MH Linde: More ergonomics for higher productivity

There is still great potential for optimisation in horizontal order picking. Corresponding measures are aimed at achieving the shortest possible walking distances between the vehicle and the racking compartment, as well as the best ergonomics, in order to provide employees with the best possible support and relief. With the three new mast versions of the Linde N20 C SA semi-automated order picker, operators can comfortably raise the forks of the order picker to working height and do not need to bend down when depositing the goods. This conserves strength and energy reserves and protects the health of the employees. 

“Increasingly digital process and supply chains, an increasing number of product variants and, last but not least, demands for the highest possible pick rates mean that logistics managers in warehouses and distribution centres are increasingly looking for automation solutions,” says Manuel Seidel, Product Manager Automation. “If the actual process of picking, i.e. picking the goods from the shelf and placing them on the goods carrier, is already done manually, the operator can at least be supported in moving the device in the shelf aisle with the semi-automated Linde N20 C SA order picker. This saves time and energy and increases productivity,” Seidel outlines the main advantages.

With three new mast versions, the semi-automated order picker offers operators further benefits through improved ergonomics. The compact Linde N20 C L SA model is designed for order picking from the lowest shelf level on a pallet that can be loaded with 1,200 kilograms of weight. The forks on this model can be raised to an ergonomic height, allowing the driver to place the picked goods on the pallet in a back-friendly posture. Thanks to its compact design, the order picker is extremely manoeuvrable even when fully loaded. With the Linde N20 C D SA model, which has a maximum load capacity of 1,200 kilograms on the main lift, order pickers can pick up two pallets separately and transport them one above the other in a space-saving manner. This mast variant is particularly suitable for longer distance transports. Heavy goods are stored on the initial lift, fragile goods on the main lift. With the Linde N20 C LoL SA model, two pallets can be loaded with goods in just one picking cycle thanks to long load arms and additional liftable forks. The operator starts with one pallet at the desired height, while the second is secured vertically to the back of the forks with a special safety device. Once the first pallet is filled, it is lowered onto the load arms and placed at the front of the fork. The second pallet is then transferred onto the forks and can also be loaded at a height that is easy on the back. The operators control the mast on the right or left side of the backrest.

More efficiency through semi-automated travel modes

The new mast variants expand the range of applications for the Linde N20 C SA. The main characteristic of the semi-automated order picker are the two travel modes. They reflect the two main customer applications: In the first, the operator moves in a U-shape in the racking. He initially picks on one side only and then switches to the other. The vehicle follows him on his way through the aisle, avoids smaller obstacles and stops automatically at the end of the shelf aisle. If the operator stops to grab goods, the vehicle also stops; if the employee continues on his way, the vehicle also continues automatically. This saves operators a lot of walking, as they do not need to return to the driver’s platform each time to move the unit to the next racking position. The second travel mode is used when picking on both sides of the racking at the same time. This results in a Z-shaped pattern. In this case, the operators send the vehicle ahead with a remote control. At the end of the racking aisle, the operator gets into the order picker and drives to the next aisle.

Asked for whom the semi-automatic option of the order picker pays off, Manuel Seidel says: “Depending on the application, an increase in efficiency of between six and 15 percent can be achieved. If you calculate with around ten percent higher productivity, the additional investment will have paid for itself in about one year in a two-shift operation with wage costs customary in the industry.” Another advantage is that the vehicles can be seamlessly integrated into the customer’s existing processes.

Safety at the highest level

High-performance safety scanners integrated at the front ensure a high level of safety for the semi-automated vehicles. These scanners detect people, obstacles and other vehicles and prevent collisions. To enable a safe and comfortable working area for the operator, the vehicle also maintains a minimum distance of 50 cm from the racking.

For more information, please visit: https://www.linde-mh.com/en/