Pick-by-Light is a system comprising high visibility displays and switches connected to a host computer system or stand alone personal computer. The system decides the optimum picking order and directs the operative using the displays installed at each picking location. The system can be installed on virtually any kind of racking, or retrofitted to existing systems. There are no paper lists or hand-held devices required.

PAPERLESS PICKING

Paperless picking is based upon the simple premise that hands free stock location management can produce faster pick rates and greater accuracy than alternative methodologies. Companies with large quantities of homogenous goods, such as toys, compact discs and magazines, are utilising the system to achieve error rates of less than 0.1% and improve pick rates by over 40% when compared to paper-based systems. Belgravium has a long standing and proven track record in developing and supporting pick by light systems.

THE SYSTEM CONCEPT

The system concept centres around the reduction of physical operator movement and search activity. The operator is guided from one pick location to another. On arriving at the location the operator simply picks the quantity displayed - there is no need to refer to paper documentation to confirm quantities against location. 'Confirmation of pick' is also conducted in real time, eliminating the need for paper-based 'order completion' documentation.

KEY SYSTEM BENEFITS

are numerous and include:

• Elimination of picking from the wrong location.
   
• Elimination of errors associated with misinterpretation of a picking list (e.g. skipping a line, reading quantities from the wrong line, etc).
   
• 'Hands free' picking optimises pick rates.
   
• Minimal operator training required.
   
• Can be configured to operate in conjunction with most warehouse control and conveyor systems.
   
• Reduction in administration and paperwork.

 

Typical System Components are portrayed as:

The pick face

Each pick face location comprises a four digit LED display node with two buttons. The LED displays the quantity of the product to be picked to fulfil an order. Once the pick is completed the operator presses the ‘confirm’ button. In instances when the pick cannot be completed, e.g. due to stock outs or damaged stock, the second button allows an on-line discrepancy update to the host system.

Overhead Display Option

Used in conjunction with the LED pick face zone, displays more detailed information such as product code or pick note number, to guide the operative working in the zone.

Aisle Control Unit

A terminal installed at the pick area, controls the pick face zone and displays. It also stores each pick order and can interface directly to pick zone peripherals such as conveyor bar code readers or a check weighing system.

DACAM System Controller

Belgravium’s PC based DACAM Pick-By-Light control software can be tailored to fit most operational requirements. Key functions include:

• Interface and interaction with a WMS to receive live order data using industry standard protocols.
   
• Enables supervisors to configure flexible pick zones according to work loads.
   
• Integrate and drive a PLC Conveyor System, and/or a Conveyor Barcode Reading System.
   
• Control the pick zone equipment including the aisle control unit and check weighing facility.