Logistics has become one of the main tools for competitiveness within an organization. The growing search for strategies that increase the availability of products and services has led to voice picking gaining ground within warehouses.
Still, there are managers who are unaware of this important element. Below, you will find out What is voice picking and how does it work?. Bertolini also listed some of its main benefits for the company:
What is voice picking?
As the name itself suggests, the voice picking is a system that uses verbal instructions to assist in separation methods. With this technology, it is possible to carry out the entire operation using voice commands, eliminating the need for tables and radio frequency collectors.
For the process to take place, the operator needs to have headphones and a microphone. These devices are connected to a control device and allow the following steps to be carried out:
1. The Warehouse Management System, also known as WMS, transmits information relating to order preparation. The device voice picking “translates” this data for the worker;
2. The professional receives a message on their headset with all the product information: where it is located, the reference and the quantity;
3. Upon arriving at the indicated location, the operator uses the microphone to dictate the control code and collect the item;
4. The WMS checks the information received and whether the remaining quantity matches the inventory information. If the response is negative, the system sends an alert message and indicates the next steps that the operator must follow.
5. Finally, the system of voice picking announces which printer the employee must go to in order to finish the weighing and packaging phase of the orders.
This technology can also be used in other intralogistics processes, from receiving to inventory control.
Benefits of voice picking
By introducing the voice system into the warehouse, the manager can expect a series of improvements in the operation:
Easy implementation
When implementing new systems, there is a whole learning curve to be taken into consideration. It can take months — but not with voice picking. This system is very easy to use, as it is quite intuitive. So, training can be done in a few hours.
And since employees don’t have to touch the equipment, there’s less chance of damage to the device. In the long run, this means less maintenance and savings.
Total accuracy
Delays and errors generate lengthy and flawed processes in Supply Chain. Therefore, it is important to invest in technologies that increase the level of accuracy of processes.
This is the case of voice picking. By working with exact information and data, tool eliminates the possibilities of errors and standardizes internal communication between operators. Therefore, it promotes total accuracy during order separation.
Increased productivity
When separation is done with a picking list, the picker often has to focus on other tasks. For example, putting down the paper to pick up the goods. This wastes time and leaves room for errors.
THE Voice picking allows employees to fully focus on the tasks at hand. Using only the headset, movements are performed with greater speed and precision. At the same time, the trend is for sectors to produce more and use less time and resources.
Through voice picking, the manager has a quick return on investment. This is possible thanks to increased productivity and reduced failures in the procedure. Boost these results with the best material handling practices: Click here and find out more.
