WHSmith has increased the use ofvoice-based picking technologyat a
major distribution centre by 50%.
WHSmith first implemented VoiteQ's VoiceMan middleware and
Vocollect Voice systems at the Holford distribution centre in March
2004.
The voice system interfaces into WHSmith's existing
warehouse management systems (WMS) and operates Vocollect's
belt-mounted, wearable computer.
Operatives can work completely hands- and eyes-free by receiving
picking commands from the WMS to the computer and a plug-in
headset.
The system talks the operative through their task. The
voice-directed application typically delivers accuracy levels
exceeding 99.9%, and greatly increases productivity.
Jim McCafferty, site manager for WHSmith's said, "We have
witnessed significant improvements to picking accuracy and
productivity by using voice technology.
"As the workload at Holford increased we knew the best solution
to help us to cope was to expand our use of voice within the
warehouse."
The number of voice-based picking units at Holford has now been
increased by 50% to 75.
