We've been looking at purchasing a "pick-to-light" system in our product storage cooler. After investigating the capabilities of several potential suppliers, I think we can do a better job in-house. The basic plan is this:
Export order details into a database
Write the data to a PLC (probably a SLC 5/05)
Select an order to pick using a large HMI - labels print after selection
HMIs located over every product in the order display the quantities to be picked for the order. Increment/decrement buttons allow picker to adjust quantity, if necessary
Picker presses a "picked" button when the item(s) have been picked, then moves to the next item
Upon completion of the order, the PLC sends quantities picked to the database
I'm looking at 6" C-More panels, although the Maple HMIs look nice, too. Color display is an absolute necessity.
The advice I'm looking for is:
Export order details into a database
Write the data to a PLC (probably a SLC 5/05)
Select an order to pick using a large HMI - labels print after selection
HMIs located over every product in the order display the quantities to be picked for the order. Increment/decrement buttons allow picker to adjust quantity, if necessary
Picker presses a "picked" button when the item(s) have been picked, then moves to the next item
Upon completion of the order, the PLC sends quantities picked to the database
I'm looking at 6" C-More panels, although the Maple HMIs look nice, too. Color display is an absolute necessity.
The advice I'm looking for is:
- How many panels can I use to communicate with the SLC? Maybe I have to use the "Connect though another panel" option? We'll need a minimum of 100 panels.
- The environment is generally dry (non-condensing) and is always between 34 & 38F. This is within the stated operating range of the panels, but is there anything elese I should consider?
- Are there other HMIs I should consider?
- If communication issues are likely, is there another PLC you can recommend?