As a project manager at Jumbo, Martijn Vogelzang is responsible for optimizing the supply chain. He is only too aware of the fundamental importance of the picking process and the important role that the human factor plays in it. That is why he is constantly looking for ways to increase efficiency and at the same time prevent operator fatigue.

Martijn Vogelzang saw Crown's QuickPick Remote technology at a trade fair and decided to investigate: "Our good reputation is based on first-class service quality, an extremely wide range of products and the lowest prices. That's why we are constantly looking for ways to improve our performance and productivity," he explains.

"We have already tried driverless transport systems, but despite the considerable investment costs, we were hardly able to achieve any improvements with them. We were of the opinion that Crown's semi-automatic picking devices might be well suited to our area of application. This was confirmed, as the corresponding test runs were a resounding success. In the initial phase of the trial, we recorded a five to seven percent increase in production. Above all, however, our employees reported less fatigue at the end of the shift, as they were walking less between the shelves, the picking containers and the truck's driving position."

7.5 percent more productivity and less physical strain

Each forklift transports four mesh trolleys and the operators use a color coding system to pick deliveries for several locations. Photo: Crown

Successful test runs were followed by the order of a fleet of Crown GPC 3000 order pickers with QuickPick Remote for the Veghel distribution center. Cees van de Wouw, Dry Goods Warehouse Manager at Jumbo, explains how the QuickPick Remote technology has impacted the logistics processes: "The Veghel distribution center supplies 171 Jumbo locations with non-refrigerated goods. The items are put together ready for delivery in mesh trolleys. Each Crown GPC 3000 can carry four of these roll containers, and a color coding system allows pickers to pick items for multiple locations at once. Crown deployed a team of staff to support the introduction of the new trucks and to train our in-house trainers as part of a comprehensive training program. Our operators had to learn a new picking method but very quickly became familiar with the basics of the system. They found that they were carrying fewer loads per shift and walking shorter distances."

Cees van de Wouw adds: "The initial increase in production was five to seven percent. However, together with Crown, we discovered that the picking process could be further improved and optimized by rearranging certain goods on the shelves. This enabled us to achieve an overall increase in productivity of 7.5 percent for the forklift fleet. Regular training and careful monitoring of individual processes ensure the sustainability of these improvements."

"The feedback on the Crown GPC forklift was overwhelmingly positive. The operators reported that the truck was easy to steer and could be positioned in aisles without any problems."

Martijn Vogelzang Project Manager Jumbo Supermarkten

Double benefit for the operators

In a busy distribution center, working conditions are often anything but easy, but the Crown forklift has proven itself in tough environments.

A prime example of Crown's philosophy of robust and reliable equipment, the GPC 3000 can handle even the most demanding operations. The enclosed, reinforced forks are designed for continuous use with maximum loads. In addition, the covers are made of steel instead of plastic and offer optimum protection for operators as well as motors and electronic components.

Job satisfaction - "The operators are delighted with the short training period." Photo: Crown

Jules de Jong, Sales Manager at Crown, looks after Jumbo. "The QuickPick Remote technology was very well received by the operators. Equally important, however, was the response to Crown's GPC 3000 stacker," he says. "During the test run, the GPC proved to be the vehicle of choice, even without the QuickPick Remote. Positive feedback included the responsive and smooth electronic steering, the award-winning X10 tiller, which allows all functions to be operated simultaneously and with one hand, and the low entry level."

Achieve more with less effort

"Crown has exceeded our expectations with QuickPick Remote," says Jumbo Project Manager Martijn Vogelzang. "It has been shown that the operators are enthusiastic about the short training period and the user-friendliness of the system. It also reduces fatigue. The management, in turn, is pleased with the considerable increase in productivity and increased employee motivation.

You could say that QuickPick Remote has enabled our employees to achieve more with less effort. As a result, we have ordered a new Crown fleet not only for the Veghel site, but also for our nationwide distribution center in Elst." Technical support at the Veghel distribution center is provided by Crown's local service team, whose technicians are always on call. Cees van de Wouw explains: "The trucks have now been in use for around 12 months and have proven to be extremely reliable with their high level of operational readiness. We can also rely on the QuickPick Remote technology."

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