Efficient order picking is at the heart of any high-volume warehouse operation.
With increasing demand for speed and accuracy, businesses seek ways to improve productivity while reducing errors.
One method gaining traction is voice picking—a technology-driven approach that enhances how warehouse staff carry out their tasks.
What Is the Voice Picking Method?
Voice-picking technology operates through a warehouse management system (WMS) that communicates with workers via a headset. The process follows these key steps:
- Receiving Instructions: The WMS sends a voice command directing the picker to a specific location.
- Locating the Item: The worker follows the voice guidance to find the correct shelf or bin.
- Confirming the Pick: The worker verbally confirms the item and quantity, ensuring accuracy.
- Proceeding to the Next Task: Once confirmed, the system will provide the next instruction.
What Is the Most Efficient Order Picking Method?
Order-picking strategies vary depending on warehouse size, inventory type, and operational goals.
Some of the most common methods include:
- Piece Picking: Workers pick items one at a time, ideal for small-scale operations.
- Batch Picking: Multiple orders are picked simultaneously to reduce travel time.
- Zone Picking: Each worker is assigned a specific warehouse zone.
- Wave Picking: A combination of batch and zone picking, optimising order fulfilment based on priorities.
Among these, voice picking is a highly efficient solution for high-volume warehouses.
It eliminates the need for paper lists or handheld scanners, allowing workers to follow real-time voice instructions via a headset.
Struggling with Order Backlogs?
Voice picking slashes errors, speeds up fulfilment, and boosts productivity.
What Are the Benefits of Pick by Voice?
Voice-picking technology brings several advantages to warehouse operations:
- Hands-Free and Eyes-Free Operation: Workers can focus entirely on picking tasks without distractions.
- Increased Accuracy: Verbal confirmation reduces picking errors, improving order fulfilment rates.
- Faster Training: New employees learn the system quickly, reducing onboarding time.
- Improved Productivity: Reduces time spent navigating paper-based instructions or scanning barcodes.
- Better Workplace Safety: Minimises the need for handheld devices, reducing accidents caused by distractions.
How Can Voice Direction Help Order Pickers Be More Efficient?
Traditional picking methods often involve scanning barcodes or manually checking lists. Voice picking removes these steps by guiding workers through clear verbal commands.
Instead of looking at a screen or paper, they listen to step-by-step instructions on where to go and what to pick.
The system also enables real-time interaction, where workers confirm picks verbally.
If an error occurs, the system can immediately correct the mistake, preventing incorrect shipments.
This dynamic approach helps maintain a steady workflow, minimising downtime and increasing efficiency.
Voice picking helps businesses keep up with high-demand operations while maintaining quality service by reducing unnecessary steps and ensuring precise order fulfilment
Upgrade Your Order Picking with Mercurius IT
Mercurius IT has partnered with Boltrics to provide voice-picking solutions to improve efficiency in high-volume warehouses.
The solutions integrate with 3PL Dynamics, ensuring smooth operations and increased productivity.
Key Benefits
- Faster, hands-free order-picking
- Reduced training time for new staff
- Increased accuracy and efficiency
- Integrated with your warehouse management system
Want to see it in action?
Contact Mercurius IT today for a free consultation or book a demo to explore how voice picking can transform your operations.
