Voice-directed picking — sometimes called voice-directed warehousing — is a popular approach to achieving higher productivity and cost savings in distribution center and warehouse operations. The technology first appeared in the late 1990s and has enjoyed more adoption as the solution improves and its equipment and software costs decrease.
How Does Voice-Directed Picking Work?
During voice-directed picking, warehouse staff members use a headset or earpiece connected to a small, portable computer they wear. The computer delivers instructions to the worker audibly about the task to complete. Team members respond to the computer using predefined commands to let the unit know they're ready to move on to the next item or task.
Voice-directed picking requires using software that connects with your existing systems to relay order details. Many available programs provide real-time visibility into order information and analytics reporting for more convenience and insight.
In practice, voice-directed picking replaces the traditional paper-list picking approach. It can also be an ideal substitute for hand-held scanners or be integrated with them for increased speed and accuracy. The technology continues to evolve, providing maximum versatility for numerous additional applications.
Ideal Applications for Voice-Directed Picking
Voice-directed picking is ideal for many warehouse and distribution center tasks, including:
- Receiving
- Full-case, kit assembly and per-unit picking
- Replenishment
- Cross-docking
- Quality assurance and order auditing
- Manufacturing environments
- Loading and shipping
- Put-away
- Cold-storage order fulfillment, where wearing gloves may hamper effective keyboard operation
- Retail store operations
- High-volume, high-product-mix facilities
Benefits of Voice-Directed Picking
Picking generally comprises a large portion of a distribution center or warehouse's costs, so it's an ideal activity to improve with technology investments. Voice-directed picking delivers advantages like:
- Higher productivity and facility safety: Hands-free operation allows operators to pick faster and keep both hands available for lifting items or manipulating tools.
- Quicker value from employees: Voice-directed picking systems are easy to learn and operate, enabling your workforce to contribute to your goals sooner.
- Improved fulfillment accuracy: This equipment eliminates distractions and errors that often come with paper-based approaches for more accurate fulfillment.
- Boosted customer satisfaction: When customers receive correct orders faster, they're happier and more likely to become repeat shoppers.
- Higher scalability: You can easily add new operators to your system, enabling the investment to grow with your company.
- Better inventory management: Since voice-directed systems improve picking accuracy, they contribute to more precision in stock counting.
- More support for greener practices: This equipment eliminates the waste associated with paper-based picking for higher environmental friendliness.
- Happier employees: Voice-directed picking hardware is lightweight and comfortable for operators, and their higher efficiency can boost their self-esteem.
Why Siggins Is the Ideal Material Handling Partner
Work with us and benefit from several advantages, including:
- High-quality products: Siggins partners with today's leading equipment manufacturers to offer an expansive selection of material handling solutions.
- Objectivity: Since we're not owned by or affiliated with a particular manufacturer, our advice is always solution-agnostic.
- Consultative approach: Our team enables and supports your growth efforts by providing tailored recommendations based on your unique facility and operations.
- Industry knowledge: We have vertical-specific knowledge across numerous sectors and understand their nuances and challenges.
- Technology expertise: Siggins team members keep up with technological advances to provide expert guidance on your available options.
- History of results: Our case studies highlight the real-world successes we help our customers achieve.
- Experience: Siggins has been synonymous with material handling solutions and exceptional customer service since 1946.
Learn More About Voice-Directed Picking Solutions
The Siggins team is here to provide advice on choosing the best voice-directed picking solution for your facility. Our experts can also help you optimize your distribution center or warehouse operations with a range of material handling products and services.
Contact us online for more information, or request a site survey for customized recommendations.
