What elsecan a complex Pick-to-Light control and manage? Which additional functions should be included and which not? What does the LUCA standard package include?
A Pick-to-Light consists not only of individual displays, but often also includes other complex functions and components. We develop and supply both simple and very complex Pick-to-Light. However, the exact design of the systems always depends on the customer's requirements. On the other hand, LUCA also offers a number of LUCA standard packages that may be able to meet your requirements directly? Save money with the LUCA standards!
We will answer all of 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 Pick-to-Light. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date.
What can a complex Pick-to-Light control?
A Pick-to-Light can not only switch the displays on and off itself, but can also perform many other simple and complex functions in logistics or production. The displays and controllers do not perform 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 supply both inexpensive standard LUCA packages as well as very complex and customer-specific 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, article control, etc.)
- RFID reader (article registration and employee registration, etc.)
- Scales
- Labeling and packaging machines
- Torque wrenches and measuring sensors (production and assembly stations)
- LIN testers for car partsAutomotive)
- Direct digital I/O interfaces (simple machines via optocouplers)
- PLC controls
This means that, 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 is part of everyday life and is also included in the LUCA standard package. Whether wired or wireless. We use many scanners from well-known manufacturers. Recently, hand-held 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, please do not hesitate to contact us now.
Complex processes made simple
We are specialists in material flow and order picking systems. Thanks to the professional platform and open interface of the LUCA-Server, creating complex systems is no problem for us.
Basically: anything goes!
The functions of a Pick-to-Light include not only the connection to the HOST system, but also direct control of many components. However, it is almost impossible to precisely define the functions yourself. Many aspects such as: Warehouse management, material flow, production control, assembly stations, other pick-by systems and much more are included.
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 also be clearly defined:
Pick-to-Light controls order picking
However, this task is based on 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 transactions |
| LVS | Warehouse management: stock control, 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 perform?
Recommended additional functions:
- Checking the article numbers
- Recording of serial numbers
- Management for Multi-Order-Picking in one order batch
- Multi-user management in one picking zone
- Zero-crossing tests (together with LVS)
- Direct weight checks with scales
- Control of testing devices 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 storage bins to items (mini WMS)
- Management of sets (mini production)
- Destination control (material flow control for discharge into the zones)
What functions should the other systems perform?
A Pick-to-Light must not use these superstructures under no circumstances take over:
- Complete warehouse management
- Management and invoicing of orders
- Management of picking orders
- Direct control of machines and conveyor technology via I/O contacts
- Printout of delivery bills and invoices
- Shipping labeling
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 designed to perform their own tasks and often do not have the flexibility and response times required to operate a complex Pick-to-Light system 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 to it here. Stay tuned and subscribe to our newsletters to make sure you don't miss anything.
Conclusion
A Pick-to-Light system can perform very simple or very complex functions and tasks in a warehouse or production facility. The most important thing here is the correct distribution of tasks between the individual systems.
We are happy to support you right from the planning stage in order 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 perform and which not?
Yes:
- Checking article numbers
- Recording 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 checking devices and simple machines (production)
- Printing simple labels
- Direct communication with robots and forklift control 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
- Printout of delivery bills and invoices
- Shipping labeling
Who can help me plan a complex Pick-to-Light?
There are several planning offices that specialize in the planning of logistics facilities and production systems. The experts at LUCA Logistic Solutions will support your planning very professionally.
Where can I request and purchase a Pick-to-Light?
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 previously known from PLC control technology. These providers are no longer in demand today.
