Pick-by-Vision in 2024
Pick-by-Vision is an innovation in logistics with data glasses. The order picker receives the information via WLAN and can see it directly in their field of vision. This augmented reality supports order picking as a visual picking method.
How it works
Pick-by-Vision actually works very simply in logistics. The order picker (user) puts the data glasses on their nose. They are connected to the warehouse management system via WLAN. The order is started. A small projector projects content onto the glass in real time in the field of vision. The order picker can see the image by "squinting upwards" (augmented reality). The system shows the employee the most important information: Storage location and quantity.
The order picker does not need any more interaction to make a removal (pick) from the storage compartment. He then scans the barcode of the item or storage compartment with a scanner. The stock is corrected in real time in the warehouse management system. The error rate should be minimal.
What support and flexibility does the system offer?
Thanks to its lightweight design, the Pick-by-Vision is very flexible. We will show you in a moment whether the technology really supports employees in intralogistics as a picking method.
Are the Pick-by-Vision data glasses suitable for the warehouse?
This solution is not ideal for order picking. Although the employee has their hands free during order picking, they have to constantly "squint" at the small image, which makes the work very unpleasant and tiring after a short time due to the changing line of vision.
Concentration wanes very quickly. Their field of vision is severely restricted by the glass, which can also be very dangerous in a warehouse. If someone does not wear glasses at all, the data glasses can violate their privacy. There are special versions for people who wear glasses.
When we presented the Pick-by-Vision picking process at Logimat 2015, there was a lot of excitement at first. However, several studies subsequently proved that smart glasses are not ideal for warehouses.
No wonder that the first uses of the Pick-by-Vision were quickly over and other techniques such as Pick-by-Tablet, Pick-by-Watch or even Pick-to-Light were used.
What does the order picker actually need?
That really is the crucial question! Actually, it's all about information. For simple processes, it is sufficient to enter a storage location and the number of items. There are plenty of other technical options for giving employees the information they need. So why the data glasses? I have no idea!
The simple information can be displayed on a watch or tablet. So why use the disadvantages of data glasses?
Are data glasses a toy for decision-makers?
Some managers and decision-makers are frantically searching for innovations in order to present themselves better to their colleagues and the press. Order pickers and their needs are often forgotten. It would be good if the decision-makers would first spend a week picking with the data glasses themselves for 8 hours a day.
We strongly believe that after such an introductory phase, the toy will be forgotten and thrown into the corner. LUCA is one of the professional providers of order picking systems.
For this very reason, we no longer offer Pick-by-Vision
in order picking .
If you would like to use Pick-by-Vision , please contact our market companions. These companies specialize in Pick-by-Vision in warehouse logistics:
- Picavi GmbH (bankrupt since June 2023)
- Cinovation GmbH
Other suppliers and providers do not play a role at Pick-by-Vision . We see no advantages in Pick-by-Vision solutions, only disadvantages.
Unfortunately, Picavi GmbH has been out of business since June 2023. We are replacing the existing Picavi systems with alternative technologies at no great expense. The interface to your system can also be retained. We rebuild this interface and, as software developers, are highly specialized in interface programming.
Conclusion
The smart glasses at Pick-by-Vision are not suitable as a picking method for order picking. The glasses are ideal for supporting assembly, research, simulations and training. Wearing data glasses all the time can make you tired and nervous. It restricts the field of vision. The error rate increases very quickly with the duration of work. There are other picking systems that can be better used in intralogistics and warehouse logistics.
In our view, Pick-by-Vision has only disadvantages and no advantages. It is no longer innovative or special.
Read more about this on Wikipedia.
