New Concept in Order Fulfilment Software

Developed in Australia by Dematic (formerly the Distribution and Industry Division of Siemens Logistics & Assembly Systems), Voice-Directed Computing is a new, low cost concept in order fulfilment software.

Created using the latest interface and configuration technologies, Voice-Directed Computing integrates with most leading WMS and ERP systems, as well as in-house legacy systems, using either standard flat file exchange or modern XML-based interfaces.

Because it is based on widely-familiar Microsoft products, such as Microsoft SQL Server and Windows, and displays information via browser-based GUIs, employees can work with tools they are likely to be already familiar with, lowering training costs and simplifying the implementation process.

Fast, Easy & Cost-Effective

Regional Head of Dematic Asia Pacific, Brad Welsman, said Voice-Directed Computing would bring the power of voice picking to many more customers.

“Our new Voice-Directed Computing software is designed to be a totally standalone package. It comes with a variety of configuration tools to integrate it with the relevant host system.

“With Voice-Directed Computing your new system will be installed in a fraction of the time previously required.

“The only customisation required in each application is site specific tasks such as facility mapping, security settings, user configurations and terminal set-ups.
“Depending on the complexity of the application, the software costs associated with implementing Voice-Directed Computing make it far more feasible than alternative software solutions for SMEs.

“Smaller organisations and some existing RF users who have been unable to justify the cost of implementing Voice-Directed Computing can now make the move at a fraction of the cost,” he said.

Users only pay for the number of licences they require, with additional user licences available on a discounted sliding scale.

“This lets users test out Voice-Directed Computing in their business in a cost-effective way. Voice-Directed Computing is fully scalable and is set up to manage anywhere from a handful of users to several hundred,” added Mr Welsman.

Feature & Function-Rich

Exclusive new features within Voice-Directed Computing, which further increase its cost-effectiveness, include built-in label templates and a print engine for generating a variety of management reports.

However, Voice-Directed Computing doesn’t just substantially cut the cost of implementing Voice-Directed Computing, it also features a number of new operational features that greatly enhance functionality, especially in small to medium sized order picking operations.

These include the ability to utilise Voice-Directed Computing as a low cost manual sortation system.

Voice-Directed Computing enables the goods for multiple orders to be batch picked, and then simply put to individual order quantities, significantly improving order picking productivity.

Voice-Directed Computing is suitable for order fulfilment in a wide range of applications including 3PL, Pharmaceuticals, Office Supplies, Fresh and Frozen Food, General Merchandise, Books and Magazine Distribution, Spare Parts and many others.

It can be seamlessly integrated with other material handling technologies and solutions, like Put and Pick-To-Light, RF and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems.

World-Leading Voice Recognition Technology

Voice-Directed Computing uses voice recognition technology and voice equipment from Vocollect of the USA.

Vocollect voice technology offers speaker-dependent implementation, which provides many advantages over speaker-independent technology:

• Better voice recognition
  
• Less data across the radio network
  
• Continued picking even with poor radio coverage.
• Vocollect Talkman mobile computers are equipped with industrial headsets featuring:
  

- Sealed microphone and speaker

- Cupped option for noisy environments

- Breakaway connector for enhanced OH&S.

The Benefits of Voice-Directed Computing

Millions of cartons and products are picked each day in order fulfilment applications using Voice-Directed Computing.

The hands-free, eyes free approach to order picking has quickly become a preferred order fulfilment solution for distributors around the world, saving thousands of dollars through enhanced order picking productivity and in the costs associated with rectifying picking errors every day.

Voice-directed computing prompts the operator through a series of tasks with clear, verbal commands. These are transmitted in real-time by a radio frequency (RF) system that interfaces with the user’s host platform, typically a WMS or ERP system.

The operator wears a small headset and the lightweight, portable voice-computer is attached to a belt around their waist. This keeps both hands free at all times while picking and, because the operator doesn’t need to waste time looking at and reading the data on a screen or picking list, this enhances OH&S and substantially increases productivity.

Accuracy Without the Need for Scanning

To verify they have reached the correct location, pickers are often asked to read a randomly assigned check digit on the slot. This makes the system virtually fool-proof, eliminating costly picking errors and improving customer service levels.

Barcodes and scanners are not needed.

The response from operators and management at sites where Voice-Directed Computing has been implemented is very positive.

Users typically comments that their operators love the fact that they don’t need to juggle paperwork or labels, and have their hands and eyes free to do the job.

Easy and Quick to Learn

A major benefit with Voice-Directed Computing compared to conventional RF technology, is that it requires very little training. The operator simply slips on the headset and voice-computer, spends around 15 minutes familiarising the computer with their voice, and they can begin work almost immediately. This is very attractive in distribution operations, where a large number of casual staff are often required during peak periods.

Dematic has implemented hundreds of voice-directed mobile computers in Australia and New Zealand during the past couple of years.

What Users Have to Say

The following comments are typical of the feedback following the introduction of Voice-Directed Computing.

“We were experienced in the use of RF systems, but the voice picking has really impressed our people. There has been almost universal praise for how easy the technology is to learn and use. The nature of our garments is such that they are much easier to pick with two hands than one, and one of the real benefits with voice picking is that it leaves both the eyes and hands free to do their work. Our people have all found making the transition from RF-directed operations to voice to be very straightforward.”

- John Bergin, Associate Director – Operations, Yakka

“The use of mobile voice computers has proved to be a much more efficient method of order picking than label or traditional RF-based methods. Since we switched from label to voice picking at our Murrarie distribution centre in Brisbane, we have made substantial improvements in order picking accuracy and productivity, and been able to take a number of costs out of the retail supply chain.”

- Paul Sefton, State Manager, P&O Cold Logistics

“We knew voice picking would improve our operations, but not to the extent it did. Our error rate dropped to less than 0.5%, and it also had a positive impact on just about every other aspect of our operation.”

- Kevin Drinkwater, Global IT Manager, Mainfreight

“Through the use of random check digits during order picking and scanning the location during replenishment, it is very difficult to make a mistake with voice.”

- David Glance, State Manager NSW, API

For more information, please contact Nathan Taylor:

nathan.taylor@dematic.com
Ph. 61 (0) 409 600 046