Logistics, warehouses, and distribution centers are finding it hard to handle the variety of material handling. The challenges are labor time associated with manual order picking and the split of pallet loads to eliminate excess layers for storing or stacking properly at a height for easy manual handling. All these activities are linked with workplace health and safety dilemmas.
A layer picker machine from TopIndustries is a great solution for layer picking and splitting loads. The pallet can be broken down quickly or built with clamping layers. They are an ideal fit for warehouse, beverage, cold storage, food, and many such sectors with high-volume layer processing.
In manual handling, the picker goes to the location for picking the order manually and travels back to the middle zone where the pallet is positioned for mixing. He/she then moves to another end of the warehouse based on picking requirements.
On the other hand, using a forklift truck equipped with layer picking attachment makes single or double, or triple layers picking and transporting. It allows for building mixed-SKU pallets safely, efficiently, and fast with low labor.
The order picking and mixing process costs [labor] the warehouse more than 30% of the total operating expenditure. With a suitable attachment, orders can be picked in volume. For example, 1000 cases in an hour with a forklift, when compared to a maximum of 240 cases manually in one hour.
With the advancement in technology, layer-picking solutions have evolved. You will find a lot of variations in packaging and applications. There are models with different swing capabilities, mounting types, and magnetism.
Types of layer-picking forklift attachments
Stationary carriage mount
It is directly mounted to the mast with an integral carriage. The load lying in front can be picked up and dropped at the right location.
Stationary fork mount
The attachment has a fork pocket on top, which is mounted on the forklift’s fork.
Stationary side mount
Layer-picking attachment is mounted on the right or left side of the forklift instead of the standard mast. The picker moves left or right but does not swing. It is helpful when all the pallets are positioned on forklift’s one side.
Swing model
The layer-picking attachment and the mast have to be mounted in place of the standard mast on the forklift. An arm allows layer-picking equipment to rotate and pick loads from the front, left, or right of the forklift.
Magnetic layer-picking solutions
Layer-picking solutions are available in clamping and magnetic types. A rectangular magnet is used to pick cans for stacking. The magnet does not need any external power for operating.
Make sure that you choose an appropriate layer-picking attachment for your application. For extra safety consider adding rail guidance. The single rail guidance uses a single rail, which is mounted lower to keep the forklift at safe distance from the picking product. The dual rail guidance is mounted on the forklift’s both sides.
A layer picking system is used extensively even in the fresh produce sector. You will find them in every major supermarket. TopIndustries has an official YouTube business profile where you can see a video of the patented layer-picking equipment.
