Limitations of Voice Picking Discussed in News Magazine Picking Perfection

Aug. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- In the current issue of Picking Perfection, a weekly e-news publication by Pcdata USA, voice-directed technology is not as new as some may think. It has been used in U.S. warehouses for more than a decade now, and it has substantial benefits.  With voice-directed picking (VDP), spoken picking instructions come from the earpiece of a headset worn by each picker. A microphone mouthpiece enables the picker to talk back to the wireless computer worn on his belt. The wireless computer, in turn, relays data to the warehouse management system (WMS).

Vendors of voice-directed systems extol the virtues, however there are limitations. Critical data reveals that 55% of a picker's time is spent traveling to and from product locations. In distribution centers (DCs) with a WMS and radio RF (radio frequency) devices, pickers spend 70% of their time walking to the location, taking the device out of the holster, keypunching, and putting the device back into the holster. Only 30% of  time is spent with inventory.

According to Marc Braun, President of Pcdata USA, “Avoiding a mis-pick is really a quality check.  In very fast-paced operations, a weight variance check, may be sufficient information to release an order, based on the dimensions of the box and all of the items that should be packed.  If an order is supposed to weigh 10 lbs. and weighs 1 pound over or under that target, it should get diverted to the weight variance check area, where the barcoded shipping label is scanned with an RF gun and a worker will review every item in the box.”

Pcdata USA Pick to Light systems are part of a lean process, offering shorter throughput times, fewer errors, significant cost savings;  additionally the result is increased customer satisfaction, a faster ability to supply products, and process transparency. Traditional picking methods are one of highest expenses when operating a warehouse. Pcdata USA lowers that cost through leading edge Pick to Light systems. Pcdata USA installation versus implementation products are experiencing huge growth in hundreds of business sectors throughout North America.

Pcdata USA  is a different type of Pick to Light because unlike expensive WMS solutions that require lengthy implementations, PickStar and Distrib XE are quick one-day installations. Pcdata USA is a global logistics systems leader for supply chain automation.   Pcdata USA offers affordable out-of-the-box warehouse optimization solutions. Contact Pcdata USA at (855) 844-1086. Follow Pcdata USA on Twitter @pcdatausa.

Pcdata USA
www.pcdatausa.com
Antonio Rodrigues
Senior Manager
sales@pcdatainc.com
732-991-5974