Comparing Voice-Directed & RF Scanning Workflow Processes

WMS Warehouse Management Software: Comparing Voice-directed & RF-Handheld Based Workflow Technologies:

Are you adopting new technologies like RF scanning or voice-directed stock movement – or are you still paper-based?

For many warehouse operators, paper-based systems prevail in their workflows. But even with the most efficient staff these systems introduce human error impairing processes including goods-in receiving, inventory management and picking and packing efficiency.

Technology costs, such as for voice, are constantly reducing with the once high adoption expense now on a par with other technologies. RF scanning and voice-directed technologies reduce errors and significantly increase efficiency resulting in optimised processes, reduced OpEx and increased revenue.

Does this sound familiar?
“We’re too small an operation
to afford voice technology.”

 
Not necessarily. In enterprises in which speech recognition has replaced paper-based solutions ROI is achieved in under 12 months.¹ Voice-directed technology integrating with a WMS Warehouse Management Software solution delivers a 40-50% productivity gain over paper-based or barcoded data collection methods.²

Voice-Directed versus paper-based workflow solutions

• Productivity increase – 10-15%
• Accuracy improvement – 80%
• Training time reduction – 60%

Voice-Directed versus RF-Handheld scanning based workflow solutions

• Productivity increase – 15-25%
• Accuracy boost – 80%
• Training time reduction – 50-55%

Voice-enabled workflows – benefits³

Results vary depending on the workflows that the voice-enabled and current technology is that’s being replaced (paper, scanning, lights, etc.) but the list of potential benefits is significant.

• Increased accuracy — 99.9%+
• Increased productivity — 15–50%+
• Decreased staff churn
• Efficient regulatory compliance
• Inventory optimisation (reduced holding costs)
• Eliminates trips back to assignment desk
• Eliminates cost of printing & distributing picking documents
• Eliminates cost of re-keying order amendments, picking confirmations & catch weights
• Fewer administrative, fixed asset & consumable overheads
• Hands-free and eyes-free — makes picking easier
• Real-time feedback for proactive management
• Real-time stock updating
• Real-time visibility and integration into business system decision making
• Improved safety — hands-free and eyes-free
• Reduced training — verbal prompts easier
• ROI in 2–24 months

CASE STUDY – 25%+ STOCK PICK ACCURACY BOOST: Read the Gordons Chemists (Online-FMCG) case study. The leading chemist chain operates via in-store and online sales channels. We deployed In-DEX WMS Warehouse Management Software with flexible voice technology delivering a >25% increase in stock pick accuracy in its warehouse.
 

COMPARE PAPER, VOICE RF & PICK-TO-LIGHT TECHNOLOGIES in the Honeywell paper “Your DC Is Never Too Small for Voice: Evaluating Voice Versus Paper-Based, RF Scanners and Pick-to-Light Solutions.”
 
 
 

WE DEPLOY VOICE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS (including Honeywell Vocollect Voice) with our In-DEX and AWARDS³ WMS Warehouse Management Software solutions. Ask us how we can help optimise your operations, today.

Source:
^{1 ‘}Revisit Your Ruggedized Strategy Before You’re Hit by the End of OS Support.’ (Gartner).
²  ‘Your DC Is Never Too Small for Voice: Evaluating Voice Versus Paper-Based, RF Scanners and Pick-to-Light Solutions.’ (Gartner).
³ ‘Your DC Is Never Too Small for Voice: Using Voice in Many Workflows.’ (Honeywell).