Pick by Voice: How to improve accuracy and speed in picking operations
Are you the manager of a production or distribution company? Do you manage 3PL, fulfilment or e-commerce companies? Do you manage retail activities? Or pharma warehouses? Whatever your business is, you need software to manage and optimise your logistics operations. Find out more about how the Pick by Voice technology can help you increase speed and accuracy in your warehouse picking operations.
What is Pick by Voice and how it works
Pick by Voice is a logistics technology that uses voice commands to guide warehouse operators throughout the picking process. This paperless picking system is designed to streamline order picking operations, improving speed and reducing errors. How? Warehouse operators are guided in real time via voice commands to pick the correct products and the necessary amounts from the racks, enabling them to work hands-free and without having to read instructions (hands-free and eye-free system).
The operation of the Pick by Voice system involves equipping warehouse operators with hardware that includes headphones, microphones and mobile devices running the voice application that are connected to a warehouse management system. The system issues voice commands to the operator and tells them where to go, what products to pick from the racks and in what quantity. The operator confirms the actions verbally, and the voice confirmation is recorded and verified by the system. This allows two-way communication between the system and the operator, which ensures both rapid transmission of clear picking tasks and voice confirmation of completed actions.
The Pick by Voice system can be integrated with other specialized warehouse management software solutions such as WMS or ERP (running locally, on-premise, or in the cloud), automated material handling systems, or barcode scanning solutions for additional verification of picked products. Connecting Pick by Voice systems to WMS solutions, for example, ensures tight inventory management. These integrations with other applications enable full visibility of warehouse operations, improve overall system efficiency and maximise the benefits of Pick by Voice system, helping to improve overall supply chain performance. All the components of the network created are interconnected to ensure efficient and accurate operation of the picking process and better inventory management at the logistics centre or warehouse level.
Advantages of using Pick by Voice technology
This technology increases employee efficiency and productivity. By listening to voice commands, they can focus exclusively on picking because they can work without being hindered by the equipment they have to hold or by reading picking lists. This means they complete order picking faster and the efficiency of warehouse activities is improved.
Voice commands eliminate the need to print and distribute picking lists or to send written picking tasks to mobile computers. In this way, valuable time is saved and material, information and human resources are used much more efficiently. Pick by Voice plays an important role in reducing operational costs, which is why it is used in various types of warehouses in many economic sectors.
Another major advantage of using Pick by Voice technology is the reduction of picking errors. Voice commands sent to workers consist of clear and precise instructions. The possibility of confusion or misinterpretation of written orders is eliminated. This significantly reduces the rate of picking errors.
Improved working conditions are another benefit of the Pick by Voice technology. Employees can work in a more ergonomic way, they have the freedom to move around the warehouse without stopping to check, enter data related to the products they have to pick from the racks or without carrying various devices in their hands. In this way, physical effort is reduced and comfort is increased during the picking process.
How to implement Pick by Voice in warehouse operations
In addition to choosing the right hardware solution provider, selecting a warehouse management system provider that has flexible software solutions allowing for the integration of Pick by Voice technology is an essential step in the implementation process in your company. Evaluate your operational needs and select the best business logistics software that suits you. Key aspects to consider include the reliability of the system, the technical support offered, the associated costs and the possibility of integration with other systems you already use. It’s also useful to seek feedback and recommendations from other companies that have already implemented this technology.
After choosing the software solution and hardware providers, the next step is planning and preparing the implementation. This process includes the Pick by Voice system configuration, integration with CRM or ERP systems, the WMS adaption to the requirements of Pick by Voice technology, training of employees and testing for proper operation. It is important to involve all relevant departments in the implementation planning process, set clear objectives and realistic deadlines.
The actual implementation of Pick by Voice technology consists of installing the necessary equipment, setting up the WMS system according to the specific needs of the picking operations and training the employees. Allocate sufficient time and resources to enable employees to get acquainted with and adapt to the new technology so that productivity is not negatively affected when the system is launched.
After implementation, it is important to monitor the system’s performance and constantly optimise it to improve picking operations. Any problems or shortcomings can be identified and remedied through regular performance evaluations. Use employee feedback and analyse WMS (Warehouse Management System) data to make upgrades that ensure a higher level of performance.
The future of Pick by Voice: trends and innovations
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are technologies that can make Pick by Voice a more efficient process. Systems can learn from past experiences and make more accurate predictions, providing recommendations for optimising picking processes. By analysing data and identifying patterns, these technologies will help reduce errors and increase productivity during picking operations.
In the coming period, we will certainly witness a closer integration with other technologies such as augmented reality or robotic systems. Integration with augmented reality provides real-time visual guidance for employees, helping them to more easily identify and locate goods as well as take complex instructions. Robotic systems will also handle digitized warehouses and some picking tasks, leading to faster and more accurate operations.
Systems integrating Pick by Voice technology will be configured according to employees’ needs and preferences, for example, by the way in which they interact with the system. This will ensure a more intuitive and efficient experience during the picking process. As technology advances, Pick by Voice will become more intuitive and easier to use. Voice instructions will become clearer and more concise, feedback from the system will be faster and more accurate, and interaction with the system will become more natural and fluid. These improvements will help reduce errors and increase efficiency during picking operations.
Request a meeting with Axes Software representatives to identify the Pick by Voice system benefits for your company. Thus, you will find out how your picking operations can be optimised and efficiency across your entire warehouse may increase.
