This is the first time the HX2 hand-free computer and Vocollect VVH client have been deployed as a combination, following Vocollect’s recent certification of Vocollect Voice for the device.

The Dearne Valley distribution centre has been built to supply the chain’s 480 UK and Eire stores.  At this new site the operators will use HX2 wearable computers from LXE which have been voice-enabled by placing Vocollect’s Voice Client firmware on the units.  VoiteQ then worked with Next’s in-house development team to create a direct interface between the voice solution and Next’s WMS.

Vocollect Voice Technology from VoiteQ on an LXE HX2 hardware device allowed Next to combine their preferred RF hardware device with their preferred voice picking technology.  Operatives can now work completely hands and eyes free by receiving picking commands from the WMS via a plug-in headset and the HX2 multimodal wearable computer. 

VoiteQ’s CEO, David Stanhope comments, “This project has allowed us to further enhance our range of voice solutions, not only working with Next’s in-house team to create a direct interface, but also in partnership with LXE to voice enable the HX2. We believe that together, we have fulfilled our aim of providing Next with their preferred solution.”

 “We are delighted to have Next join our ever growing family of UK retailers benefiting from the improved accuracy and productivity offered by Vocollect Voice,” said Anton du Preez, Business Development Manager at Vocollect EMEA and South Africa.

The HX2 rugged multimodal wearable computer is a small, light-weight data collection computer designed to be worn on an operator’s arm or waist so that both hands are free to more effectively and efficiently perform warehouse inventory moves, including piece picking to carts, containers or conveyors; case picking; parcel moves; and broken case activities. 

Steve Binder, Managing Director, UK Operations at LXE concludes, “We are pleased that we have been able to implement the first Vocollect Voice enabled HX2 multimodal solution, especially for such a leading UK retailer as Next. VoiteQ’s experience of voice solutions proved invaluable in creating a solution which met Next’s needs, in addition to ensuring the first Vocollect Voice enabled project with HX2s went smoothly.”
 

About Next

Next is a UK based retailer offering stylish, good quality products in clothing, footwear, accessories and home products. Next distributes through three main channels: Next Retail, a chain of more than 480 stores in the UK and Eire; the Next Directory, a direct mail catalogue and transactional website with more than 2 million active customers; and Next International, with more than 140 stores overseas.

About LXE

LXE Inc. improves supply chain performance by applying over 36 years' experience developing wireless products and solutions.  From rugged mobile computers, advanced auto-ID technologies, and secure wireless network infrastructure, to our award-winning customer support - LXE’s easy-to-use products are as reliable as the people who install and support them.

Based in Norcross, Georgia, LXE also offers a full range of turnkey services, including radio integration, project and installation management, network design, technical support, and repair services. LXE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMG), and has offices worldwide.

About VoiteQ

VoiteQ provides voice directed solutions enabling a hands-free and eyes-free method of warehouse picking that results in a smoother, more continuous operation, which increases productivity and accuracy

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Blackpool, UK, VoiteQ is the UK’s largest supplier of voice directed distribution systems, having supplied hardware, software, services or support to the majority of UK warehouses which have voice implementations

VoiteQ supplies fully integrated retail solutions which incorporate Business Management Systems, Warehouse Management Systems, and EPoS systems, as well as VoiceMan, the UK’s leading middleware software for voice solutions.

About Vocollect

Since 1987, Vocollect, Inc. has delivered proven performance improvements in productivity, accuracy, cost reduction and job satisfaction for mobile employees.  Vocollect Voice literally talks people through their daily tasks, replacing cumbersome lists and traditional data capture methods with hands-free, personal voice dialogs. Through a premier global network of resellers and supply chain performance experts, hundreds of thousands of people on six continents use Vocollect Voice to improve work every day. Vocollect is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.A., and supports its clients and resellers through offices in Europe, the Americas and Asia.