Pick by voice - voice picking system
Pick by Voice technology is a method that supports warehouse operators in communicating with the WMS. The solution involves the use of a headset with a microphone and software that converts text-to-voice and voice-to-text messages.
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Pick by Voice picking
What is the Voice Picking system?
Voice picking technology, voice picking, is an innovative method to help warehouse workers communicate with the WMS.
The operator receives voice commands for location, product, quantity to be picked or where to put the goods away, and then confirms the task by voice. This allows him to work without having to constantly use a terminal screen, code scanner or paper picking list.
Pick by Voice helps increase picking efficiency, reduce errors and improve the ergonomics of warehouse workers. The solution works especially well where speed of order fulfillment, picking accuracy and the ability to work in hands free mode are important.
Voice Picking technology works well for companies that want to increase the efficiency of logistics processes and maintain a high level of order accuracy. It can be used in different types of warehouses – regardless of the industry, the size of the team or the level of complexity of picking processes.
Who is Voice Picking for?
The voice picking system is primarily used in warehouses where operators should have their hands free during tasks. This is especially important in picking general cargo, working with a large number of order items and in processes that require frequent movement around the warehouse.
Voice Picking will work well in industries such as retail and e-commerce, pharmaceuticals , automotive, contract logistics and manufacturing, among others.
The solution can be used both in large logistics centers and in smaller warehouses where the company wants to move away from paper picking lists or reduce dependence on manual scanning. The system works in multiple languages, so it can support teams working in diverse environments.
Pick by Voice system - how does it work?
Pick by Voice system integrates with the WMS, which sends picking orders to the operator’s device. The employee hears messages on the handset regarding the location of the product, the number of pieces and where to put the goods. When the action is completed, he confirms it by voice, and the data is updated in the system.
The process can look like this:
- The WMS system assigns a picking task to the operator.
- The operator receives a voice message with the location of the product.
- The employee arrives at the designated place and takes the appropriate amount of goods.
- He confirms the completion of the task with his voice.
- The system transmits the next command or directs the operator to a staging area.
Such a solution reduces the need to use paper lists, manually enter data or constantly look at a terminal or tablet screen. The operator can focus on the task at hand, while the system controls the correctness of the actions performed.
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Effects of using voice picking
The implementation of voice picking directly affects the speed, accuracy and safety of warehouse operations. With voice commands, the operator does not have to interrupt his work to check information on the terminal screen or paper list. The system guides him through the steps of the process, and task completion is confirmed by voice.
The most important effects of the Pick by Voice system are:
- Increase picking efficiency by more than 30%,
- Increasing the accuracy of downloads,
- reducing human error,
- Reducing lead times,
- Faster deployment of new employees by up to 86%,
- Improving occupational safety by 20%,
- Greater transparency in warehouse processes.
Compared to traditional paper-based work, the voice system significantly reduces mistakes associated with picking the wrong goods or the wrong quantity. At the same time, the data in the WMS is updated on an ongoing basis, which improves control over inventory levels and the status of orders in progress.
What are the advantages of Voice Picking?
Voice picking improves the daily work of warehouse workers and reduces errors. Operators complete tasks faster, without having to put away goods or handle additional documents. This organizes the process and reduces the workload for employees. The Voice Picking system allows:
Reduce turnaround time for orders
The operator moves through the warehouse according to voice commands, so he doesn’t have to look at the terminal screen or use a paper list. Information about the location and quantity of products is transmitted in real time, speeding up the processing of subsequent order items.
Improve inventory control
Every action performed by an employee is recorded in the system. The data updates automatically upon voice confirmation, giving the warehouse manager a more complete view of current inventory, order status and team performance.
Increase work safety
The worker has free hands and more freedom of movement. He can focus on his surroundings, the aisle route and the safe retrieval of goods. This is especially important in warehouses where operators move between racks, operate forklifts or work with a larger number of products.
Facilitate the training of new employees
An intuitive voice interface shortens the deployment time for new operators. Employees receive clear step-by-step instructions, so they learn the process faster and can start working independently sooner.
See what the capabilities of the system are
Compare the effectiveness of picking methods
Replacing the "paper and pencil" method with a voice system, this means 30% faster work for operators, an 80% reduction in errors made, and increased transparency throughout the supply chain.
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When is it a good idea to implement Pick by Voice?
Implementing voice picking is worth considering when a warehouse faces a growing number of orders, a high number of picking errors, or the need to increase efficiency without radically overhauling the entire infrastructure.
Pick by Voice can be especially beneficial when:
- Picking is one of the most time-consuming processes,
- Operators often work with paper lists,
- Mobile terminals limit the ergonomics of work,
- The company wants to improve the accuracy of order fulfillment,
- It is important to train new employees quickly,
- The warehouse operates on a seasonal basis and must handle volume increases efficiently,
- picking processes require greater transparency.
The voice system can be implemented as a stand-alone picking process improvement or as part of a broader warehouse transformation that includes:
- more efficient WMS system
- AMR material handling robots
- Automation of code reading with scanning gates.
Voice Picking or Put to Light?
Put to light, is a system that speeds up picking through the use of light messages emitted on special displays mounted on warehouse racks (a single display is integrated with each storage location). The operator is guided according to the defined picking path, picking an assumed quantity of a specific commodity (information about the quantity of the commodity is also available on the display).
Put to light is a group work system. Each operator handles only a certain zone of the warehouse, and completed products move between zones using conveyors or autonomous robots.
The limitations of put-to-light systems are mainly due to the uneven distribution of work between zones, which greatly hinders the smooth operation of the warehouse. Voice picking does not generate such problems, is burdened with a much lower barrier to entry (lower investment cost), and its efficiency is higher by up to 25%.
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