The Potential of Using Pick-by Technology in a Specialized Laboratory

Currently, pick-by systems are used in many branches of industry, especially in connection with logistics. It is a technology that simplifies storage and picking processes through an app that is usable with specific visual elements. This is paperless processing of requests for specific items and their picking within warehouses, respectively, intermediate warehouses. As manual picking is currently the most common method in warehouses, it is necessary to focus on how to improve and ease the workload of people who perform frequently repetitive operations during the work shift (picking, sorting, packing, receiving, stocking, etc.). The principle is based on light navigation, which is part of every warehouse position on specific shelves. The operator is guided by this light signaling to the individual racks, or specific warehouse positions while simultaneously optimizing its route. The goal is to make the picking process as efficient as possible and at the same time flawless. Currently, it is most often used in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries, retail, etc. The indisputable advantage of this technology is an increase in the efficiency of processes at the same time as an increase in productivity, a reduction in the error rate in logistics and production, and the workload and costs related to the workforce. The article deals with pick-by-light technology, its usability, and testing in the laboratory conditions of the authors’ workplace at KPaDI.