Voice Picking System

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Voice picking systems are automated picking systems that can be much more efficient than picking via paper or RF transmitters. With voice picking, the operator does not have to ‘look down’ to reference their next steps. This results in higher accuracy as well as seconds saved with each step the operator must make (which quickly adds up!).

REB Storage Systems International is a material handling systems integrator that provides full project management of voice picking systems. Our services include design, permitting support, subcontractor management, procurement of materials, and installation.

Read below to learn more about REB’s voice picking systems.

REB’s Turnkey Services for Voice Picking Systems

REB provides full project management of your voice picking system. A REB project manager will be your point of contact throughout the project. Our project managers prioritize communication and will make sure that all applicable parties have a firm understanding of timelines and progression of the project.

Read below to better understand our voice picking system project management services.

Design Services

Your REB account executive will speak with you to make sure we thoroughly understand the scope of your project. If necessary, we’ll conduct an onsite assessment. We want to make sure we understand your goals and current pain points so that we provide you with a solution that is optimized to your operation.

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If we’re building a new system that includes voice picking, we’ll obtain information such as your SKU profiles, picking processes, and product throughput. This will ensure that your material handling system is designed uniquely for your operation and will enhance the voice picking system.  

Once all information is obtained, REB engineers will create a CADD drawing of your voice picking system that suits all space and picking process requirements.

Learn more about our design services. 

Permitting Support

If necessary, we’ll evaluate if permitting for your voice picking system is required. If permits are required, we’ll put together and submit all drawings and other documentation needed for permit approval. This often includes a high pile storage report.

Learn more about our permitting support services.

Subcontractor Management

Once your voice picking system design is finalized, your REB project manager will secure all suppliers and subcontractors. We’ll manage their involvement through the project. This includes freight and installation.

Our project managers prioritize communication and will make sure that all applicable parties have a firm understanding of timelines and progression of the project.

Learn more about our project management services.

System Installation

REB Storage Systems has more than 60 years of professional experience installing voice picking systems in warehouses nationwide. We’ll ensure that your operation’s voice picking system is safely installed and compliant with MHI & OSHA standards while it optimizes your storage space and improves efficiency.

Learn more about our installation services.

How Voice Picking Systems Work

Voice picking systems utilize headsets and wireless scanners to enable hands-free, single-touch pick and pack operation.

With voice picking, the operator is directed by the voice command via the headset for each step in the process. The voice command can be customized to each company’s specific operation.

Here’s an example of the steps taken in a voice pick:

  1. The voice command will tell the operator that they are to ‘cart pick’ (as opposed to fork truck pick).
  2. The operator lets the voice command know once they’re at the cart pick location.
  3. The voice command will direct them to put box size A in position 1, box size C in position 2, and box size D in position 3 on the cart. The operator will confirm once completed.
  4. The voice command will then direct them to go to the pick locations for each box, providing the optimized pick path.

Is a Voice Picking System Right for Your Operation?

Ideal applications for voice picking systems include:

VP 1

DCs that distribute items which are regulated and require a scan verification: This is often found with pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and food distributors.

VP 2

Large DCs that distribute high volumes of SKUs: If you have a distribution center that is spread out, voice picking will be more ideal than pick-to-light, which is better suited for denser operations.

Also, because voice picking does not require hardware installation on the racking system, it is often considered better suited and overall more cost effective for larger DC’s than, for example, pick-to-light.

PTL 2

DCs that fluctuate the number of workers needed based on seasons: this is due to the advantage mentioned previously, that employee training time is reduced. Therefore, having to add a larger number of workers for an ‘on’ season is an easier, less time and resource consuming process.

VP 3

DCs that regularly reconfigure pick locations: this is because voice picking does not require hardware reconfiguration to go along with reconfiguring pick locations.

Avantages of a Voice Picking System

Integrating voice technology into your operation can be very beneficial versus paper picking or picking via RF transmitters. Advantages include:

Increased pick accuracy: up to 99.9%: this reduction in errors is largely due to pickers not misreading instructions.

Another feature to note that increases accuracy is that voice picking can actually do subtraction as the picker picks. This works particularly well when pickers have to pick more than 10 items in a single pick location. For example, if the picker has to pick 10 of an item, they can break it up to lessen the likelihood that they’ll over or under pick. They can pick 4 of the item, place it in the box and tell the command ‘picked 4’. The command will then tell them ‘pick 6’.

Increased pick volume per worker: pickers are able to pick higher volumes due to reduction in time it takes to pick. This is largely due to pickers not having to look down to read instructions. Not having to look down to read instructions, and often reread instructions, can save valuable seconds per pick, which quickly adds up.

New employee training time reduced by up to 50%: voice picking systems require less employee training time, since they are told what to do via the voice transmitter.

Safety incidents reduced by 5% to 20%: there are a number of reasons for this. One, this allows operators to be handsfree. Second, they don’t have to be constantly looking down to reference paper or transmitter, so they’re always able to see where they’re going.

voice picking advantages

Your Next Step for a Voice Picking System

Whether your next step is to gather more information or request a quote, consider REB Storage Systems. REB is a highly experienced systems integrator, in business since 1962. REB has 17 in-house project managers and engineers, all highly experienced in the material handling industry. These people know this industry inside and out.

REB is highly knowledgeable and experienced in designing, engineering, and installing voice picking and other automation and racking solutions. We will make sure your system is the best fit for your SKU profiles and space. We work with you to provide a turnkey system. From engineering, design, products procurement, subcontractor management, install, and permitting support, REB handles it all for you.

We’d appreciate the opportunity to help you further, whether that be more information or a quote. Fill in the contact form on this page or call us at (800) 252-5955 to get in touch with a REB representative.

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Testimonials

Brian Dubin

All Products Automotive, Inc.

“We have been a customer for over 15 years. REB offers a good selection of products at great prices. They are an excellent source of materials along with suggestions and information on a variety of storage issues."

Bruce Moulton

Harrington Industrial Plastics

“REB is by far my favorite vendor, the customer service and dedication to making sure every order is complete and on time. Fantastic communication, and an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Gary Rothschild

Epko Industries

“First time customer and REB provided excellent service and competitive pricing. Would use them again.”

Elliot Sneen

Cabernet Corporation

“Great customer service with an accurate storage system!”

Richard Steed

Pacific Storage Company

“We have used REB Storage Systems for a number of years and will continue to do so in the years to come. Their entire staff are wonderful to work with and provide a seamless installation from beginning to end. Their focus to detail and quality installation has been a valuable resource to our company.”

Tom Beckermann

Felling Trailers Inc.

“REB Storage Systems provides a high quality product with the best customer service in the industry, no matter the volume of products we buy.”

DO YOU NEED A VOICE PICKING SYSTEM?

If you need a complete voice picking system, we can help.
Whether your project is large or small, we have the expertise to ensure your next project is a success.