Pick-by-light system solves last-mile problems

Smarter Pre Sort – designed to meet the demands of the logistics sector – speeds up and simplifies the pre-sorting process into the delivery vehicle: with our innovation, APF van line+, we create the ideal starting conditions for the challenging last mile of CEP services. The Pick by Light system’s solution concept comes into play right from the start of loading parcels into the delivery vehicle – a process that is usually carried out manually and is therefore time-consuming and labour-intensive.

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Pre-sorting made easy: the APF van line+ pre-sorting solution

An LED display mounted above the parcel conveyor belt in the TU hall shows parcel information such as the delivery district, the route or the weight. What makes this unique is that the display moves along with the goods on the conveyor belt. The goods are removed from the belt in a sorted order and using ergonomically natural movements.

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Pick-by-Light hardware: Fully customisable display

The display adapts to specific customer requirements and can be customised to show various pieces of information in logistics, such as trip number or weight.

With the Pick-by-Light system, there is no need for re-labelling even if items are reallocated

With APF van line+, the parcel’s route is changed based on the current data records. The updated delivery address is assigned to the parcel via the parcel label number. The updated route information is transmitted to APF van line+, which then displays the new sorting destination at the Halle Technical University on the Light System display. This process eliminates the need for re-labelling or reworking in the hospital area. Even in the event of a reallocation, no re-labelling is required.

More cost-effective with patented last-mile IT

The benefits of ‘Pick by Light’ for logistics are clear: APF van line+ uses barcode cameras to determine the exact position of a parcel on the conveyor belt, thereby not only speeding up the sorting and loading process but also making the delivery staff’s daily work easier. Thanks to the system, there is no need for manual pre-sorting or the cumbersome use of a ring scanner.

Delivery drivers remove the parcel from the conveyor belt using ergonomically natural movements – there is no need to bend down or twist the hand to scan. The display of additional information via the light systems, such as excess weight, allows the driver to adjust their lifting technique to protect their back.

The Pick by Light System APF van line+ is registered as a patent with the European Patent Office, as it ultimately provides a convincing and cost-effective solution to the challenges and issues of the last mile.

With AMETRAS software for CEP, you stay one step ahead of the competition.

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Advantages

Efficient and cost-effective

Advantages of Pick-by-Light: Efficient and cost-effective for drivers and depots

The optimised removal of goods from the conveyor belt ensures there are no delays in the rest of the day’s schedule.
The time saved during vehicle loading helps ensure that goods can be delivered on time – without exceeding the maximum daily working hours.
Increased profitability for subcontractors thanks to faster sorting and loading times
No relabelling required in the event of reallocation (even in manual depots)
Ring scanners are no longer required

A simple procedure

An intuitive, ergonomic and technically straightforward process

Easy installation
Easy training of temporary staff with no logistics expertise
No more cumbersome sorting. No knowledge of sorting logic required. No ring scanners that are difficult to operate.
Ergonomic, natural movements

Features

The APF van line+ pre-sorting solution offers everything you need for productive processes

Determining the parcel’s location using a barcode scanner
The display moves with the goods
The ‘Pick by Light’ system replaces the ring scanner
Variable speeds possible
Flexible display content configurable
No need to relabel despite reallocation

Flexible adaptation

Pick-by-light systems: Flexible adaptation to individual requirements

Systems suitable for belt and roller conveyors
Also handles bulk parcels
Variable speed settings
Flexible configuration of display content
Customised adaptations, e.g. Saturday delivery or ‘second wave’, are possible

Configurable process workflows

Pick-by-Light logistics: Configurable processes for each workstation

An easily selectable workflow can be defined for each workstation, containing the entire process logic for that workstation. The following example workflows are available:

No Read/Manual processing
NC processing
System return
Reallocation
Receipt discrepancy
Transport container
Customs inspection
Brexit
Special Parcel Handling
Easyinject

Illustration of work instructions

Practical and straightforward instructions for the user

Even standard functions can be easily mapped. The focus is on high functionality and quick and easy recognition for operational warehouse staff. A clear, colour-coded indicator is provided for manually ‘pushing’ parcels.

Examples of features:

Parcel shop processing
No-read processing
Multi-read detection
Street address entry
Returns management
Service class management

Technical specifications

Easy installation and high ROI

Quick installation, usually within a week
High-resolution barcode cameras
LED display
Suitable for belt and roller conveyors
Time savings of up to 25%
ROI: 20% to 35%

AMETRAS Service

Comprehensive AMETRAS service

24/7 operating hours
Service hours customisable up to 24/7
Proactive monitoring of all critical business services
Hotline staffed by expert personnel
Response times adjustable from 15 to 120 minutes
Comprehensive documentation of all service steps via a multilingual helpdesk system
Clearly defined escalation levels
Special support available outside regular agreed service hours to handle peak workloads

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Optimise last-mile delivery

Find out more about how you too can easily improve your pre-sorting process with APF van line+ – not only in terms of speed, but also from an ergonomic perspective for your staff!