subject: Warehouse Software - Voice-directed Warehouses [print this page] Warehouse Software is continually evolving with the latest technology offered via the Cloud as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Additionally, advanced automation that includes mobile scanners and RF devices further fuels efficient operations as part of the ongoing improvements warehouses enjoy via strong warehouse software applications. Further, voice-directed warehousing (VDW) has become enormously attractive to certain medium to large scale operations, reducing time and boosting efficiency in the process.
The Voice-directed Warehouse
Much as it implies, voice-directed warehousing uses speech and voice recognition to direct activities within a warehouse or distribution center. Even though it has been available for several decades, in its earliest form it had limitations and was costly besides, with few warehouses using its services.
With recent advances, however, all that has changed. Price point has come down and, with advancements, voice-directed warehousing is on the rise. Some of these advances, of course, have come due to more sophisticated technology and wearable mobile computers.
The Warehouse Environment
In the warehouse, staff wears a headset connected to a small computer worn on the body. The device 'tells' a staff person where and what to do through verbal prompts. The staff then repeats or confirms tasks by speaking pre-determined commands and confirmation codes indicated by location and product to be accessed. All of this is coordinated by managers who use warehouse software incorporating interfacing technologies to perform tasks inside the facility.
Voice-directed warehousing usually is used in lieu of paper or straight mobile computer systems that necessitate staff to read instructions, key in data, or scan barcodes to verify tasks. Some warehouses using voice-directed technology still must rely on certain functions of warehouse software systems, however. Voice-directed functionality is expanded to include usage in receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, shipping and returns. In the main, warehouses will still need accounting and reporting functions from either web-based Cloud systems or stand-alone propriety programs.
VDW Benefits
Speed and accuracy are the greatest benefits for warehouses using VDW technology. Some of the specific efficiencies experienced include:
Greater picking accuracy
Greater inventory count accuracy
Greater employee productivity
Job satisfaction is boosted
New employee training time is reduced
Eliminates cost and waste of printed paper for tasks
Boosts customer satisfaction
When staff performs fewer hands-free tasks, both time and money is saved. Managers become the primary warehouse software users, thereby eliminating floor staff having to read computers, print paper and the like before proceeding to their actual task.
WMS and Cloud Facilitation
Since VDW's latest advances are still relatively recent on the scene, there remain limitations to interfacing with some of the older WMS systems. Some warehouses are using middleware or support systems offered through Cloud resources that are inherently more adaptable at a quicker, cheaper rate.
