IoT displays increase efficiency at sehen!wutscher many times over

Together with our partner LNConsult, the specialist optician sehen!wutscher implemented a smart digital picking solution at its logistics center in Lebring: by using digital IoT displays, orders are now put together four times faster than before.

With 110 stores, sehen!wutscher is the largest specialist optician company in Austria. The branches are supplied from the logistics center in Lebring. Until recently, order picking was still carried out using conventional delivery and picking slips. However, this process was very time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially for orders consisting of numerous different individual products. The solution to this problem was a pick-by-light system that supports employees in the picking process using digital IoT displays, tablets and a professional smartwatch worn on the wrist - with impressive results.

Digital information instead of paper

The first step was to replace the conventional paper labels attached to the storage locations with digital labels. In addition to displaying the item name and barcode, these displays have a very special feature: they can "guide" the employee(s) directly to them using a multi-colored flashing LED, thus significantly shortening the search process. The display or LED is activated by calling up the relevant order on a tablet, which also provides an overview of the entire order and transmits the required "picks" to the smartwatch. Once the required container or item has been "picked", the barcode on the digital label is scanned with the smartwatch and the picking quantity is confirmed. Once this has been confirmed, the LED on the display goes out and the next item in the order - which is again indicated by a flashing LED at the storage location - appears on the smartwatch. The entire system is controlled by software developed by LNConsult, which was adapted to the specific application in close cooperation with the customer, including an interface to the existing computer system for order data and reporting.

Fewer errors, more employee satisfaction

The increase in efficiency achieved is impressive: "We are actually four times faster than before!" says Lukas Kleemair, Head of Logistics at sehen!wutscher. The pick-by-light system has been very well received by employees, and the error rate during order picking has also been reduced to almost zero. The digitalization of the picking process has therefore achieved two goals at once: Not only has the efficiency of the process been increased, but also the satisfaction of the employees who use the system every day in the logistics center.

(Photos: Simon Fortmüller)