Speed in order preparation is essential in the logistics sector to meet the growing demands of the market. order pickers have become indispensable elements in modern warehouses. this article provides an in-depth look at what these devices are, how they work, and the advantages of each available type.
What is an order picker?
Order pickers are support equipment used to retrieve products stored at different heights, facilitating the management of warehouses handling large volumes of orders.
Their primary function is to lift the operator to the necessary storage level, providing safe and fast access to the products. these devices optimise product picking tasks by reducing movement and simplifying direct access to each item. Additionally, order pickers enhance precision in order preparation, decreasing errors and work time.
How an order picker works?
An order picker operates via a lifting system that the operator controls from a control panel. With this panel, the operator can move the equipment horizontally along aisles and elevate it vertically to reach products stored at different heights, allowing fast and safe access at every level.
Many advanced models also incorporate technology such as automatic guidance and barcode scanners, which enable more precise picking. these devices can connect to warehouse management systems, optimising workflow and reducing potential errors in product selection, thus increasing operational efficiency.
Main components of order pickers
Order pickers consist of several parts that facilitate work and ensure operator safety at every movement. Although components may vary depending on the model or manufacturer, there are essential elements that remain constant to guarantee efficient and safe use:
- Work platform: the area where the operator stands to retrieve products from the shelves, providing a stable and secure surface
- Lifting system: the mechanism that enables the platform to ascend and descend, with hydraulic or electric options depending on the model
- Control panel: an intuitive panel the operator uses to control movement and elevatio
- Safety systems: devices such as harnesses, guardrails, and proximity sensors that prevent accidents and protect the worker during all stages of picking
Features of order pickers
Order pickers are designed with features that optimise warehouse operations, making them indispensable in modern workspaces. Their design and functionality enable fast, safe, and efficient product picking, significantly improving productivity. Here are some of the main features that make order pickers a fundamental tool in logistics:
- Compact design: allows easy manoeuvrability in confined spaces and narrow aisles, optimising space use in congested warehouses
- Height versatility: these devices can reach heights of up to 10 metres, making them suitable for picking products stored across multiple levels without altering warehouse infrastructure
- Load capacity: order pickers are built to support both the operator’s weight and the picked products, allowing efficient, uninterrupted operation
- Integration technology: many models include barcode scanning systems and direct connection to warehouse management software, enabling real-time inventory tracking and reducing picking errors
- Energy efficiency: they use low-consumption motors and long-lasting batteries, reducing operating costs and ensuring a smaller environmental footprint in the warehouse
- Advanced safety: equipped with protective systems like harnesses, guardrails, and proximity sensors to ensure operator safety throughout the operation
Types of order pickers
There are several types of order pickers that suit the specific needs and configurations of each warehouse. Each type offers different benefits and capacities, adapting to product layouts and storage space characteristics.
Low-level order pickers (2-3 m)
Thanks to their speed and ease of use, these models are ideal for operations where most products are located on lower levels, with a lift capacity of up to around 2.5 metres. This makes them especially useful for picking high-turnover items in easily accessible areas, streamlining low-level picking tasks and simplifying access to frequently moved products.
Mid-level order pickers (6 m)
Mid-level order pickers are designed to reach heights of up to 6 metres, making them suitable for warehouses with medium-height shelving. This capacity allows a balance between reach and speed, making them an excellent option for logistics centres that need to access products on both lower and medium levels due to their great versatility.
High-level order pickers (12 m)
Thanks to their robust design, high-level order pickers are intended to reach products stored at upper levels, lifting the operator up to 12 metres or even more. this type of equipment is crucial in warehouses that aim to maximise vertical space usage, as it enables product storage at significant heights without compromising accessibility.
Trilateral order pickers
Equipped with forks that can rotate to both sides, trilateral order pickers allow product picking without the need to turn the entire machine. This feature is particularly beneficial in narrow aisles, where optimising time and space during e-commerce order preparation is crucial, reducing unnecessary machine movements.
Main advantages of order pickers
Order pickers offer numerous benefits that enhance efficiency and accuracy in logistics operations, helping to meet storage and distribution goals in a faster and safer manner.
- Increased productivity: Integrating order pickers into a warehouse speeds up order preparation, allowing greater volume to be managed in less time. This improves delivery times and better meets customer demand.
- Error reduction: Direct access to products enables more precise selection, minimising mistakes and reducing costs associated with returns. The accuracy in orders leads to higher satisfaction for the end customer.
- Space optimisation: Order pickers allow for maximum use of vertical space, increasing storage capacity without the need for expansions. This is especially useful in warehouses with physical space limitations.
- Operator safety: Equipped with protective systems and ergonomic platforms, these devices reduce accident risks and protect personnel integrity. Ensuring operator safety is essential for any warehouse aiming to optimise operations.
Order pickers are highly versatile and safe tools that enhance order preparation in warehouses and distribution centres. Their design, tailored to the needs of the logistics sector, facilitates vertical space utilisation and improves efficiency in product selection.
