Nov 09, 2022

Enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of a picking process can accelerate throughout and keep operations ahead of customer demands. However, choosing between voice technology and traditional methods can be challenging without the right understanding of each system. While familiar and still highly effective, traditional barcode picking may lack the speed necessary to keep up with today’s fast-paced fulfillment centers. Additionally, studies show that voice picking technology reduces picking errors by 67% compared to traditional methods. As shipping volumes continue to grow, warehouses must understand technology options before upgrading systems.

Make Your Choice Based on These 5 Factors

Giving your workers access to the right picking systems can maintain inventory accuracy and meet timelines. Consequently, when seeking to implement intelligent voice technologies like Honeywell Voice, businesses are encouraged to consider the following factors:

1. Expected Productivity - While traditional systems still can be productive and accurate, a disadvantage is that sometimes traditional methods cannot keep up with rising consumer expectations for faster fulfillment and shifting supply chain demands. To keep picking and data entry fast enough without overwhelming workers, voice picking technology saves an average of 2-3 seconds per pick compared to typical picking methods.
2. Accuracy - While printed lists can be a working method for picking, paper systems won’t cut it in the long term because it causes more errors when managing inventory data. While looking away at device screens and risking manual data entry errors can compromise accuracy, voice picking frees up your workers to focus on the products they are picking. Most distribution centers see greater than 99% accuracy rates when implementing voice technology. Honeywell Voice achieves 99.99% order accuracy rates, increases productivity by more than 30%, and corrects up to 80% of errors to enhance operations throughout the distribution center.
3. Training - Getting new employees trained and deployed is difficult with traditional methods because they have to be brought up to date and develop a good understanding of warehouse operations. This simply cannot help speed up workflows when customers already demand faster and more accurate shipping. New voice picking technology, however, allows users to be trained in a few hours and hit performance goals in a week. Quickly addressing demands with voice technology helps realize significant ROI and quicker payback.
4. Safety - Trying to manage data entry while looking at an RF screen can be dangerous when navigating through a busy warehouse. If your workers are properly trained and careful, this can be avoided. With voice technology, workers can move freely around the warehouse and not be interrupted or distracted by screens.
5. Worker Satisfaction - Since manual systems are harder to train employees on and still can cause manual errors, sometimes it can be frustrating and stressful when trying to operate those traditional methods. Workers prefer voice technology as it is easier to use and can help improve their job performance.

Voice-picking technology helps reduce errors and implement insight to optimize order fulfillment. Contact us today for a free assessment of your current systems to build a solution that’s customized to your environment.