What elsecan a complex Pick-to-Lightsystem control and manage? Which additional functions should be included and which not? What does the LUCA standard package contain?
A Pick-to-Lightsystem consists not only of individual displays, but often also includes 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 always depends on the customer's requirements. On the other hand, LUCA also has some LUCA standard packages that may be able to meet your requirements directly? Save money with the 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 the LUCA-Server , our system 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 of the Pick-to-Light system. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date.
What can a complex Pick-to-Light system control?
A Pick-to-Light system can not only switch the displays on and off itself, but also take over many other simple and complex functions in logistics or production. The displays and controllers do not take over any 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 deliver both low-cost LUCA standard packages and very complex and customised systems.
Connection of external devices and systems
The LUCA-Server offers a professional platform for connecting many external components and subsystems. Here is just an excerpt:
- Barcode scanner (order start, item control, etc.)
- RFID reader (item entry and employee registration, etc.)
- Scales
- Automatic labellers and packers
- Torque screwdrivers and measuring sensors (production and assembly stations)
- LIN testers for car parts (Automotive)
- Direct digital I/O interfaces (simple machines via optocouplers)
- PLC controls
Thus, if required, any external device can be connected to our Pick-to-Light via the LUCA-Server .
LUCA standard package:
Direct connection of barcode scanners in a Pick-to-Light system is part of everyday life and is also included in the LUCA standard package. No matter whether cable- or radio-bound. We use many scanners from well-known manufacturers for this purpose. Recently, hand-back scanners with a cuff have become very popular (e.g. ProGlove).
Here is 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, we are of course already at your disposal.
Complex processes made simple
We are specialists for material flow and picking systems. Thanks to the professional platform and open interface of the LUCA server, creating complex systems is also no problem for us.
Basically: anything goes!
The functions of a Pick-to-Light system include not only the connection to the HOST system, but also the direct control of many components. However, an exact delimitation of the functions is hardly possible. For this, 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 logistics or production consists of many individual components, whereby all of these systems have their own tasks. For this reason, the tasks should be clearly defined:
Pick-to-Light system controls the order picking
However, the basis of this task here is the electronic pick lists sent by a warehouse management system (WMS) or production control system (PSS).
The recommended hierarchy:
| System name | Functions |
| HOST | Order processing and commercial handling |
| LVS | Warehouse management: control of stocks, incoming goods, outgoing goods, inventories |
| MFS (MFR) | Material flow control (only if conveyor technology is available) |
| Pick by systems | Commissioning and Multi-Order-Picking |
| SPS | Control of conveyor technology and machines |
What additional functions can a Pick-to-Light system perform?
Recommended additional functions:
- Checking the article numbers
- Recording of serial numbers
- Administration for Multi-Order-Picking in an order batch
- Multi-user management in one picking zone
- Zero passage examinations (together with LVS)
- Direct weight checks 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 locations to the articles (mini LVS)
- Management of sets (mini production)
- Destination control (material flow control for discharge into the zones)
What functions should the other systems take over?
These superstructures may be Pick-to-Light In no case 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
- Printout of delivery notes and invoices
- Shipping labelling
Common mistakes in the distribution of tasks ...
Almost all warehouse management systems (WMS) already have simple picking methods integrated (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 reaction 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 newsletters so 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 production. The most important thing is the correct distribution of tasks between the individual systems.
We are happy to support you during the planning phase to define the correct distribution of tasks in a complex pick-to-light system. Please also read: "How to plan a Pick-to-Light / Pick-to-Light system". If you have any questions, please contact us.
FAQ
Which tasks can a Pick-to-Light system take over and which not?
Yes:
- Article number control
- Serial number capture
- Management for Multi-Order-Picking in an order batch
- Multi-user management in a picking zone
- Zero-crossing checks (together with WMS)
- Direct weight checks (see also Pick by Weight)-
- Control of checking devices and simple machines (production)
- Printing of simple labels
- Direct communication with robots and stacker guidance systems
No:
- Complete warehouse management
- Management and invoicing of orders
- Management of picking orders
- Direct control of machines and conveyor technology via I/O contacts
- Printing of delivery notes and invoices
- Shipping labelling
Who can help me plan a complex Pick-to-Light system?
There are some planning offices that specialise in planning logistics facilities and production systems. The experts at LUCA Logistic Solutions provide very professional support for your planning.
Where can I enquire about and buy a Pick-to-Light system?
There are some Pick-to-Light providers on the market who have very good experience.
Pay particular attention to which BUS system is used there. The old solutions are based on an ASI bus, which was known from PLC control technology in the past. These providers are no longer in demand today.
Many years of experience in paperless order picking
