Guide to choosing the correct order picker for your operation

Order picking is an essential function of warehouse operations, and selecting the correct order picker is crucial for achieving maximum efficiency and productivity. The UK market offers a range of low-level and high-level order pickers to suit different operational needs. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of low-level and high-level order pickers available in the UK, their features, and their benefits, to help you determine which one is the best fit for your operation.

Low-Level Order Pickers:

Low-level order pickers are designed to pick products at or near ground level. They are ideal for high-volume picking of similar items and are easy to operate, making them an excellent choice for businesses with a low level of automation. Here are some common types of low-level order pickers:

1. Walkie Stacker: A walkie stacker is a low-level order picker that is manually operated. The operator walks behind the order picker and controls its movements with a handle. Walkie stackers are ideal for low-volume and low-speed picking.

2. Low-Level Order Picker: A low-level order picker is an electric-powered order picker that is used for low-level picking of items. They have a platform that raises to the height of the pick location and lowers to the ground for easy operator access.

Benefits of Low-Level Order Pickers:

• Efficient: Low-level order pickers are ideal for high-volume picking of similar items.

• Easy to Use: Low-level order pickers are easy to operate, and their low platform height allows operators to easily step on and off.

• Safe: Low-level order pickers are safe to operate because they are designed for low-level picking, and the platform lowers to the ground.

High-Level Order Pickers:

High-level order pickers are designed to pick products at elevated heights. They are ideal for high-density storage areas where space is limited, and their automation features make them suitable for businesses with high levels of automation. Here are some common types of high-level order pickers:

1. Man-Up Order Picker: A man-up order picker is an electric-powered order picker that elevates the operator to the required height to reach the product. The operator stands on a platform that can move vertically to access the required height.

2. Turret Order Picker: A turret order picker is a versatile order picker that can work in narrow aisles, high-density storage areas, and low-level picking applications. They have a turret head that rotates 180 degrees, allowing the operator to pick from both sides of the aisle.

Benefits of High-Level Order Pickers:

• Space-Saving: High-level order pickers are designed for high-density storage areas, making them ideal for operations with limited floor space.

• Versatile: High-level order pickers are versatile and suitable for a range of picking operations.

• Increased Productivity: High-level order pickers reduce the time it takes to pick orders and improve productivity.

• Ergonomic: High-level order pickers are designed to reduce operator fatigue and improve safety.

When selecting the correct order picker for your UK operation, consider the following factors:

• Type of Product: Consider the type of product you will be picking and how it is stored.

• Volume of Product: Consider the volume of product that needs to be picked and how quickly it needs to be picked.

• Storage Space: Consider the storage space available in your warehouse and how much floor space is needed to operate the order picker.

Selecting the correct order picker for your UK operation depends on several factors, including the type and volume of product you need to pick, the available storage space, and the level of automation and productivity you want to achieve. Low-level order pickers are ideal for high-volume picking of similar items, while high-level order pickers are best suited for high-density storage areas with limited space.