Voice Solutions for Warehouse Management Are No Longer Just for Picking

Voice technology is not a new concept, as these solutions have been streamlining the picking process in warehouses and distribution centers for years. Increasingly, this technology is being applied to other work processes, leading to even greater efficiency in today’s rapidly paced distribution centers.

In addition to picking, it’s now common for companies to use voice solutions for receiving, counting, packing, loading, and much more. The demand for this technology is growing as distribution centers struggle to find enough workers to handle the increasing number of orders. In recent years, there has been a greater interest in automating additional warehouse processes using voice solutions. Everyone is looking for ways to achieve greater efficiency in today’s demanding distribution operations.

Increased interest and application have prompted Špica to develop its own system to streamline complex warehouse processes further. The goal was to further enhance voice-controlled warehouse management and integrate it with WMS/ERP systems. To expand the application possibilities of voice management, the VoiceXtreme software solution was developed.

VoiceXtreme enables real-time task execution, inventory on the go, real-time data exchange, equipment inspection, processing multiple orders simultaneously, and many other capabilities. Moreover, VoiceXtreme is a multi-award-winning software recognized by numerous satisfied clients. It is designed for large, medium, and small warehouses alike.

Companies are adopting voice solutions due to their excellent performance in warehouses and distribution centers. Additionally, they are simple to implement, reduce picking time, and improve accuracy by guiding warehouse workers vocally to the appropriate bin, shelf, or aisle via the optimal picking route. There are no paper lists occupying employees‘ hands; instead, workers are typically guided through the entire process of locating and selecting items using headphones or terminals.

Technological advancement is primarily why voice solutions have become so prevalent. Today, most voice technology systems are user-independent, meaning workers don’t have to spend time training the system to recognize their voice. New users can start using the system after a few minutes of simple instructions and confirmation or commands. „Although the use of voice solutions in the warehouse is no longer limited to picking, it is most often introduced for that purpose in most warehouses and distribution centers. Increasingly, our clients want to expand VoiceXtreme to other work processes after experiencing improvements in picking speed and accuracy. This system upgrade usually includes receiving, packing, shipping, storage, cycle counting, replenishment, and restocking,“ explains Igor Kokorović, an expert in advanced logistics solutions and head of development, technical support, and service for the SCM department at Špica Sustavi, a provider of access control, time management, and supply chain solutions. Today’s picking solutions encompass a much broader area often referred to as „voice-enabled workflow management.“ Voice technology integrates voice software, hardware, support, and enabling tools on one platform with the ultimate goal of increasing productivity and accuracy in work operations.

Špica’s customer, Plodine, one of the largest supermarket chains in the region, has voice-enabled workflow management in two warehouses. The VoiceXtreme system is used for picking, inventory (stock counting), and receiving goods. After implementing this solution, Plodine noticed significant productivity improvements and error reduction.

Igor Kokorović highlights the complexity of the supply chain as a challenge for today’s companies. He emphasizes his pride in being able to demonstrate the functionality of the VoiceXtreme system to clients and highlight how they can customize it to meet their business needs, reducing stress and effort for warehouse employees.

Are you interested in voice technology in the warehouse and want more information about the VoiceXtreme solution? Contact us at info@spica.hr and find out how our expertise in voice technology can significantly improve warehouse processes.