Picking & Packing

Robotic fulfilment systems bring inventory directly to operators, eliminating much of the walking and searching associated with conventional picking. Options include autonomous mobile robots, shelf-moving robots and tote-handling systems that can be scaled as demand changes. By coordinating inventory movement with warehouse software, these systems increase pick rates, improve accuracy, reduce labor requirements and make better use of available space.

Vertical lift modules store trays in enclosed columns and automatically deliver requested inventory to an ergonomic access opening. Available in various heights, widths, payload capacities and tray configurations, they can accommodate items ranging from small parts to heavy components. These systems maximize vertical space, improve inventory security and accuracy, and reduce the bending, climbing and walking required with conventional shelving.

Vertical carousels rotate a series of shelves or carriers to deliver stored items directly to the operator. Shelf, bin and specialized carrier configurations are available for small parts, tools, documents and similarly sized inventory. By using overhead space and bringing products to an ergonomic retrieval point, vertical carousels increase storage capacity, improve security, shorten search times and reduce unnecessary walking, bending and ladder use.

Horizontal carousels rotate bins or shelving along an enclosed horizontal track, bringing requested inventory directly to a picking station. Systems can be arranged individually or in pods and combined with batch-picking software and pick-to-light technology. Ideal for high-volume small-parts operations, horizontal carousels increase pick rates, improve accuracy, reduce operator travel and allow more orders to be processed with fewer employees.

Case erectors automatically open flat corrugated blanks, form the cartons and seal their bottom flaps with tape or hot-melt adhesive. Semi-automatic and fully automatic models are available for different case sizes, production rates and floor-space requirements. Automating this repetitive process provides consistently square cases, reduces manual labor and material waste, and keeps packaging lines supplied at a dependable rate.

Case sealers fold and secure carton flaps after products have been packed, creating a consistent seal with pressure-sensitive tape or hot-melt adhesive. Uniform systems handle cases of the same size, while random systems adjust automatically to varying dimensions. Case sealers increase packaging speed, improve presentation, reduce tape consumption and help protect shipments by producing repeatable top-and-bottom closures.

Case-packing systems automatically group and load products into cartons, trays or shipping cases. Depending on the product and packaging format, solutions may use top-loading, side-loading, drop-packing, wraparound or robotic equipment. Automated case packing increases throughput, improves pack consistency and product protection, reduces repetitive manual handling and can be integrated directly with upstream production and downstream sealing or palletizing equipment.

Pallet-wrapping systems apply stretch film around completed loads to keep products stable, clean and protected during storage and transportation. Options include turntable, rotary-arm, rotary-ring and mobile wrappers in semi-automatic or fully automatic configurations. Consistent film tension improves load containment, reduces product damage and film consumption, and enables operators to wrap pallets faster and more safely than manual methods.

Strapping systems secure heavy, unstable or compressible loads by applying tensioned bands around the carton or pallet. Manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic systems can apply polypropylene, polyester or steel strapping in horizontal or vertical patterns. Properly controlled strap tension improves load stability, limits shifting and damage, reduces packaging labor and provides dependable reinforcement for storage, handling and long-distance transportation.

Pack stations provide an organized, ergonomic workspace for inspecting, protecting, documenting and preparing orders for shipment. Standard or custom stations can incorporate height-adjustable tables, scales, scanners, printers, monitors, shelving and dunnage equipment. Keeping essential materials and technology within easy reach shortens packing time, improves consistency and accuracy, reduces operator strain and allows each workstation to support specific products and shipping processes.

Void-fill systems dispense protective material into empty spaces inside a carton, preventing products from shifting, colliding or becoming damaged in transit. Paper cushioning, air pillows and foam solutions are available for applications ranging from lightweight merchandise to fragile or irregular products. Selecting the appropriate material improves package protection, speeds packing, reduces excess material usage and helps create cleaner, more consistent shipments.

Put walls use organized compartments to sort batch-picked products into individual customer orders. Available as manual put walls, light-directed systems or automated configurations, they can support consolidation, order staging and packing operations. These modules allow employees to process multiple orders simultaneously, reducing travel and handling while improving sorting accuracy, order visibility and throughput during both normal operations and seasonal demand peaks.

Pick modules combine storage equipment, work platforms and conveyor systems into an integrated structure for efficient order fulfilment. Single-level or multilevel designs can incorporate shelving, carton flow rack, pallet rack, stairs and automated transport equipment. By organizing inventory around the picking process, these modules maximize building cube, shorten travel distances, improve product flow and support higher throughput within a compact footprint.

Pick to light is a picking solution that increases the productivity and accuracy (up to 100%) of your warehouse by guiding workers to exactly which items are needed for an order and showing the quantity needed to be included, using bright LED displays. Although the picking process is simple, pick to light can be structured many ways depending on the number of orders, number of products and the layout of your warehouse. To increase efficiency, picking can be formed by order, by batch, or by work stations, where it is done sequentially.

Label-printing systems produce clear, accurate identification for cartons, pallets, products and warehouse locations. Desktop, industrial and mobile printers are available with direct-thermal, thermal-transfer, barcode and RFID capabilities to support different environments and labeling requirements. Reliable on-demand printing improves inventory visibility, shipping accuracy and regulatory compliance while reducing mislabeled products, manual documentation and delays caused by unreadable or missing information.

Label-application systems place identification, barcode or shipping labels onto products, cartons and pallets as they move through an operation. Tamp, blow, wipe-on and corner-wrap applicators are available as standalone equipment or integrated print-and-apply systems. Automated application ensures consistent label placement, supports higher line speeds, reduces manual handling and errors, and improves product tracking throughout warehousing, transportation and delivery.

Overhead readers are fixed-position barcode scanners that automatically identify cartons and totes as they pass through a conveyor or processing area. Single-plane, multi-sided and camera-based configurations can read 1D or 2D codes at high speeds and from varying package positions. Hands-free scanning reduces labor and errors while improving traceability, routing, sortation and shipping accuracy.