What are the best practices for implementing a voice-directed picking system in internal logistics?

1 Assess your needs and goals

Before you invest in a VDP system, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. You should consider your current and future business requirements, such as the volume and complexity of orders, the layout and size of your warehouse, the skills and preferences of your workers, and the compatibility of your existing systems. You should also define your key performance indicators (KPIs), such as pick rate, error rate, cycle time, and customer satisfaction.

2 Choose the right solution

When choosing a VDP solution, you should compare the options based on your needs and goals. Look for a solution that offers flexibility to adapt to different workflows, languages, and environments, as well as scalability to handle peak seasons, new products, and changing demands. Additionally, the solution should be reliable and robust, providing clear and consistent communication and feedback. Lastly, it should be user-friendly, offering training and support for your workers.

3 Prepare your warehouse and workers

Prior to implementing a VDP system, you should optimize your warehouse layout and processes, train and engage your workers, and test and adjust your system. Review and improve warehouse design, inventory management, picking paths, and labeling systems to ensure compatibility and efficiency with VDP. Educate and involve workers in the project, provide them with training and feedback, address any concerns or resistance they may have, and emphasize the benefits of VDP. Test the system before going live, monitor its performance and usability, collect feedback from workers and customers, and make adjustments or improvements as needed.

4 Continuously evaluate and improve

After you implement a VDP system, you should not stop there. You should continuously evaluate and improve your system and processes to ensure that they meet your needs and goals. To do this, measure and analyze your KPIs, seek feedback and suggestions from workers and customers, and explore new opportunities and innovations in VDP and internal logistics. Additionally, consider rewarding workers for their performance and input. By following these best practices, you can maximize the benefits of your VDP system.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?