Brakes pickers pick a perfect pack of packages

Brakes, the UKs leading foodservice solutions provider, announced today it has implemented a voice directed picking system across 13 of its depots.

The VoiteQ voice directed picking system is a hands free, eyes free method of warehouse picking. Pickers are provided with voice terminals, worn on the belt replacing paper lists, allowing order pickers to receive instructions via their headset, confirming picks as they go by reading back check digits to ensure accuracy.

This method of picking results in a smoother and more continuous operation, which ultimately is reflected in increased productivity and accuracy. The system also takes away the need for warehouse workers to return to base to collect a new list between jobs; a simple voice command being sufficient to load a new order.

Commenting on the implementation of the new technology, Brakes Operations director Clive Jackson said: We continually evaluate what we do and how we do it, and investigate ways of doing it better. The VoiteQ solution brings an increased customer focus to our distribution network. Picking is a labour intensive area of our operation and this technology will assist our staff to perform their roles more effectively and our customers will reap the benefits.

Following a successful trial in one of its sites in 2003, Brakes awarded the contract to implement the VoiceMan solution across its businesses to VoiteQ, the UKs leading experts in the delivery of voice directed solutions to the logistics industry.

The VoiteQ system has a proven track record of delivering ROI in as little as six to nine months, explained David Stanhope, CEO, VoiteQ Ltd. This makes it an extremely valuable tool for gaining an edge over rival companies within a fiercely competitive sector.

He added, We are delighted to have enabled Brakes to become one of the leading voice users in the UK and we are proud to have them as one of our leading customers.

The rollout of VoiteQs VoiceMan solution with over 500 of Vocollects Industry leading Talkman terminals throughout 17 Brakes depots has been completed within 10 months, representing the fastest implementation of a system of its kind and size in the UK. The new system establishes Brakes as the largest user of voice directed picking technology in the UK foodservice sector.