Description

Crown QuickPick® Remote is a new order picking technology that improves on traditional order picking processes. The system combines a Crown GPC 3000 low-level order picker with an intuitive remote control device. By simplifying the working processes involved in low-level order picking, this new Crown solution improves productivity by up to 25 percent. The wireless remote control unit and its transceiver are incorporated into a special work glove. Operators can move the order picker forward at the touch of a button while keeping both hands free, without having to climb onto the truck’s operator platform. Laser scanners built into the truck identify potential obstacles positioned directly in front or to either side of the vehicle, preventing collisions. Auto Steer Correction ensures that the order picker travels along aisles in a straight line and at a constant distance from the racks.
QuickPick® Remote offers potential for saving time, reducing stress and cutting costs. The system reduces the time operators must spend on truck platforms and the distances they must walk – now operators can move directly from one pick location to another. This significantly reduces the time required to fulfil each pick order. Order picking productivity is improved and order pickers can do more while moving less, without compromising safety.

Innovations

Using the QuickPick Remote system, operators can move their trucks from one pick location to another by touching a button on their wireless remote control – transceivers mounted on the truck and in the operator’s work glove are constantly exchanging signals. The system is easy to set up and does not require any network bandwidth or additional IT investment. Stepping onto the platform automatically deactivates the QuickPick Remote system, turning the truck back into a standard GPC 3000 low-level order picker.
The system’s Aisle Positioning software can be used to specify maximum pallet or load widths, from 810 to 1310 mm. The higher the maximum pallet/load width setting, the broader the stop zone monitored for obstacles by the truck’s laser scanners. Customers can also select the position of the truck relative to the aisle pick face, leaving sufficient clearance for trucks to pass while simultaneously enhancing workflow. Trucks can be positioned relative to the nearest pick face, or in the centre or on the left or right sides of the aisle. To maintain a smooth workflow and avoid nuisance stops caused by pallets or other objects protruding into the aisle, operators can also define a minimum steer bumper zone between truck and rack/pick face. Laser proximity sensors and automatic steer correction minimise the risk of collisions and keep the truck moving smoothly along the aisle.

Market relevance

QuickPick Remote was designed to deliver substantial improvements in the order picking process and eliminate inefficient patterns of movement.

 

Less walking
In traditional order picking applications, operators must constantly return to the control platform to move the truck forward. Studies in real-world conditions have shown that QuickPick Remote can reduce the number of steps walked by operators by up to 50 percent per shift compared to conventional pallet trucks.

Less carrying
Typically, an order picker makes on average 190 picks per hour, carrying loads of 5-10 kilograms per pick. QuickPick Remote can reduce the distance over which operators must carry their loads by up to 50 percent. When the cumulative load carried per shift amounts to as much as 10 tonnes, this represents a huge improvement in working conditions.

Less climbing on/off
Typically, an order picker climbs onto a truck’s control platform around 1,200 times per shift. In 2009, an EU study found that accidents involving slipping, stumbling and falling resulted in 46 days lost on average. QuickPick Remote cuts the number of times operators must climb on/off truck platforms by up to 70 percent. Instead of using the platform, they can use the remote control to move the truck into the optimal picking position.

Customer benefits

QuickPick® Remote simplifies working processes, resulting in significantly higher order picking performance. Despite this improved performance, operators are subjected to considerably less physical stress. The time they spend walking is reduced by up to 50 percent while halving the distance over which they must carry loads. They also spend up to 70 percent less time climbing on/off operator platforms. Thanks to this improved workflow, operators can get more done with significantly greater economy of motion and less personal risk. QuickPick® Remote is all about boosting productivity while simultaneously making order picking activities less tiring, reducing accidents and injuries, and improving employee motivation. The corresponding reduction in downtime and associated costs highlights the system’s effectiveness.
QuickPick® Remote brings together technology, streamlined workflow and efficient human motion to create a natural, systematic order picking process. A highly effective system for enhancing productivity, enabling operators to get more done with fewer movements and without compromising their own or their colleagues’ health and safety.