In this article, we will answer the question of whether you can build a Pick-to-Light system yourself. We will use our experience as a long-standing supplier to provide you with an objective answer. We will consider various aspects such as: Feasibility, problems, cost-effectiveness and the possibilities for doing so. Ultimately, however, you will have to make your own decision.
If you are interested in more details, you should definitely read our main article on the subject Pick-to-Light : Pick-to-Light. Many other topics are also covered and answered there. If you have any further questions, please contact us.
We have summarized the answers as an FAQ. Further information on Pick-to-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 perhaps know companies that create Pick-to-Light from scratch or only supply electronic components? Do you have developers and fitters available? Ultimately, you need to ask yourself what is more economical? Either to build it yourself or to leave it to the professionals?
Do you want to install Pick-to-Light yourself?
OK. Why not? We supply you with the equipment and support you with the planning. Read the article: "How to plan a Pick-to-Light /Pick-to-Light system". Our system is very modular and requires only a few special tools. However, mechanical and electrical knowledge is required for installation. This means you can also build a Pick-to-Light yourself.
The question is whether our experienced installation teams work better, faster and cheaper than your specialists who first have to get to grips with the subject? Self-installation also raises the question of guarantee and warranty, which we then have to deal with separately.
Pick-to-Light develop it yourself?
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, a great deal of effort has been expended in recent years. Some suppliers have tried to circumvent the real BUS problems by using the very outdated ASI BUS. Unfortunately with little success. Our Pick-to-Light software is very professional and very well developed.
For this very reason, we only recommend that you "develop" a Pick-to-Light system yourself if you know exactly what you are doing and have a large team at your disposal.
Which specialists do you need to develop a Pick-to-Light system yourself?
- Electronics technician
- Mechanic
- Software developer
- Designer
- Fitters
- Specialists for certifications
- Quality assurance
- Repair workshop
- Marketing and sales
- ... and many reliable partner companies
Whether you have the team or can put it together is something you have to decide for yourself. The financial aspect must certainly be taken into account. The development of the first Pick-to-Light systems used to take several years. At that time, however, the requirements were not as high as they are today.
On-site services
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 possible on-site services can be very high if you wish. This can save you costs. Nevertheless, we can of course also deliver turnkey. Just talk to us ...
In another blog, we will soon give you a precise definition of the required and possible on-site services when setting up 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
For small Pick-to-Light systems with a small number of displays, it is certainly possible to create the systems yourself. Today, any PLC can control simple LED lamps and buttons. 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. This means that subsequent conversion or expansion is also possible without any problems.
Every businessman must answer the question "Build your ownPick-to-Light " for himself. If you have any further questions, please contact us.
FAQ
How can I plan Pick-to-Light ?
1. define the type and number of displays for your workflow process. Tip: You can find the currently available displays here: Displays Gallery.
2. Determine the total length and the number of mounting rails for attaching 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, a maximum of 400 displays per XXL controller. The cable runs should be as short as possible. We are also happy to support 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 workflow process and the interface to your system (SAP, WMS, WMS, production control, etc.).
Can I install Pick to Light myself?
Yes, it is possible. You will need mechatronics specialists and a few tools such as: Chop saw for aluminum, cordless screwdriver and standard power tools. If you do not have any specialists, we can also supply you with a turnkey system including complete installation and commissioning.
How do I commission the Pick-to-Light system?
When your wiring is complete, the system is simply switched on. Nothing can happen. The controllers are equipped with automatic fuses. If everything is correct and communication is working, the small LEDs on the displays and controllers flash. We will be happy to help you with any problems.
How can I assign the logical storage bins to the Pick-to-Light displays?
This is very easy to do using 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 systems and changes can of course also be made manually.
Which Pick-to-Light software do I need and how do I connect my system to it?
The LUCA basic 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 really need to do is send your electronic picking list. If required, we can develop customer-specific interfaces and special process sequences.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Your LUCA team
