Why a four-sided open Mybox improves frequent order picking

When a warehouse reaches into the same container several times per shift, the opening side becomes the bottleneck. The worker does not lose time because the parts are heavy; he loses time because every pick begins with the same small sequence: walk, turn, open, reach, close, and step away. In a parts warehouse or kitting cell, this wasted motion adds up faster than most teams expect.

That is why a four-sided open Mybox is not just a container choice. It is a workflow decision. The goal is to keep the picking point as close as possible to the operator while still using a wire mesh pallet container that is stackable, movable, and returnable empty without additional handling effort.

Why the opening side becomes the bottleneck

A single front gate works well when access is occasional. It becomes slow when the same box is touched all day. A fixed opening side forces the operator to approach from the same direction every time, leading to aisle congestion, awkward reaches, and small delays that repeat throughout the shift. In high-frequency order picking, the problem is not the gate itself; it is the fact that the gate is always in the wrong place for at least part of the workflow. The galvanized container in this catalog, with stacking feet and half flap, clearly shows the basic logic: the structure is designed to hold its shape, but the access point is still concentrated on one side.

How the four-sided opening changes the workflow

The four-sided opening helps because the container adapts to the station instead of forcing the station to adapt to the container. The operator can work from the nearest side, align the box at the workbench, and reduce the path around the unit just to reach a label, a bin, or a picked part. In small-parts logistics, that counts more than dramatic capacity figures. A better pick path usually beats a larger box. That is why a four-sided open layout is often better suited to order picking, replenishment loops, and kitting cells than a fixed front-opening mesh pallet.

If you want to compare product construction and workflow layout directly, see PDP-02 for the product details and SEITE-01 for the layout logic. It is not about forcing every warehouse into one configuration. It is about matching access to the actual movement pattern on the floor.

Can you still pick when the boxes are stacked?

Yes, but only if stacking is planned around access. The two-level example in this catalog shows the right scenario: a low stack near the work area, with the active side still reachable. In this setup, the worker can continue picking without completely dismantling the stack. Once the container is buried deep in pallet racking, squeezed by neighboring units, or positioned so that no working side remains open, the four-sided access loses most of its value. Then you are no longer solving a picking problem; you are solving a storage density problem. Those are not the same thing.

Here, the choice between an open cage and a cage with lid also matters. If priority is dust protection, weather protection, or secure storage, a Mybox with lid is usually the better choice. If priority is speed and frequent access, the four-sided opening is the better tool.

Where it fits best and where it does not

The strongest fit is a warehouse handling spare parts, maintenance items, mixed containers, or short-cycle kitting. These locations need the box close to the person, not hidden in deep racking. The four-sided opening also works well when the same container switches between replenishment, order picking, and line supply, since each step can use the next side instead of a fixed front door.

It is less suitable for high-density deep storage, fully sealed outdoor storage, or slow-moving bulk goods that are only touched occasionally. When the unit sits in pallet racking for long periods or when the environment requires strong dust or rain protection, access speed is not the main issue. In those cases, a lidded or more closed configuration is usually the better answer.

Best applications

• Maintenance and spare parts rooms with repeated small-batch order picking.
• Kitting cells where operators need the next side, not a fixed front gate.
• Short-cycle storage aisles that need stackable mesh boxes without extra walking.
• Projects that require a layout recommendation: send your pick rate, aisle width, stacking height, and handling method.

FAQ

Is the four-sided opening better than a front gate for every warehouse?

No. It is better when the same box is used several times a day and stays near a person or workstation. If the box is mainly intended for deep storage, rarely used inventory, or sealed outdoor storage, a different configuration is usually more efficient.

What should I submit to get the right configuration?

Send your pick frequency, part size, aisle width, handling route, stacking height, and whether you need dust protection or roller mobility. We will match these conditions to the right Mybox setup and tell you which variant actually makes sense.