Feb 15, 2024

There are over one million warehouse workers in the US, each one a vital part of ensuring smooth supply chain operations. However, with so many crucial hands on deck, maintaining undisputable accuracy becomes a challenge, especially when facing tighter shipping timeframes as most modern warehouses do. While there are plenty of viable options for modernizing data processing, most experts agree on one thing: Manual data processing is not suitable for today’s supply chain.

And yet, about four in ten warehouses still rely too much on paper-based processes when moving inventory. Despite the great advances in warehouse technology, many businesses are still hesitant since supply chain disruptions can lead to:

• Missed sales
• Overwhelmed workers
• Missed compliance
• Communication breakdowns

Therefore, when evaluating supply chain technology, one cannot dismiss voice-based systems since they offer maximized flexibility, scalability, and agility to thrive in today’s dynamic operations.

Why Pick Voice Picking?

As the world continues to become more digital, warehouses are turning to automated digitization to keep pace with ever-changing customer demands. Unlike traditional picking systems, such as barcoding and pen-and-paper methods, voice picking uses audible commands to direct warehouse workers to specific pick zones and items. Consequently, warehouses cite the following reasons they choose voice picking over other systems.

1. Increased Efficiency and Accuracy

One of the main reasons warehouses adopt voice picking is for the increased efficiency and accuracy it provides. By eliminating the need for paper-based directions, order pickers can focus more on the task at hand, which ultimately leads to fewer errors. Unsurprisingly, robust voice-picking solutions have been shown to increase productivity by 30% as workers no longer need to pause and glance down to verify orders. Moreover, voice picking also allows workers to move more quickly and efficiently through the warehouse as it diminishes touchpoints with hands-free scanning. This ultimately results in efficient inventory handling and accurate picks.

Related: Explore and compare today’s top order-picking technologies redefining the modern warehouse.

2. Improved Safety

Safety is a top priority in any warehouse operation. High-demand warehouses have witnessed injury rates as high as 41% in a year. As workers move faster to meet deadlines, the risk of injury increases, yet today’s fast-paced markets leave little room for delays. Therefore, voice-picking helps to improve safety by allowing workers to keep their hands and eyes free, reducing the risk of accidents. Workers can also move more easily through the warehouse, decreasing the chance of colliding with forklifts or other equipment.

When first implemented, even traditional paper-based systems can take time to learn and master. As warehouses grow their inventory to distribute multiple similar SKUs, paper-based forms will need to adapt, which means workers may have to relearn the system. Instead of further cementing reliance on manual systems, warehouses can find implementation ease with voice picking. Relatively simple to use, voice picking can be mastered quickly as it adapts to the worker’s preferred language. This means that new workers can be trained and up to speed faster, reducing the time and resources required for training by as much as 85%.

Related: It’s never too early to prepare: See how you can create a welcoming onboarding experience for seasonal hires with automated solutions.

4. Flexibility and Scalability

Voice-picking systems are highly flexible and scalable, meaning they can be easily adapted to meet changing warehouse needs. Their intuitive nature empowers fast user adoption, which is highly beneficial during peak seasons as more temporary workers join the workforce. Furthermore, as a warehouse grows and changes, voice-picking systems can expand or be modified to meet new goals. By working with a certified connectivity team, warehouses can restructure networks to incorporate new devices and upgrades without slowing down connections. This makes voice picking a great investment for warehouses planning to grow in the future.

5. Real-Time Inventory Tracking

Much like RFID, voice-picking systems can pair with your WMS to provide instantaneous inventory updates from anywhere in the warehouse. Reliable inventory visibility is critical for keeping track of stock levels and ensuring that orders are fulfilled accurately and efficiently. Timely cycle count updates prevent stockouts since order pickers can quickly request replenishment for at-risk zones. By providing real-time inventory tracking, voice-picking systems can help warehouse managers track and trace compliance mandates through a digitized system.

6. Improved Customer Satisfaction

In today's fast-paced world, customers expect their orders to be fulfilled quickly and accurately. Leading distributors are further disrupting the norm by offering smaller fulfillment timeframes, sometimes in as little as a few hours. Voice picking can help warehouses meet these demands by increasing efficiency and accuracy in the quality check process. Once again, instead of relying on a manual system, workers can follow outlined instructions to verify shipments are correct and placed at the right loading dock. This ultimately leads to improved customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Related: Check out today’s top strategies for boosting customer engagement in the Digital Age.

7. Cost Savings

Finally, voice-picking can help warehouses save money in a variety of ways. By increasing efficiency and accuracy, voice picking minimizes the time and resources required for order fulfillment, which already generally accounts for 50% of a warehouse’s total expenses. This can lead to cost savings in labor, equipment, and other resources. For example, instead of maintaining several disparate handheld devices, voice systems leveraging one intelligent wearable computer replace the need for handheld scanners and two-way radios, all while eliminating the costs associated with each. Additionally, voice-picking can help reduce the risk of errors and accidents, helping you to avoid costly fines and legal fees.

Take a Step Toward Modernization with a Supply Chain Specialist

As with any modernization solution, improving efficiency requires a team effort. As a result, we recommend working with a supply chain specialist currently partnering with voice technology leaders. By doing so, businesses can expect:

• Seamless solution roll-outs – Coordinate pilots and on-training sessions to simplify integration.
• Open communication with OEMs – Customize your system while streamlining communication through one versatile partner.
• Access to a wider variety of voice-based and wearable technologies – Select technologies developed to thrive in even the most unique environments, such as cold storage.
• Assisted technical support and faster device replacements when needed – Prevent downtime with remote assistance and quicker repair turnaround times.

Flexible, scalable, and accurate, voice picking technologies are sure to keep revolutionizing the modern supply chain. In the end, as warehouse operations continue to evolve, voice picking will likely play an increasingly important role in meeting the demands of modern customers. To see how you can stay ahead of demands with next-generation voice technologies, contact us here.