Order Picking Trolleys - Verdex Buyer's Guide

Date Posted:28 August 2024

Investing in quality order picking trolleys not only boosts operational efficiency but also supports the well-being of your workforce by reducing physical strain and enhancing workplace safety.

Order picking trolleys are indispensable tools in warehouses, distribution centres, and retail environments where efficiency in handling and transporting items is paramount. These trolleys are specifically designed to facilitate the picking process, enabling workers to gather and transport multiple items quickly and safely. Choosing the right order picking trolley can significantly enhance productivity and streamline operations. This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when selecting an order picking trolley that best suits your needs.

1. Understanding the role of Order Picking Trolleys

Order picking trolleys are essential in environments where picking, packing, and dispatching goods is a routine task. They offer several benefits, including:

Increased Efficiency: Order picking trolleys enable workers to collect multiple items in one trip, reducing the time spent moving back and forth between storage areas and packing stations.
Enhanced Organisation: With designated compartments or shelves, these trolleys help in organising picked items, ensuring they are ready for packing or further processing without confusion or mix-ups.
Improved Safety: Designed to handle a variety of loads, these trolleys reduce the physical strain on workers, minimising the risk of injuries associated with manual handling.

2. Types of Order Picking Trolleys

Order picking trolleys come in various designs, each tailored to specific tasks within different industries:

Standard Order Picking Trolleys: These trolleys typically feature multiple shelves, allowing workers to pick and place items in an organised manner. They are versatile and suitable for general warehouse use.
Multi-Tiered Trolleys: Designed for higher volume picking, these trolleys have multiple levels of shelving to maximise storage space. They are ideal for environments where a large number of items need to be picked simultaneously.
Nesting Trolleys: These trolleys can be nested together when not in use, saving valuable floor space. They are a great choice for warehouses with limited storage space.
Heavy-Duty Trolleys: Built to handle larger or heavier items, heavy-duty trolleys come with reinforced frames and robust wheels. They are suited for industrial settings where durability is a priority.
Customised Trolleys: Some trolleys can be customised to meet specific operational needs, such as including compartments for tools or adding specific attachments like hooks or baskets.

3. Key Features to Consider

When selecting an order picking trolley, consider the following features to ensure it meets your operational needs:

Capacity and Size: The size and load capacity of the trolley should align with the volume and weight of the items you typically handle. Ensure the trolley can comfortably fit through aisles and doorways within your facility.
Material: Trolleys are often made from steel, aluminium, or high-quality plastic. Steel trolleys offer superior strength and durability, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. Aluminium trolleys are lighter and resistant to rust, while plastic trolleys are easy to clean and ideal for lighter loads.
Mobility: The ease of movement is crucial for order picking trolleys. Look for trolleys with smooth-rolling, swivel wheels that allow for easy manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Lockable wheels can provide stability when the trolley needs to remain stationary.
Ergonomics: Ergonomic design is important to reduce physical strain on workers. Features like adjustable handles and shelves can enhance comfort and efficiency. Some trolleys also offer tilted shelves for easier loading and unloading of items.
Storage and Organisation: Consider how the trolley’s design supports the organisation of picked items. Multi-tiered trolleys or those with dedicated compartments can help keep items separated and organised, which is particularly important when picking multiple orders simultaneously.
Durability and Maintenance: The trolley should be robust enough to withstand regular use in a demanding environment. Look for durable construction materials and consider how easy it is to maintain and clean the trolley, particularly if it will be used in environments where hygiene is important.

4. Applications of Order Picking Trolleys

Order picking trolleys are versatile and can be used in various settings:

Warehouses and Distribution Centres: In these environments, trolleys are used to pick, pack, and transport items from storage to dispatch areas. They are essential for streamlining operations and reducing manual labour.
Retail Environments: Trolleys are used to restock shelves, collect customer orders, and transport goods within the store. Their use can significantly speed up the process of getting products from storage to sales floors.
Manufacturing Facilities: In manufacturing settings, trolleys are used to transport parts and components between different areas of the production line. Customised trolleys may include specific compartments or attachments for holding tools and parts.
E-commerce Operations: For businesses that fulfil online orders, trolleys are critical for efficiently picking and packing items. Multi-tiered trolleys can be particularly useful for handling high volumes of orders.

5. Cost and Value Considerations

While the initial cost is a factor, it’s important to consider the long-term value of the trolley. A higher-quality trolley may come with a greater upfront cost but will likely offer better durability and efficiency, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs. Consider the specific demands of your operation and choose a trolley that offers the best combination of durability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.

Selecting the right order picking trolley can greatly enhance the efficiency and safety of your operations. By considering factors such as capacity, material, mobility, and ergonomic design, you can choose a trolley that meets the unique needs of your workplace. Whether you’re operating a large warehouse, a retail store, or a manufacturing facility, the right order picking trolley will help streamline your operations and contribute to a more productive and organised work environment.