Feb-March 2003

If you're thinking of implementing a voice recognition system to speed up picking and put-away in your warehouse, WMS specialist LIS has just made it easier. Its Dispatcher-WMS is said to be the first to be available with a direct link to the Vocollect system, eliminating the need for a middleware layer.

Most voice-operated picking systems require middleware technology to sit between the warehouse management system and the voice-operated hardware. LIS has now developed new software within Dispatcher-WMS which will allow it to integrate directly with Vocollect's Talkman headsets.

"Cancelling out the need for middleware technologies reduces the cost of voice-operated picking, improving return on investment for warehouse managers," says LIS chief executive Martin Hiscox. "There is no hassle when it comes to setting up the voice-activation either. Once the headsets have been purchased, the product just needs turning on."

The Talkman headset relays picking orders in real time to the operator, who can respond with a variety of data including confirmation of actions completed. LIS says Talkman can improve picking accuracy to around 99.99 per cent and productivity by 15 per cent or more.