3 Myths of Voice Picking, Pick to Voice, Pick by Voice

3 Myths of Voice Picking

It is easy to assume that voice directed picking is all the same, but in reality this is false. Voice-directed warehousing (VDW) has been around since the late 1990s, and has been instrumental to many DCs and warehouses. The technology has greatly improved picking productivity and accuracy, therefore providing a significant competitive advantage to those who use it.

Whether you're thinking about an order fulfillment technology or not, we've put together an important video on the 3 myths about voice directed picking that everyone should review. This report gives you the knowledge to help you make the right choice to maximize the ROI of any order fulfillment operation.

Benefits of Voice Picking - Efficiencies

Dramatically increase productivity and pick accuracy, by going hands free and allowing them to keep their eyes on the picking instead of the paper pick ticket.

Increase in picking efficiencies:  The biggest gain in order picking productivity is when an order fulfillment operation must pick "eaches" or "pieces".  Many time operations double their pick rates.  The primary reasons why order fulfillment operations really benefit from pick by voice is that:  

• Operators work "hands-free", while their eyes are focused on the picking process.  They eliminate the time and energy of looking at a piece of paper and then back to searching and picking a product. 
• Operators confirm their picks by voice or other form instead of having to typing in their picks or writing it down onto paper.
• When orders are completed the pick to voice system will direct the operator where to go next.  This greatly increases productivity by eliminating any time in between in search of or planning the next pick. 
• Voice directed picking also cuts down administration time to complete paperwork involved with each order.

Benefits of Voice Picking - Accuracy

When you move from a manual paper picking process to a voice direct picking system, you immediate enjoy the benefits of increased picking accuracy.  While results may vary, many times implementation of voice picking can lead to almost 100% picking accuracy. Here are the factors that improve accuracy with a voice pick system:

• Eliminate the back and forth of handling paper pick tickets... focus is removed from checking a list to handling the product.  
• Picks are confirmed by voice to ensure maximum accuracy, this includes verification that the item has been pick and the quantity.
• The performance (productivity and accuracy) of each operator is easily tracked and reported. 

Myth #1: 

Voice Picking is Expensive

Yes, when voice directed picking technology was new to the market, it was extremely expensive to install and implement.  This meant that that there were many cost factors involved, which includes:

•    Custom coding the software to your WMS, ERP, or host system
•    Dedicated servers
•    Changes to business processes to adapt to the software
•    Equipment
•    Training


Like all technologies, pick by voice has become much more advance, easy to use and inexpensive.  

Voice directed picking technology has greatly evolved over the last decade, making it an affordable solution for almost any sized distribution and warehouse operation.  For many voice-directed technologies custom coding is no longer required for implementation.  Many voice directed warehousing systems are deployed across multiple platforms.

Myth: Voice directed picking systems are expensive
Reality: Voice directed picking systems are affordable.  In fact many companies small and large gain an ROI within 12-18 months. 

Myth #2: 

Voice Picking is Difficult to Implement

You’re probably imagining the long process and the headaches involved in implementing a voice directing picking system to your warehouse operation.  You are worried about the time it takes to put in the system (from software to hardware) an worried about training your staff.
Not to worry, since many voice directed picking systems now easily add onto your existing WMS, ERP, or host system, there is no or little interruption to your existing business processes.



Myth: Voice directed picking systems are difficult to implement
Reality: Voice directed picking systems are as easy as 1-2-3. See below: 

With FastFetch, a 3-in-1 pick directed technology, you  accuracy (light, voice, & barcode scan)
1. Simple to interface to WMS: Your WMS, ERP or order management system downloads order data to FastFetch. Next, FastFetch optimizes order picking based on real-time location of your product and order picking personnel. 
2. Easy to Install: Most of the FastFetch system (hardware and software) are assembled  and tested offsite, therefore final installation is quick and easy.
3. Requires minimal training: The FastFetch tablet PC directs new operators, using light, voice, and/or scanning.  Training only takes ~10 minutes!

Myth #2: 

Pick to Voice is Incompatible with other Systems

We’ve worked with many companies and oftentimes we find that several picking systems are all under one roof.  Compatibility issues between two or three different order fulfillment systems are common.
The two most popular types of order fulfillment systems, (aside from voice directed picking) include light directed picking and bar code scanning systems.
Many warehouse distribution centers start with one type of order fulfillment system and decide to add another system.  So what if your operation dramatically expands and you have a sudden need to have a close watch on your highly valuable goods?  What do you do if you decide to add lights or bar code scanning to the system? 

Myth: Compatibility is an issue if I wanted to add lights and bar code scanning to my voice directed picking system.
Reality: FastFetch’s 3-in-1 voice, light, and bar code scanning directed picking system gives you the flexibility to adapt to customer’s demands and your business needs.



With so many choices in order picking technologies what is the best option?  Is it Pick-to-Light/ Pick-by-Light, Bar code scanning or Voice directed picking?
You no longer have to choose, you can now “HAVE IT ALL” with FastFetch.  FastFetch is a 3-in-1 pick directed technology that combines light, voice, and bar code scanning to gain virtually 100% accuracy.

What FastFetch 3-in-1 order fulfillment system means to you:

FastFetch customers have gained improved picking rates with virtually 100% accuracy.  Labor reduction with FastFetch can be as high as 40% to 50%, savings that customers enjoy year after year. 

FastFetch order picking systems have helped its customers, including GNC, Lucky Vitamin.com, Nash Finch Co., Capay Organic Foods, Atlas Vending, A Beka Book, Stanley Black & Decker, and others.  They enjoy:
•    Increased picking productivity (pick rates)
•    Reduced labor costs
•    Decreased errors with near-perfect picking accuracy

Fill out this Form Belowfor more information :

First Name * Email * Phone: Comments