Picking cart setup

A well-organized picking cart is essential for efficient order fulfillment, especially when using batch picking workflows. This guide will help you choose and set up the right cart for your warehouse.

Choosing a picking cart

When selecting a picking cart for your warehouse, consider:

  • Number of tiers/shelves - More shelves allow larger batch sizes
  • Bin/tote capacity - Each order slot needs sufficient space for typical order volumes
  • Mobility - Smooth-rolling wheels and good maneuverability for navigating warehouse aisles
  • Durability - Heavy-duty construction for daily use
  • Size - Must fit through your warehouse aisles while providing adequate storage

Example picking carts

Here are some examples of carts that work well for batch picking:

Two-tier picking cart with 8 bins
Two-tier cart with 8 bins
Four-tier picking cart with 16 bins
Four-tier cart with 16 bins
UNEX SpeedCart with fabric pockets
Cart with fabric pocket slots

Cart organization

Slot labeling

  • Label each bin or shelf slot clearly with visible identifiers (A1, A2, B1, B2, etc.)
  • Attach printed barcode labels to each slot for scanning during batch picking
  • Position labels at consistent locations for easy scanning
  • Consider color-coding tiers or sections for visual organization

Layout best practices

  • Arrange slots in a logical pattern (left-to-right, top-to-bottom)
  • Keep frequently accessed positions at comfortable height
  • Reserve bottom shelf for larger or heavier items
  • Designate specific slots for packing materials if needed

Integration with Scanpacker

Scanpacker’s batch picking feature works seamlessly with your physical cart setup:

  1. Configure your slot names in Scanpacker settings to match your cart layout
  2. Print barcode labels for each slot directly from Scanpacker
  3. During batch picking, scan slot barcodes to assign orders to physical locations
  4. After picking, scan slots again to ship individual orders