Ten years ago, Crown invented a revolutionary order picker solution, enabling operators to remotely command their pallet truck forward, encouraging productive order picking positions near their truck’s pallets, and reducing redundant steps to the operator platform.
Since then, US online retail has grown 5x, with competitor offerings emerging. Instead of pursuing minor improvements, Crown’s product development team focused on opportunities to transform the segment again. After observing and discussing pain points with warehouses nationwide, the team identified recurring concerns – unproductive downtime, and labor shortages. Up to 30 minutes were spent obtaining order-picking equipment or swapping device batteries mid-shift. Improved device management and improved operator experience were recognized as key opportunities.
Crown’s new QuickPick® Rapid system delivers next-generation order picking improvements through a smaller, ergonomically designed ‘Ring’ wearable & Charger which increases operator independence.
On-truck charging was identified to eliminate daily check-out, and enable pairing the Ring and truck. The patented QuickPick Rapid system simultaneously charges and pairs the Ring, through a simple physical connection to the truck, in 5 seconds- a market first.
The seamlessly designed system frees up time, increasing productivity by up to 20%, and delivering significant operations and user benefits. Since order pickers often work on a quota system, anything helping them start their job sooner also helps them reach their quota and go home sooner. After one major US retailer adopted the system on their nationwide pallet truck fleet, the ROI benefits to contributed to canceling the construction of several planned distribution centers.
The compact Ring housing is made possible through production-quality 3D printing. Accommodating small hands and large heavy gloves, it is also well-suited for high temperatures as well as -25F freezer environments.
QuickPick Rapid is an intentionally simple experience. “Pushing a button to go” embodies easy-to-use. The Charger clearly indicates power remaining in the paired Ring. Mirroring arrow icons provide intuitive visuals to instruct the proper alignment of the Ring into the Charger. High contrast and non-verbal icons enhance accessibility.
Leveraging rapid prototyping to quickly iterate models for field feedback was crucial, informing product refinement. While other solutions often form around existing technology, the team first dialed in the ideal form and product experience, then realized through custom design and internal components.
Category:ElectronicsYear:2023Designer:Crown Design, New Bremen, Ohio, USAManufacturer:Crown Equipment, New Bremen, Ohio, USA