Voice Technology in the Warehouse

How does it really stack up?

Raleigh, NC, October 16, 2008 -- Even considering its mainstream appeal and high-tech functions -- hands-free, eyes-free, wireless access -- Voice technology may not always be the right solution for your warehouse.

The new white paper, Voice in the Warehouse: All Talk, or True Solution?, by Tom Singer, Principal at Tompkins Associates, suggests that while Voice technology in the warehouse typically allows for more choice, flexibility, better price points, standardization of infrastructure, improved performance, and rapid return on investments (ROI), companies should investigate carefully before they take the plunge.

Singer says, "The benefits of using Voice reported by one organization may be enticing, but they may be much more limited or unobtainable for another organization."

While Voice has moved beyond cutting edge to become an established warehouse technology, any distribution operation concerned with productivity, accuracy, and throughput should give the technology serious consideration. Paper-based processing or radio frequency (RF) may provide better functionality and effectiveness in the long run for some facilities.

To determine the best technology, Singer advises companies to start with a thorough understanding of the operational and business requirements. "Building a business case for Voice or any other technology in the warehouse requires careful delineation and quantification of the benefits and costs," he says. "When quantifying the benefits, you need to collect and analyze case study data and assumptions or develop an engineer-based analysis of the anticipated gains."

According to the paper, the four key areas that should be examined when evaluating the need for Voice against other technologies are:

• Typical usages and alternatives
• Prospective benefits measured against alternatives
• Key technology components and application integration
• Cost factors and implementation approaches

Many other data collection and material handling (MH) technologies are used to drive warehouse processes, but paper/label, RF, and pick to light (PTL) remain very popular picking technologies. However, Voice will continue to gain in popularity and factor into many warehouse data collection technology plans.

Singer adds, "What it boils down to is selecting the right tool for the job. If the technology is not a good fit today, it may be eminently viable tomorrow. Keep the proper goal in mind, evaluate and track to be more realistic, and be ready for change."

Download the White Paper: Voice in the Warehouse: All Talk, or True Solution?

Media Contact
E-mail Myra Schwartz or call 919-855-5533.

About Tompkins Associates
Tompkins Associates designs and integrates global end-to-end solutions for companies that embrace supply chain excellence. For more than 30 years, Tompkins has evolved with the marketplace to become the leading provider of global supply chain services, distribution operations consulting, technology implementation, material handling integration, and benchmarking and best practices. The company is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. Subscribe to the site feed for instant updates