What else can a complex sPick by Light ystem control and manage? Which additional functions should be included and which not? What does the LUCA standard package contain?
A Pick-to-Light does not only consist of individual displays, but often also contains other complex functions and components. We develop and deliver simple as well as very complex Pick-to-Light systems. However, the exact design of the systems is always based on the customer's requirements. On the other hand, LUCA also offers a number of LUCA standard packages that may also be able to meet your requirements directly? Save money with LUCA standards!
We will answer all these questions in this article. We will not only give you a few tips, but also explain in detail the differences between the individual expansion stages and their possibilities.
Thanks to this, our system LUCA-Server can do much more than just switch the displays on and off. Take your time and read this article at your leisure.
At the end of the article you will find our FAQ on the topic Pick-to-Light. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date. Further information about Pick-to-Light is also available on Wikipedia.
What can a complex Pick-to-Light control everything?
A Pick-to-Light can not only switch the displays on and off itself, but can also take over many other simple and complex functions in logistics or production. The displays and controllers do not take over logical functions. All interfaces, the sequence process and the entire control logic are implemented in our LUCA-Server . For this reason, we can offer and supply both inexpensive LUCA standard packages as well as very complex and customer-specific systems.
Connection of external devices and systems
It LUCA-Server offers a professional platform for connecting many external components and subsystems. Here is just an excerpt:
- Barcode scanner (order start, article control, etc.)
- RFID reader (article registration and employee registration, etc.)
- Scales
- Labellers and automatic packaging machines
- Torque screwdrivers and measuring sensors (production and assembly stations)
- LIN test equipment for car parts (Automotive)
- Direct digital I/O interfaces (simple machines via optocoupler)
- SPS controls
Thus, if required, any external device can be connected to our Pick-to-Light via the LUCA-Server
LUCA standard package:
A direct connection of barcode scanners in a Pick-to-Light are part of everyday life and are also included in the LUCA standard package. No matter whether cable or radio connection. We use many scanners from well-known manufacturers. Recently, hand-back scanners with a cuff have become very popular (e.g. ProGlove).
Here our modern hybrid scanner (barcode and RFID) as a further development with a WiFi connection.
We will report on this robust WiFi scanner (with RFID option) in a separate article. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us right now.
Complex processes made simple
We are specialists for material flow and order picking systems. Thanks to the professional platform and open interface of the LUCA server, the creation of complex systems is also no problem for us.
Basically: anything goes!
Not only the connection to the HOST system, but also a direct control of many components are among the functions of a Pick-to-Light system. However, an exact delimitation of the functions themselves is hardly possible. For this purpose, many aspects such as: warehouse management, material flow, production control, assembly stations, other pick-by- systems and much more.
Distribute tasks correctly
The overall system in a logistics or production facility consists of many individual components, each of which has its own tasks. For this reason the tasks should be clearly defined:
Pick-to-Light controls the picking process
However, the basis of this task is formed by electronic pick lists, which are sent by a warehouse management system (WMS) or production control system (PSS).
The recommended hierarchy:
| System name | Functions |
| HOST | Order processing and commercial settlements |
| AVALANCHE BEACON | Warehouse management: control of stocks, goods receipt, goods issue, inventories |
| MFS (MFR) | Material flow control (only if conveyor technology is available) |
| Pick by Systems | Order picking and Multi-Order-Picking |
| PLC | Control of conveyor technology and machines |
What additional functions can a Pick-to-Light take over?
Recommended additional functions:
- Checking the article numbers
- Recording of serial numbers
- Management for Multi-Order-Picking in an order batch
- Multi-user management in a picking zone
- Zero-crossing tests (together with avalanche transceivers)
- Direct weight control with scales
- Control of test equipment and simple machines (production)
- Printing simple labels
- Direct communication with robots and forklift control systems
Only conditionally recommended additional functions (mostly for small systems):
- Assignment of the storage bins to the articles (mini LVS)
- Administration of sets (mini production)
- Destination control (material flow control for diverting to the zones)
Which functions should the other systems take over?
These superstructures may be a Pick-to-Light on no account take over:
- Complete warehouse management
- Administration and accounting of orders
- Management of picking orders
- Direct control of machines and conveyor technology via I/O contacts
- Printing of delivery notes and invoices
- Shipping labeling
Common mistakes in the distribution of tasks ...
Almost all warehouse management systems (WMS) have already integrated simple picking methods (handheld or scanner). They sometimes also try to control the Pick-to-Light displays without a professional picking system. However, this is wrong and not recommended! After all, these systems are supposed to perform their own tasks and often do not have the flexibility and required response times to operate a complex Pick-to-Light correctly and in real time.
Pick-to-Light in the LUCA standard package
We will soon describe the topic in a separate article and copy a link for it here. Stay tuned and subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don't miss anything.
Conclusion
A Pick-to-Light can take over very simple or also very complex functions and tasks in a warehouse or in a production. The most important thing is the correct distribution of tasks between the individual systems.
You can read more about Pick-to-Light in our main article:
"Pick-to-Light: the ultimate guide"
We are happy to support you already during the planning phase to define the correct distribution of tasks in a complex pick-by-light. If you have any questions, please contact us.
FAQ
Yes:
- Control of article
numbers - Recording of serial numbers
- Management for Multi-Order-Picking in an order batch
- Multi-user management in a picking zone
- Zero passage checks (together with WMS)
- Direct weight checks (see also Pick by Weight)-
- Control of test devices and simple machines (production)
- Printing of simple labels
- Direct communication with robots and forklift control systems
No:
- Complete warehouse management
- Management and accounting of orders
- Management of picking
orders - Direct control of machines and conveyor technology via I/O contacts
- Printing of delivery notes and invoices
- Shipping labeling
There are some planning offices that specialize in the planning of logistics facilities and production systems. LUCA Logistic Solutions supports your planning very professionally.
We have written a separate article on this topic: "Pick-to-Light self-build".
There are several Pick-to-Light providers on the market who have very good experiences.
Pay particular attention to which BUS system is used there. The old solutions are based on an ASI bus, which was formerly known from PLC control technology. These suppliers are no longer in demand today.
You can obtain the best Pick-to-Light components directly from LUCA Logistic Solutions .