After your Pio system has been installed and approved by Pio, you can start the bin insert process. It takes some time to insert all the bins in your Pio grid, so make sure you have booked enough time and people.
The time it takes to insert all the bins into the system varies based on several factors like the number of robots and grid height. As a general guideline, you can estimate that two people working together at a single port can typically insert between 200 and 300 bins within an hour.
Please note that you cannot insert bins and products simultaneously. However, you can (and should) add the bin dividers before inserting bins into the system to get up and running faster.
This video will guide you through the process of adding empty bins in Pio. Start by watching the video, and then explore additional step-by-step information below the video for further clarification.
Topics covered in this article
Preparations
Bin insert process
Unpack bins
Check bins for potential damage
Add bin dividers
Add bin labels
Scan bin label and add the bin to Pio
Manually enter bin ID
Preparations
To add new bins to Pio, you'll need:
- hand scanner (installed and ready to use)
- iPad with the Pio App (confirm with Pio staff that the app is connected to your system)
- bin test-jig
- empty bins
- bin labels
- bin dividers
Start the preparations by removing the port furniture:
Use some empty bins to set up an assembly line:
Bin insert process
We recommend assigning individual tasks to 3-5 people for efficiency. Example of how the tasks can be organized:
- one person unpacks bins
- one checks bins for damages
- one adds bin dividers
- one adds bin labels, scans them, and inserts the bins into the grid
Unpack bins
If you have received the bins before you actually start to insert them into the system (and you have space for it), open the wrapped foil around the bin pallets the evening/day before bin insert. This might help the bins to recover from possible transport deformations.
Remove all shipping labels, plastic grippers and black plastic nobs from the bin pallets.
Check bins for potential damage
The bins might have been damaged in packing or transport, so it's crucial to check all your bins before inserting them into your Pio grid.
A damaged bin within the grid can lead to significant problems for the entire system!
Check the bin for any damages:
Check the bin for deformation:
Make sure the bin meets its size specifications by using a bin test-jig that has been provided to you. Place a bin on the jig. If the bin fits the test-jig you can insert the bin in the system.
If the bin does not fit the test-jig, it is smart to put the bin on the side and let it rest for a few days. Sometimes the deformation can only be temporary after tight packaging and the bins can straighten out over time.
CAUTION! Bins that do not pass the quality check must be set aside!
Add bin dividers
Storage capacity in bins can be optimized by using bin dividers. Two types of dividers, long and short, can be used to configure bins into 2, 4, 8 or 16 compartments.
When inserting the bin dividers, make sure that the notches are facing down:
You can find a more extensive guide on bin dividers here:
Bin dividers
How to insert bin dividers
How to maximize storage capacity
Add bin labels
The next step is to add a bin label to each bin. The bin ID is used to identify each bin in the grid. The stickers have been delivered to you during Pio installation.
Place the bin label on the longest side of the bin. The number should be facing you.
Scan the bin label and add the bin to Pio
Place the bin into the port if you haven't done it already. Use the Pio app to add the bins to the grid. Note that you have to be logged in as Pio Manager or Admin to add new bins to the system.
Open 'Configure bins' and choose option 'Add new bins':
Select the correct bin layout and scan the label:
A counter on the right side of the bin insert-screen helps you to keep track of how many bins of the chosen layout has been added to the system. You can also see the total number of this layout currently in the grid. On the top of the screen you can see your current speed of adding bins into the system.
The bin will be collected from the port by a robot as soon as it is scanned and registered in the app. You will see a success message confirming that the bin has entered the grid.
Continue to insert bins into the port and scan the barcodes by repeating the previous steps until you need to change the bin layout or take a break.
Choose 'Back to homepage' when you are finished with the bin insert, or click 'Add more bins' if you want to start a new session by adding another bin layout.
Manually enter bin ID
If the barcode label is not recognized by the hand scanner, or the hand scanner is not available, you can enter the bin ID manually. Use the option in upper right corner (next to Your user account) to open the popup where ID can be entered. Select 'Add bin' to register the bin ID and send it into the grid.
Once you've successfully added all the bins to the system, you can begin the process of storing products. Find further information on the storing process here: How to store products in Pio