InSystems Releases P2L Pick to Light Sensor

February 5, 2013 - InSystems Automation introduces P2L CAN-Bus pick to light sensor:. Pick to light systems are used in the assembly process to guide employees through complex operations by using LEDs to signal the necessary pick order of parts. The lighting device is also often equipped with a sensor that detects when an employee has made a wrong pick, letting them know via a differently coloured LED. Other means of conveying false picks can also be added, such as an audio signal, in addition to pausing the assembly process completely, which avoids any cumulative errors. This type of system consequently reduces the length of the production cycle whilst increasing its reliability. The pick to light sensor is smaller than the company's existing models - with a height of just 25mm compared to that which is often over 65mm. This means that it can be installed neatly into arrangements which use fairly small component trays or boxes, such as the frequently used Bosch and Schäfer trays. Because of this, the shelves of the material supply or Kanban unit can be built up more compactly without the sensor getting in the way of picking hands. This in turn results in an efficient workstation architecture which benefits employees who do not have to reach as far to pick each part. The working distance of the sensor is also amendable – or “teachable” - meaning that it can be used alongside varying component storage geometry. Pick to light systems are able to record data about the production cycle. The value of this is seen in complex manual assembly processes which because of their low production volume should not be automated; storing data about these processes provides quality protection and part traceability. As the P2L sensor has CAN-Bus technology, it can be effortlessly connected to a PLC on top of being integrated into existing systems. This model can be connected to the controller in a field-bus of up to 100 pieces and does not require any time-consuming wiring of individual sensors which other pick to light systems often do if a field-bus is desired. Incorporating the use of a material flow computer allows for the management of assembly orders, as well as for orders to be taken directly from the ERP system (such as SAP). The P2L sensor is available as an individual component which can be integrated into existing workstations, as well as being sold as part of a complete pick to light system. It is also possible to obtain a combination of sensors and control. Technical data and more information can be found on the P2L website.

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