Effective order picking is crucial to operational efficiency in a warehouse environment. Choosing the right storage systems and order picking equipment can be challenging. Order picking carts are one of the primary tools that should be considered to to enhance warehouse efficiency. With their ability to streamline picking routes, reduce travel time, and minimize errors, warehouse picking carts are pivotal assets in warehousing and order fulfillment operations.
In this article we will explore the key benefits of order picking carts and best practices for implementing them in your operation.
Understanding the Role of Order Picking Carts
Order picking carts are versatile, mobile units used in warehouses and fulfillment centers to optimize and streamline moving items from storage areas to packing and shipping points. These carts serve as a critical component in order fulfillment operations, particularly in fast-paced environments where speed and efficiency are paramount. Picking carts greatly reduce the time and effort of manual handling by allowing workers to pick and transport multiple orders simultaneously.
There are many types of order picking carts to choose from, each tailored to specific needs and operational scales. Basic utility carts are the simplest form, often used for smaller operations or less frequent picking needs. More sophisticated picking carts like UNEX SpeedCartt offer configurations tailored to specific uses. These ergonomically designed carts feature multiple shelves and compartments that enhance order picking efficiency while improving ergonomics.
Warehouse picking carts streamline order fulfillment processes by improving two key operational challenges:
- Increase picking speed and accuracy: By allowing workers to pick multiple items for various orders at once, picking carts reduce travel time within the warehouse and minimize the likelihood of errors. Increased picking speed and accuracy help companies keep up with growing customer demand for rapid delivery.
- Overcome ergonomic challenges: The right picking cart can reduce physical strain on workers, decreasing the risk of injuries and improving overall morale and productivity. Picking carts also optimize SKU availability by enabling efficient transportation and sorting of various items, ensuring that popular or frequently ordered products are readily accessible.
Order picking carts go beyond order fulfillment. They are integral to enhancing operational efficiency, worker safety, and customer satisfaction in the complex and demanding realm of order fulfillment.
4 Key Benefits of Using Order Picking Carts
Order picking carts provide many benefits that improve the efficiency and accuracy of warehouse operations, directly impacting the bottom line and employee morale. Below are 4 key benefits of implementing picking carts in warehousing and order fulfillment operations:
1: Increased Efficiency
Order picking carts are designed to optimize picking routes within warehouses, allowing workers to pick multiple items for various orders in a single journey. This drastically reduces travel time and increases the number of orders that can be processed within a given timeframe.
2: Ergonomic Design
Ergonomics is the science of designing equipment to fit the worker to reduce physical strain and risk of injury. Well-designed order picking carts prioritize worker safety and comfort and may feature easy-grip handles and lightweight yet durable construction. These features make the carts more comfortable to use over extended periods and contribute to fewer workplace injuries, lower turnover, and reduced absenteeism, all of which are beneficial for maintaining a productive and satisfied workforce.
3: Flexibility
Order picking carts offer flexibility in adapting to various processes and warehouse layouts. They can accommodate a range of item sizes and quantities. This flexibility means that, even though the physical structure of the carts remains constant, their role and effectiveness within your warehouse can shift to meet changing needs.
Picking carts can be seamlessly integrated into different picking methods, whether single order, batch, or zone picking. As your product lines, pick zones, or storage areas evolve, these carts can continue to be a reliable component in your order picking process, contributing to sustained productivity and efficiency.
4: Improved Accuracy
When businesses strategically leverage picking carts across operations, orders are much more accurate. Employees can transport multiple orders and keep their carts organized to a greater degree, resulting in fewer errors. Indicators and compartments for sorting make it easier for employees to group and sequence orders correctly. Creating a framework for precision leads to gains in customer satisfaction, reducing costs from returns resulting from incorrect orders.
Implementing Order Picking Carts in Your Warehouse
Once you understand the specific needs and workflows of your warehouse, you can properly select and implement order picking carts effectively with careful planning and consideration.
Before adding picking carts to your facility, you must properly assess your current operational needs. Think about the size and layout of your warehouse, the types of products you store, the volume and variety of orders processed, and any existing bottlenecks or inefficiencies in your picking process. Consider your current order fulfillment rates and accuracy levels to find hidden areas for improvement. Then, you can determine the types and quantities of picking carts needed to enhance efficiency in your facility.
UNEX Picking Carts
UNEX SpeedCartt addresses the nuanced needs of modern warehouses and fulfillment centers. By integrating SpeedCartt into your operations, you can leverage its features and benefits to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and worker satisfaction, aligning with the best practices and strategies previously discussed.
SpeedCartt provides a flexible, mobile solution for restocking, order fulfillment, seasonal demands, and more! Constructed from the same lightweight, yet heavy-duty materials as standard SpeedCell storage solutions, our mobile SpeedCartt is designed for years of low-maintenance, demanding warehouse environment use.
SpeedCartt is ideal for high circulation areas. Key benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Increased pick facings
- Reduced travel times
- Increased order accuracy
- Multiple orders can be picked at the same time for maximum efficiency
Here are some more benefits of implementing a sophisticated order picking cart like UNEX SpeedCartt:
Flexible Configurations
SpeedCartt offers up to 16 different cart combinations, ensuring that you can tailor the cart to the specific needs of your operation, whether you're handling small, delicate items or larger, bulkier goods.
Lightweight and Durable
Constructed to balance durability with ease of maneuverability, SpeedCartt allows for quick movement through aisles while remaining sturdy enough to handle heavy use in the long term.
Ergonomic Design
With worker comfort in mind, SpeedCartt is designed to reduce physical strain and the risk of injuries, promoting better productivity and worker satisfaction.
SpeedCartt Specifications
- Single-side or back-to-back loading for greater SKU accessibility
- 4 different Cartt sizes
- 8 different column sizes
- 16 different Cartt combinations
- Cell capacity: 35 lbs (15 kgs); column capacity: 240 lbs (110 kgs)
- Operating temperature of -20° F to 180° F (-29° C to 82° C)
- Mold, flame, and static-resistant
- Non-fraying polyester mesh textile
Order Picking Carts in a Fast-Paced Warehouse Environment
Mobilize order picking processes with a flexible, fast solution. Suitable for organizing restocking, order fulfillment, seasonal demands, and more, SpeedCartt is reliable even in the most demanding warehouse environments. Contact UNEX today to learn how SpeedCartt can enhance order picking and increase efficiency across your operations.
