Card Factory invests in voice picking

Wakefield-based Card Factory has selected VoiteQ to implement its new VoiceMan warehouse execution system.

Card Factory, a specialist UK retailer of greetings cards, has enjoyed substantial growth over the past decade and was searching for a solution to complement its already-efficient label picking operation.

Partnering with Voiteq, part of the Business Area Logistics Systems belonging to the international technology group Körber, Card Factory worked closely with Voiteq’s team of logistics problem solvers and reviewed the full flow of goods from the warehouse to the shop floor. Starting at Goods-in, right the way through to in-store replenishments, the team identified efficiencies and process improvements to increase productivity and accuracy of the pick. This was achieved by ensuring each member of the picking team was provided with the most ergonomic interface into the VoiceMan Warehouse Execution System (WES), coupled with an optimised Picking process designed around the individual.

Once a mutually agreed solution was identified, a pilot was deployed in a fast, high-volume card picking zone, not only to prove the new process but also to quantify financial savings that could be achieved by implementing Voiteq’s VoiceMan WES paired with Honeywell’s voice engine and their dedicated voice hardware as the optimal user interface for the pickers.

Craig Miles, supply chain and logistics director at Card Factory says: “As market leaders we want to continue our success, so we’re always searching for new ways to be innovative whilst ensuring we deliver the same quality service we are known for. Adding voice and WES to our warehousing process has not only increased productivity by 18%, but also enabled us to revisit and improve all processes across the operation.”

Voiteq and Card Factory continue to work in partnership and are now preparing for the next phase – focused on gift Picking. This presents a new set of challenges, requiring additional system logic to cope with a diverse product range such as large teddy bears and candles.

Matt Gregory, sales director for Voiteq adds; “We’re really excited to be working with such a proactive and innovative retailer like Card Factory. It’s refreshing to see their understanding of changes to the market and by empowering their people with the right tools for the job, it’s helping them to stay ahead of the game.”

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