Top Order Picking Technologies Every Warehouse Should Consider

When it comes to warehouse productivity, choosing the right order-picking technology can make all the difference. With the right tools in place, companies can streamline their operations, reduce errors, and increase overall efficiency. But with so many different pieces of equipment available, deciding which ones to invest in can be overwhelming. Every warehouse ultimately has different needs.

That's why Heartland works alongside leading tech developers like Honeywell to customize order-picking solutions with scalable technologies. From intelligent handheld scanning to voice picking to automated storage and retrieval systems, these products are tailor-made to integrate seamlessly into your company’s supply chain process. The advantage of choosing a Honeywell order-picking product includes…

• Streamlined communication within your team
• Faster throughput rates supported by automated data capture
• Flexibility between handheld and hands-free systems
• 24/7 available tech support and network troubleshooting
• State-of-the-art products with certified repair opportunities

Let’s dive in further and discover how you can revolutionize your warehouse efficiency and management with a new generation of picking solutions.

First, Digitize Data Collection and Asset Management with a Barcode Scanner

No matter where it’s used, manual recording systems delay workflows since they cannot quickly update teams on changes. Before turning to emerging technologies such as real-time tracking systems and AI, modernization experts recommend digitizing your data systems. Ergonomic handheld devices establish a dependable foundation in your order-picking process by...

• Connecting teams to current stock levels and locations – Next-generation devices like Honeywell’s CK65 exemplify modern efforts to consolidate vital data in a mobile terminal so your teams can access product location and availability at the palm of their hands.
• Speeding up order assembly with intelligent scanners – Instead of cross-referencing an order with a clipboard, handheld scanners similar to the Granit XP 1991iXR help to swiftly verify stock by capturing inventory information in a barcode, virtually erasing the need for pen-and-paper checks. Moreover, enterprise-ready printers further safeguard efficient scanning by delivering crisp, legible barcodes faster to ensure products are properly tagged upon arrival and trackable throughout the fulfillment journey.
• Mobilize data capture in the forklift – Vehicle-mounted computers expand automation into your busier workflows without compromising efficiency. Intelligent docking features empower teams to adapt to changing input environments, ensuring data is digitally stored from anywhere in the warehouse.    

After successfully reducing manual processes, your operations can build upon a digital foundation with reliable data availability for split-second decisions. Although many new picking solutions are available, the following three have risen to greater prominence.

1. Optimize Pick Routes with RFID Scanning Solutions

No order-picking list would be complete without RFID. Extending the power of your scanning system, RFID sleds like Honeywell’s IH40 help boost inventory visibility up to 99.99%. This helps to lead to increased productivity, efficiency, and profitability. By knowing what comes in and out consistently, your workers will be able to maintain higher order volumes and accurately locate products within the aisles as well as their stock levels.

Moreover, the IH40 is built to capture more information in a single trigger pull. It uses an advanced antenna designed to read tags with a higher percentage of accuracy. It’s also easy to use: Simply point in the general direction of the tag and pull the trigger. This process makes it easy to update stock counts and location since a line of sight is not required and multiple barcodes can be scanned at once.

Another advantage of RFID sleds is that when paired with Honeywell’s enterprise handhelds, system integration becomes all the more seamless. Instead of rolling out an entirely new system, sleds allow you to combine compatible handhelds to extend scanning capabilities, reducing training times needed for your picking team.

2. Maximize User Comfort with Wearable Picking Solutions

Accessible technology is vital in accelerating order-picking tasks. Workers need to be able to move efficiently and still have their tools close on hand. Versatile devices such as wrist-mounted computers and ring scanners combine optimized ergonomics and performance to accelerate picking by leveraging comfortable muscle movements.

Honeywell’s CW45 wearable computer has the long-lasting lifecycle your workers need, combined with the necessary durability to provide strong ROI. In addition to providing workflow information at the point of activity, wearable computers have the following benefits:

• • Hassle-Free Connectivity – Leverage flexible Wi-Fi 6 connections to facilitate access to essential information, allowing workers to remain connected at all times.
  • Improved Productivity – With hands-free capabilities, the constant need for workers to pick up and set down devices is eliminated. This also gives employees more device responsibility and reduces misplaced items.
  • Easier User Deployment – Devices are designed to conform to their users. This ultimately makes it easy to implement right away in the workplace.

3. Usher in Voice Automation for Higher Throughput Rates

One of the most important pieces of technology set to revolutionize the supply chain is voice-based systems. With the Honeywell A700x Series, your workers will be able to use voice automation for proven performance improvement. These rugged products have advanced voice solutions, including “text-to-speech” recognition software. The bottom line with these software features is this: your workers will be able to effectively communicate with one another, helping to optimize your workflow and streamline your supply chain with:

• • 80% less training times – Voice systems can be matched to your team’s language preferences and rely on instructions audibly, simplifying training in high-demand environments.
  • 20% more worker safety – Workers no longer need to look down while they walk nor hold multiple tools to complete an order. This can help reduce the number of collisions and mis-picks simultaneously.
  • 30% more productivity – Voice-picking instructions can be adjusted to ensure compliance codes are met, protecting smooth inventory movement down the supply chain.

When selecting an enterprise wireless headset to pair with your voice system, consider choosing a system with flexible connectivity to prevent interference. Another major factor to consider is noise sensitivity to ensure your headset is compatible with your environment.

Unprotected headphones can end up impairing functionality. This even means direct exhaling onto the microphone. While this is important to consider when choosing a wireless headset, it can often be overlooked due to the simplicity of the issue. It’s similar to when someone purchases a car: there may not be any problems at first, but eventually, a light will go off when it’s time to get something fixed. Similar to a car, the SRX3 uses a red tint in the microphone as a visual reminder it’s unprotected and to back off a bit!

Find a Picking Solution That Fits Your Team

Order-picking devices from Honeywell help to enhance mobility and redefine what warehouse efficiency can become for your business. With easy-to-operate devices designed for movement, connectivity, and efficiency, it’s easier than ever to handle ever-changing order demands with major holidays coming up on the horizon.

At Heartland, we work to offer superior solutions and a simpler workflow. Our AlwaysOn mobile device management and AlwaysConnected wireless network optimization are not just slogans, but rather commitments to our customers to provide the best available service possible. GaIN more Insight about the partnership between Heartland and Honeywell and how it can help improve your order-picking needs!