Pick-to-Light is very versatile and is used wherever simple information needs to be displayed directly on storage compartments or on machines. The operator can make appropriate entries via various keys on the Pick-to-Light compartment displays.
eCommerce: picking and replenishment in the dispatch warehouse
In a shipping warehouse this is Pick by Light mostly used for picking A or B items. This fast picking method brings enormous advantages for performance and quality. The use of conveyor technology in a material flow system further optimises the overall system.
When using the conveyor system, the shipping cartons automatically travel to the individual picking zones. The order is not activated until after ejection and the appropriate displays light up. The strong LED signals the position from a great distance. Whereby the displays show the removal quantity directly. The employee then acknowledges the removal with a button directly on the display.
If the stock in the storage compartment does not fit, the employee can enter a message for a shortage directly on the display.
In addition to picking, the Pick-to-Light system is also used very successfully to support replenishment. Simple "Put-to-Light" displays are mounted on the individual supply channels in a rack. When replenishment orders are activated, the corresponding display lights up. The employee is guided directly to the correct storage compartment. Acknowledgement takes place via the button on the display or with the aid of a scanner.
Automotive: Supermarket sequencing of shopping baskets and JIT racks
Pick by Light plays a very large and decisive role in the preparation of the assembly as shopping baskets and JIT racks in an automotive plant. The large number of models and variants makes it impossible to store car parts directly on the assembly line due to space constraints. For this reason, the car parts are also outsourced and "called off" in the neighbouring halls or even at remote service providers. These storage areas are often called supermarkets (SuMA).
The assembly line of an automotive plant must be supplied 100% without errors and at the right time.
The preparation of car parts in the supermarkets is called sequencing. We will soon publish a separate article about sequencing in the automobile production itself. Stay tuned ...
Our systems and the LUCA-Server are specially developed for customers with high quality requirements and are perfectly suited for trouble-free continuous operation. The Quick-Click-System enables a quick and easy system conversion. Thus the requirements for changing car parts (alternative parts) are easily met.
Production: assembly stations, set formation and machine assembly
The system can be used in a particularly versatile way in production. Often not only one but several product variants are assembled on an assembly table or assembly workstation. The components are usually provided at the assembly table in small or larger containers and boxes. A large number of product variants, as well as similar and confusing components, can lead to problems with quality and performance. This can be a Pick by Light very good help for this.
After activating the orders, the corresponding displays light up directly on the components. The entire assembly process is LUCA-Server controlled by an existing system or by ours. Not only the access to the components is important here, but also the correct order of assembly. It is very important that the system supports the employee and, if possible, corrects any errors (PokaYoke). Additional sensors on the displays monitor the activities and immediately report errors in case of possible mix-ups.
Pick by Light can also be used very well for set formation and machine loading. However, these applications are very versatile and require precise process planning. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have in this regard.
Conclusion
The Pick by Light systems can be used in many industries. However, the targets are different in each industry. All these tasks can be solved with our flexible LUCA-Server one. The most important thing is correct planning. We are also happy to support you here. Please contact us and learn more.
More information: " Pick-to-Light - Picking method with compartment displays"