Order picking is a critical part of any warehouse operation. It accounts for a significant portion of labour costs and often directly impacts customer satisfaction. Efficient order picking ensures faster deliveries, accurate shipments, and a smoother workflow. But did you know that the type of order picker trolley you use could make or break how efficient your operation is?
If you’re looking to optimise your process, reduce downtime, and better support your team, we will walk you through why choosing the right order picker trolley is key, and how to make an informed decision.
Why Picking Efficiency Matters
Before we deep-dive into trolleys, it’s essential to highlight why picking efficiency is so crucial.
Order picking accounts for nearly 50-60% of total warehouse operational costs, according to industry analyses. When this process isn’t optimised, it leads to delays, increased labour costs, and lower customer satisfaction.
Efficient picking helps:
- Reduce time spent retrieving items.
- Minimise human errors, such as shipping incorrect products.
- Maximise throughput, allowing more orders to be processed in less time.
- Improve overall employee satisfaction by reducing physical strain.
Now, where do trolleys fit into this equation? The type of equipment your pickers use has a direct impact on how smoothly and quickly they can perform their tasks. Enter the order picker trolley.
What Is an Order Picker Trolley?
An order picker trolley is more than just a cart on wheels. It’s a specialised piece of equipment designed to simplify and speed up retrieving items from various storage zones in your warehouse.
Some are basic two-shelf models, while others include features like barcode mounting brackets, dividers, and even compartments for returns and waste collection.
From lightweight models designed for small items to heavy-duty trolleys crafted for bulkier products, order picker trolleys are versatile tools that cater to different operational needs.
The Challenges of Using the Wrong Trolley
Using a mismatched or poorly designed trolley can lead to some frustrating (and costly) headaches for warehouses:
- Reduced Productivity: Trolleys that don’t align with the volume or type of items being moved can slow pickers down.
- Workplace Injuries: Heavy or unwieldy trolleys can lead to strain and even accidents, creating health and safety issues.
- Damaged Items: Poorly designed trolleys may fail to secure items properly, resulting in damaged products.
- Inefficient Use of Space: A trolley without proper compartments or organisation leads to inefficiencies, as pickers waste time sorting messy loads.
Essentially, an ill-fitting trolley drains both time and resources, something every manager prefers to avoid.
Choosing the Right Order Picker Trolley for Your Operation
Selecting the right trolley might seem daunting at first, but breaking it into clear, actionable steps can make this process seamless.
1) Assess Your Picking Needs
Start by understanding the requirements of your warehouse. Are your pickers handling small, lightweight items, or bulkier, heavier products?
Do they pick across multiple storage zones, or are they confined to a specific aisle? Answering these questions will determine the trolley size, weight capacity, and features you’ll need.
2) Prioritise Ergonomics
Your pickers spend hours pushing and pulling trolleys through aisles. Choosing an ergonomic design helps reduce strain and fatigue. Look for features like:
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- Adjustable handle heights.
- Lightweight frames for easy manoeuvrability.
- Swivel wheels for better control.
3) Choose the Right Capacity
A trolley with too little capacity means more trips back and forth, while an oversized one can be cumbersome to manoeuvre in tighter spaces.
Strike a balance by choosing a trolley based on your average order size and item weight.
4) Invest in Compartmentalised Designs
Trolleys with bins, shelves, or dividers make it easier to organise orders.
This not only improves picker efficiency, but also minimises errors and speeds up the packing process.
5. Opt for Built-in Technology
For tech-forward warehouses, consider trolleys with mounting brackets for barcode scanners or built-in tablet holders.
These features enable pickers to seamlessly integrate with your warehouse management system (WMS), improving accuracy and speed.
6) Factor in Durability
Trolleys subject to heavy or daily use need to be durable.
Invest in high-quality materials like stainless steel or aluminium to ensure longevity, even with frequent load-bearing.
Types of Trolleys to Consider
Here are common types of order picker trolleys tailored for different operational needs:
- Basic Two-Tier Trolleys: Ideal for lightweight items in small warehouses. These are cost-effective and easy to manoeuvre, but may lack advanced features.
- Multi-Level Trolleys: Multi-level trolleys work well for high SKU (stock-keeping unit) environments with a variety of small items. Multiple shelves keep everything organised and within reach.
- Heavy-Duty Trolleys: Designed to handle bulkier or heavier items, these trolleys have a higher weight capacity and often feature reinforced frames.
- Custom-Built Trolleys: For warehouses with unique needs, custom-built trolleys can be tailored with specific sizes, compartments, or storage add-ons.
The Benefits of Optimised Trolley Systems
Still wondering if upgrading your trolleys is worth the investment? Here’s the payoff:
- Faster Picking Times: Workers spend less time navigating or sorting items, allowing them to complete orders faster.
- Improved Worker Safety: Ergonomic designs reduce strain and the risk of injuries, leading to a happier, healthier team.
- Reduced Errors: Tools like compartmentalised shelving prevent pick-and-pack mistakes.
- Higher Overall Efficiency: Streamlined picking processes allow you to meet customer demands with confidence and speed.
- Cost Savings: While better trolleys might seem expensive initially, their long-term benefits far outweigh the costs.
Should You Make the Switch?
The short answer? Absolutely. Optimising your warehouse with the right equipment boosts productivity, trims down operational costs, and ensures happy team members and customers alike.
Takeaway
Selecting the perfect order picker trolley isn’t just an operational decision; it’s a strategic move to enhance efficiency, minimise costs, and future-proof your business. By investing in equipment that supports your team’s daily needs, you’re also delivering greater value to your customers.
Wondering where to start? Explore a range of order picker trolleys tailored to every requirement, and take that first step towards transforming how your warehouse operates.
