Software brings voice-operated picking to warehouses.

Press Release Summary:



Dispatcher-WMS includes software that integrates directly with Vocollect's Talkman hardware in order to act as voice-operated picking system. Able to interact directly with warehouse management system without use of handheld terminal, voice-operated applications allow personnel to utilize headset to relay picking orders in real time to operator, who responds with variety of data, including confirmation of completed actions.



Original Press Release:



LIS Brings Voice-Operated Technology to the Warehouse Using Dispatcher-WMS



CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 23, 2003) - Hands Off! LIS, a world leader in warehouse management and supply chain visibility solutions, has teamed up with the voice technology leader, Vocollect, to make it easier and more cost-effective to install voice-operated picking systems in the warehouse.

The ability to interact directly with a warehouse management system, without the use of a handheld terminal, brings a variety of benefits to both the user and the overall operation, such as increased accuracy and productivity.

"LIS is constantly evaluating the needs of our customers and how emerging warehouse technologies can deliver real operational benefits," said Bob Carver, vice president of marketing for LIS. "We are very excited about this partnership with Vocollect to bring voice-operated technology to the warehouse and further increase the functionality of our industry-leading Dispatcher-WMS."

In a traditional picking system, warehouse personnel carry handheld radio frequency terminals, which direct their movement around the facilities. Although these devices help make the sequence of a picker's movements more efficient, they also restrict the worker's freedom of movement. In some applications, such as cold stores, employees wear thick gloves. Barriers such as these can prohibit employees from entering commands manually.

Voice-operated applications allow personnel to interact with warehouse management systems via a unit and headset, such as Vocollect's Talkman. The headset relays picking orders in real time to the operator, who responds with a variety of data, including confirmation of completed actions.
However, most voice-operated systems require middleware technology purchased from other vendors to allow the WMS and voice-operated hardware to communicate.

LIS has eliminated the need for middleware, by installing new software within Dispatcher-WMS that allows it to integrate directly with Vocollect's Talkman hardware. According to Carver, this has reduced the cost of voice-operated picking, significantly improving the return on investment for warehouse managers.

"Using Dispatcher-WMS, customers will be able to reduce the initial outlay on software, avoid integration issues and have a clear system upgrade path," said Carver. "In addition, voice-activation has become easier to install. All a customer needs to do is purchase the headsets, turn on the product, and they're live."

About LIS
LIS is a global provider of flexible, innovative warehouse management and supply-chain event management solutions. Established in 1985, the company serves manufacturers, distributors and retailers on four continents through offices in the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and the United States. The U.S. headquarters is located in Charlotte, N.C. For more information, visit LIS online at www.lis-online.com.

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