Voice technology is perfectly suited for freezer use, where hands-free operation can significantly boost productivity, especially since gloves can interfere with handling paper or radio data terminals. Depending on the mobile device chosen for functions in temperatures as low as minus 24°C with a battery that is designed to last an entire shift in cold conditions.

Yes, our automatic speech recognizer (ASR) is optimized for the acoustically challenging conditions of warehouses and industrial settings. The ASR adeptly handles long strings of quickly spoken numbers and individual words with high precision and accuracy, all while effectively filtering out sporadic and ambient noise.

The most prevalent application is picking for customer orders, where enhanced accuracy and productivity yield a quick return on investment. However, voice technology can be integrated into any warehouse process, facilitating tasks such as Receiving, Put-away, Replenishment, Final Control, and Cycle Counting.

Beyond warehouse operations, voice technology is utilized in retail, maintenance, inspection, production, and other operations where verbal confirmation or instruction is necessary.

In warehouses, operators are equipped with a wearable computer and a headset and microphone. This setup enables warehouse workers to receive instructions vocally and confirm their tasks verbally to the system. The wearable computer interfaces with the Warehouse Management System (WMS) through a radio frequency (RF) local area network (LAN).

Most workers quickly become enthusiastic and adapt to new systems. Training a new order picker is often faster with voice-directed picking than with paper-based or RF picking methods.

Of course, some workers may struggle with voice technology, just as they might with paper or terminal methods due to poor eyesight.

The mobile application features onboard intelligence, enabling operation beyond RF coverage, though the accessible features depend on the specific application. For example, in order picking, the full order is downloaded to the terminal, reducing the effects of RF coverage gaps. However, in some exceptional cases, the device might need to communicate with the server, causing the application to pause until the RF coverage is re-established.

In situations that demand real-time operations, the operator will receive a notification to move to a location with better radio coverage.

No, the mobile application handles both speech synthesis and speech recognition, transmitting only data over the RF network. Transmitting voice would limit user capacity and necessitate high-performance voice servers. The system’s data-only transmission avoids these constraints.

If your network complies with 802.11a, b, g, or n standards, it’s probable that you can utilize the existing network. However, conducting an RF survey is essential to assess RF coverage in the warehouse, as the radio reception for a belt-worn unit may vary compared to handheld or truck-mounted terminals.

Enhancements in order picking accuracy can be significant, with accuracies of 99.9% (one error per thousand picks) or even higher typically attained. The level of improvement you experience will vary based on your existing order picking method. However, transitioning from a paper-based system to voice-directed picking typically results in an 80% to 90% reduction in picking errors.

Mis-picked orders, regardless of quantity, are costly. Incorrect orders are expensive to re-pick, return, and restock. Shipping costs are lost in both directions. Most critically, errors are costly because they can lead to the loss of customers.

Factors in cost-per-error calculations include:

• • The cost of losing or upsetting a customer

• • The cost of re-shipping incorrect orders

• • Costs associated with returns or rework

• • Administrative expenses

• • Additional handling fees

• • Extra shipping charges

We can assist you in calculating the cost of errors; feel free to contact us.

Eliminating paper picking labels results in significant cost savings from the paper alone.

Real-time radio communication facilitates immediate stock updates. This enables prompt letdowns to restock picking locations, enhancing warehouse management by optimizing forklift use and reducing re-picks or delays caused by depleted stock. Incorporating cycle counting into the letdown process increases the efficiency of inventory checks. More accurate stock records lead to better service levels and reduced time addressing inventory discrepancies.

Safety is enhanced with hands-free and eyes-free operations, reducing accidents. Paper elimination also decreases waste, such as discarded paper or label backings, contributing to a cleaner and safer warehouse environment.

Voice-directed tasks shorten training times for new pickers, as they are simpler to learn than paper-based tasks, often cutting training duration by half.

Equally important is the ergonomic aspect of work, the dramatic reduction in equipment maintenance costs, and the increase in worker satisfaction.

With sufficient time and resources, achieving 100% accuracy is possible, but is it necessary? The decision hinges on the relative costs and benefits. Consider the expense of an incorrect order and the investment required to eliminate all errors in your order picking operation. What compromises must you make to chase this objective? Knowing the cost of a mis-pick, including all pertinent expenses, is crucial. While striving for 100% accuracy is ideal, sustaining such perfection is unattainable over time. Companies typically aim for a “high bar” that falls short of perfection. The goal is to weigh the net gain from your current accuracy against the benefits of enhancing it through additional personnel, technology, and processes. Assess all the costs and advantages of such an initiative. Will it require more quality control staff? Investments in WMS or other technologies? Automation? Carefully weigh the extra expenses against the total benefits before embarking on any process to improve accuracy.

Operating multiple picking shifts allows for cost distribution across the shifts, potentially leading to a payback period as short as six months. Conversely, with a single picking shift, a payback period of one year is a more realistic expectation.

Certainly, we will inquire about your current operations to assist in calculating the system’s ROI. Alternatively, we can offer tools for you to determine the ROI yourself.

However, it must be noted that calculating the actual ROI can be challenging if there are changes in the process. For instance, if we integrate into the picking process or another operation, you will have real-time stock updates, eliminating the need for cycle counting across the entire warehouse.

VoiceXtreme utilizes voice technology, which is the simplest, easiest, and most natural form of communication between the host system and the operator.

Even if you don’t have a Warehouse Management System (WMS) but do have an ERP or some inventory counting software, VoiceXtreme can be implemented to enhance your warehouse operations. It comes with its own staging/planning module for waving, route optimization for operators, stock/article location control, and other warehouse functions.

A WMS is not a prerequisite for implementing VoiceXtreme and its voice technology.

According to a survey by the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), one-third of facilities have not yet implemented a Warehouse Management System (WMS).