualified electronics engineers and software developers have been working on this issue. Over time, the components have gone through several phases of development. During this process, the challenges of distributed bus systems have been tested and certified multiple times in laboratories and in real-world applications. As a result, the effort invested in recent years has been considerable. Some providers have attempted to circumvent the real BUS problems by using the highly outdated ASI-BUS. Unfortunately, with little success. Our Pick-by-Light software is highly professional and very well developed.
For this very reason, we recommend that you only attempt to develop a pick-by-light system on your own if you know exactly what you’re doing and have a large team at your disposal.
What kind of specialists do you need to develop a pick-by-light system on your own?
- Electronics Technician
- Mechanic
- Software developer
- Designer
- Installers
- 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 a question you’ll have to answer for yourself. Of course, the financial aspect must be taken into account. Developing the first pick-by-light systems used to take several years. Back then, however, the requirements weren’t as high as they are today.
Work to be performed by the client
As a supplier of various order-picking systems, we are very open to collaborative and streamlined partnerships with our customers. For this reason, you can handle a significant portion of the on-site work yourself, if you wish. This allows you to save on costs. Nevertheless, we can of course also provide turnkey solutions. Just get in touch with us …
In an upcoming blog post, we’ll provide you with a detailed breakdown of the necessary and optional on-site services required for setting up a pick-by-light system. Don’t miss out—sign up for our LUCA newsletter today. You’ll find the sign-up form below.
Conclusion
Certainly, with small pick-by-light systems featuring a limited number of displays, it is possible to build the systems yourself. Today, any PLC can control simple LED lights and buttons. However, the amount of wiring required is very high. In most cases, however, a professional pick-by-light system is more cost-effective and efficient. Our displays are professionally designed and operate on a bus system. This also makes future modifications or expansions easy to implement.
Every business owner must decide for themselves whether to build their own pick-by-light system. If you have any questions, please contact us.
FAQ
How can I plan a pick-by-light system?
1. Define the type and number of displays for your system. Tip: You can find the currently available displays here:Display Gallery.
2. Determine the total length and number of mounting rails needed to secure the displays.
3. Sketch out a layout of the system and plan the cabling and the number of controllers. Tip: For smaller installations, plan for a maximum of 100 displays per standard controller. For large installations, plan for a maximum of 400 displays per XXL controller. Cable runs should be as short as possible. We are happy to assist you with this as well.
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 workflow and the interface to your system (SAP, WMS, LVS, production control, etc.).
Can I install the Pick by Light system myself?
Yes, that is possible. You will need mechatronics specialists and some tools, such as: a miter saw for aluminum, a cordless screwdriver, and standard power tools. If you do not have specialists on hand, we can also deliver the systemas a turnkey solution, including full installation and commissioning.
How do I commission the pick-by-light system?
Once your wiring is complete, simply turn on the system. Nothing can go wrong. The controllers are equipped with automatic circuit breakers. If everything is set up correctly and communication is working, the small LEDs on the displays and controllers will flash. If you encounter any problems, we’re happy to help.
How can I assign logical storage locations to the pick-by-light displays?
This is very easy to do using software on the LUCA-Server. Once the technical setup is successfully completed, all available displays automatically register with the server. Using simple storage location lists (e.g., in CSV format: Storage Location ; Zone), many displays can be programmed very quickly in teach-in mode. Smaller systems and changes can, of course, also be configured manually.
What kind of pick-by-light software do I need, and how do I integrate it with my system?
The LUCA base software is installed on a customer-provided Windows server (which can also be a virtual machine). 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 necessary, we can develop custom interfaces and specialized workflows.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Your LUCA Team