In this article we will answer the question whether you can build a Pick-to-Light system yourself. We will use our experience as a long-term supplier to provide you with an objective answer. In doing so, we will consider various aspects such as: feasibility, problems, profitability and the possibilities for this. In the end, however, you will have to make your own decision.
If you are interested in further details, you should definitely read our main article on the subject Pick-to-Light : "Pick by Light - the ultimate guide“. Many other topics are also discussed and answered there. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We have summarized the answers as FAQ under. Further information about Pick-to-Light is also available 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 perhaps know companies that create Pick-to-Light completely or only supply electronic components? Do you have developers and fitters available? In the end, you have to ask yourself what is more economical? Either to build it yourself or to leave the craft to the professionals?
Do you want to install Pick-to-Light yourself?
OKAY. Why not? We supply you with the equipment and support you with the planning. Our system is very modular and requires only few special tools. However, mechanical and electro-technical knowledge is required for the assembly. Therefore you can also build a Pick-to-Light yourself.
It is quite simple:
1. define the type and number of displays for your process. Tip: The currently available displays can be found here: Displays Gallery.
2. determine the total length and the number of mounting rails for mounting the displays.
3. draw a layout of the system and plan the cabling and the number of controllers. Tip: For smaller systems, plan a maximum of 100 displays per standard controller. For large systems, max. 400 displays per XXL controller. The cable paths should be as short as possible. We will also be happy to support you in this.
4. do not forget power supply and network for the controllers!
5. prepare Windows server (also possible as virtual machine).
6. define the process flow and the interface to your system (SAP, WMS, LVS, production control, etc).
After that, only a simple installation, commissioning, training and that's it.
Yes, of course it's possible. You need mechatronic specialists and some simple tools like: A mitre saw for aluminum, a cordless screwdriver, and standard power tools. If you don't have any specialists, we can also supply you with a turnkey system including complete assembly and commissioning.
There are several Pick-to-Light suppliers on the market. But some of them are already very outdated and technically outdated. LUCA as a system integrator works with the best electronics manufacturers from Germany. Pick-by-light made in Germany can be found for example at LUCA Logistic Solutions!
When your cabling is complete, the system is simply switched on. Nothing can happen. The controllers are equipped with automatic fuses. If everything is correct and the communication works, the small LEDs on the displays and on the controllers will flash. If you have any problems, we will be happy to help you.
This can be done very easily via a software on the LUCA-Server. Once the 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 very quickly in a teach-in mode. Smaller installations and changes can of course also be made manually.
The LUCA basic software is installed on a Windows server provided by the customer (also possible as VM). The software controls the displays. There are several standard interfaces to the higher-level systems. Actually you only need to send your electronic picking list. If required, we develop customer-specific interfaces and special process sequences.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Your LUCA team
The question is whether our experienced installation teams work better, faster and cheaper than your specialists who have to deal with the subject first? In the case of self-assembly, the question of warranty and guarantee also arises, which we must then deal with separately.
Pick-to-Light yourself?
Since about 1990, highly qualified electronic engineers and software developers have been dealing with this topic. The components have gone through several phases of development during this time. 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 of the last years was already very big. Some vendors have tried to circumvent the real BUS problems and have used the very obsolete ASI-BUS for this purpose. Unfortunately with only little success.
Exactly for this reason, we recommend that you "develop " a Pick-to-Light system yourself only if you know exactly what you are doing and have a large team at your disposal.
Which specialists do you then need to develop a Pick-to-Light system yourself?
- Electronics engineer
- Mechanic
- Software Developer
- Designer
- Fitters
- Specialists for certifications
- Quality assurance
- Repair workshop
- Marketing and distribution
- ... and many reliable partner companies
Whether you have the team or can put it together, you have to answer yourself. Certainly the financial aspect must be taken into account. The development of the first Pick-to-Light systems used to take several years. But back then, the requirements were not as high as they are today.
On-site services
As a supplier of various picking systems, we are very open to a collaborative and optimized cooperation with our customers. For this reason, your share of possible on-site services can be very high if you wish. This way you can save your costs. Nevertheless, we can of course also supply turnkey solutions. Just talk to us ...
In another blog we will soon give you an exact definition of the required and possible on-site services for the construction of a Pick-to-Light system. So don't miss anything and sign up for our LUCA newsletter. You will find a form for this below.
Conclusion
Surely, for small Pick-to-Light systems with a small number of displays, it is possible to create the systems yourself. Simple LED lamps and buttons can now control any PLC. However, the cabling effort is very high here. In most cases, however, a professional Pick-to-Light system is cheaper and more effective. Our displays are professionally developed and work on a BUS system. Therefore a later conversion or extension is possible without any problems.
You can read more about Pick-to-Light in our main article:
"Pick-to-Light - the ultimate guide".
Every businessman must answer the question "Pick-to-Light build it yourself?" for himself. If you have any further questions, please contact us.