Beverage Industry logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Beverage Industry logo
  • NEWS
    • R&D News
    • Supplier News
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products
    • Reader's Choice Poll
  • CATEGORIES
    • Alternative Drinks
    • Beer
    • Bottled Water
    • Cannabis Beverages
    • Carbonated Soft Drinks
    • Energy Drinks & Shots
    • Juice & Juice Drinks
    • Plant-Based Beverages
    • Sports Drinks
    • Tea and Coffee
    • Wine & Spirits
  • R&D
    • Beverage R&D Features
    • Ingredient Spotlight
  • PACKAGING
    • New Packages
    • Packaging Equipment
    • Packaging Material
  • OPERATIONS
    • Distribution
    • Plant Focus
  • TOP LISTS
    • Beer Market Report
    • Executive of the Year
    • State of the Beverage Industry
    • Top 100 Beverage Companies
    • Truck Report
    • Wholesaler of the Year
  • MEDIA
    • eBook
    • Podcast
    • Polls
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Annual Manual
    • Contract Packaging Guide
    • Take a Tour
  • MORE
    • Classifieds
    • Channel Strategies
    • eNewsletters
    • Events
      • Membrane Technology Forum
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Market Insights
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archived Issues
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
DistributionPlant Focus

Warehouse Distribution

eCommerce, COVID-19 boost need for voice-picking

Voice-picking technology enables efficiency, safe distancing

By Sarah Graybill
GreyOrange’s GreyMatter™ fulfillment software
Artificial Intelligence within GreyOrange’s GreyMatter™ fulfillment software utilizes patented First-to-Fill technology to assess how demand characteristics of different inventory items relate to each other so items likely to be ordered together can be stored and retrieved together by Ranger GTP (Goods to Person) robots. (Image courtesy of GreyOrange)
September 29, 2020

Designed to boost the efficiency and reliability of order pickers in warehouses and distribution centers, experts note that voice picking enables facilities to operate in fast-paced settings. In beverage distribution, solutions like voice picking can guarantee higher efficiency and reliability on operations.

John Seidl, partner at Atlanta-based GreyOrange, says that voice picking is in high demand primarily because of its accuracy performance rates.

“According to one vendor, voice picking can be up to 85 percent more accurate, and up to 35 percent more productive,” he says. “When the system is hands- and eyes-free, the warehouse associate needs only focus on the task in front of them while executing a simpler process: no paperwork, mobile devices—  nothing to distract them from being productive.”

The system also is safer because of the reduction in distractions for the picker, as well being more efficient, Seidl adds.

In an August article by Six River Systems titled “50 warehouse automation stats you should know,” India-based Westernacher Consulting explains that typically, companies see about a 25 percent gain in overall productivity when moving from a paper-based system of picking to a combination of automation technologies that includes voice-direct technology.

wearable monocular HD4000 head-mounted display
Click image for larger version
Zebra Technologies offers a wearable monocular HD4000 head-mounted display that can be tethered to a mobile computer and provide all-day power and increased productivity to workers who benefit from hands-free, directed-action workflows. (Image courtesy of Zebra Technologies)

COVID-19 and eCommerce impact

As consumer purchase patterns have shifted, beverage distributors are turning to voice-pick solutions.

Mark Wheeler, director of supply chain solutions for Lincolnshire-Ill.-based Zebra Technologies, notes that with the overall growth in eCommerce driving both case picking and each pick, there is a growing need for voice solutions that fit the pick density of a particular operation.

“The rise of eCommerce is impacting the need for voice-picking technology, with the shift toward smaller orders with rapid order turnaround that can dramatically change the fit of voice technology as the right modality for an operation,” he says. “If the pick is too dense, voice can be a slow modality, and if it’s not dense enough, the [return on investment] (ROI) is not strong enough to support the investment. For beverage, however, case pick for outbound distribution often is a good fit for voice picking.”

However, the rise of eCommerce is not the only aspect impacting beverage distribution. Leaving no corner of distribution untouched, the pandemic also has impacted the need for automated technologies. Wheeler notes that social distancing and hygiene practices related to COVID-19 have resulted in a shift to zone-based picking to help maintain social distancing.

“To maintain good hygiene, proper voice-directed headsets allow for separation from the frame and technology components, allowing it to be permanently assigned to a user,” he says.

In beverage operations, GreyOrange’s Seidl notes that VDW is a productivity boost in its “temperature controlled environments, clean environments, and in high-volume case-pick operations.”

Voice picking’s evolution

As voice picking popularity grows, suppliers are advancing the technology with the development of wearable solutions as well as unique displays that improve efficiency.

For example, Zebra Technologies offers a wearable monocular HD4000 head-mounted display that can be tethered to a mobile computer and provide all-day power and increased productivity to workers who benefit from hands-free, directed-action workflows.

“This solution reduces training time and enables customers to optimize workflows, maximize productivity and improve employee onboarding with or without voice,” Wheeler says. “Zebra Technologies also has smaller wearable Bluetooth devices ideal for voice picking, such as the RS5100 ring scanner, which helps improve worker productivity by freeing up workers’ hands.”

India-based Westernacher Consulting
Click image for larger version
India-based Westernacher Consulting explains that typically, companies see about a 26 percent gain in overall productivity when moving from a paper-based system of picking to a combination of automation technologies that includes voice-direct technology.(Stock image)

GreyOrange’s Seidl adds that voice picking integrated with collaborative mobile robots (CMR) is a recent development that combines two technologies to support picking of products that don’t have the velocity or handling characteristics to be suited for a good-to-person robotics solution.

“With the CMR guiding the associate through the physical site locations and the voice-picking solution delivering the task assignments, the two combine to further boost productivity,” he says. “For beverage, this can mean improved order cycle times and more accurate orders, meaning happier customers.”

However, voice technology is not without its own limitations.

“Traceability is one limitation of voice-picking technology. It’s difficult to capture data or lot codes, serial numbers, pack level validation, and other information, such as country of origin using only voice,” Zebra Technologies’ Wheeler says. “However, GS1 standards make the use of wearable scanning a valuable add-on for many voice applications.”

Wheeler notes that memorization is another limitation of voice-picking technology, as voice-only implementations are susceptible to pickers memorizing the check digits, particularly for high-volume items. When they do, he says they can work faster, but it eliminates the value of error-proofing the pick location and can lead to shipment errors.

To solve this, he says, wearable scanning is preferred by operations that demand high accuracy or that need to capture extended item data.

According to the “Global Voice Picking Solution Market (2019-2025)” report by New York-based KBV research, the global voice picking solution market size is expected to reach $2.9 billion by 2025, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3 percent. 

Contributing to this is the adoption of wearable displays using augmented reality.

“Voice-picking tech can continue to benefit beverage manufacturers because it applies best to outbound case-level order picking for distribution,” Wheeler explains. “Voice-centric workflow applications will become more adept at integrating the wearable display and scanning into their applications.”

KEYWORDS: beverage warehouse eCommerce voice picking

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Sarah graybill
Returning to her roots in Chicago after writing and marketing in California’s wine country, Sarah Graybill covers everything from beverage brand creative and innovation in packaging, to responsible manufacturing and products simply too good not to buzz about. Sarah has two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Public Relations and English from Drake University, but has been writing since age 8. Sarah’s favorite aspects of her role as associate editor are the dynamic industry wavemakers she gets to know, and the journeys and stories that make their products noteworthy.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • top 100 beverage companies

    Top 100 Beverage Companies of 2024

    For the global beverage market, mergers and acquisitions...
    Carbonated Soft Drinks
  • Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla shakes

    Classic flavors provide reliable, consistent results for beverage-makers

    Classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry...
    Ingredient Spotlight
    By: Chloe Alverson
  • Free Spirits Instant Bar Bundle

    Lifestyle trends drive growth for non-alcohol category

    As lifestyle trends continue to drive growth for the...
    Alternative Drinks
    By: Lauren Sabetta
Manage My Account
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Beverage Industry audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Beverage Industry or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Fourpeople toasting with cocktails made with low-sugar ingredients, celebrating healthier drink options.
    Sponsored byCargill

    What’s Hot in Sugar Reduction: Beverages

  • chocolate milk
    Sponsored byCargill

    Sweetening the Future for Dairy and Dairy-Alternative Beverages

  • woman pouring a drink
    Sponsored byFFP

    Building a Beverage System: Meeting Consumer Demand for Precision Wellness

Popular Stories

Sting Energy

PepsiCo, Sting Energy unveil global partnership with Formula 1

PepsiCo + poppi

PepsiCo completes acquisition of poppi

people drinking Wynk

Mindful drinking prompts growth for THC beverages

Top 100 Beverage Companies of 2024

Events

April 16, 2025

2025 State of the Industry Series: Alcoholic Beverages

On Demand In Beverage Industry’s annual State of the Industry: The Alcohol Beverage Market, analysts at S&D Insights LLC delve into these trends and how they’re shaping the industry.

June 26, 2025

FAST. FOCUSED. FUELED: Delivering Energy Consumers Can Feel

Learn how to formulate products that deliver the energy experiences that people want, and keep them coming back for more.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Retail Coffee Segment

What retail coffee segments will fare well into the next year?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

Milk and Dairy Foods Nutrition, Processing and Healthy Aging

Milk and Dairy Foods Nutrition, Processing and Healthy Aging

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Empty bar during COVID-19 outbreak

    On-premise businesses adapt to COVID-19, plan for future

    See More
  • 59-medteam_chlorophyllwater.jpg

    Chlorophyll Water provides donations, hydration for COVID-19 relief

    See More
  • distilleries shifting production from spirits to hand sanitizer

    Craft distillers call for action to remedy COVID-19 impact

    See More
×

Elevate your expertise in the beverage marketplace with unparalleled insights and connections.

Join thousands of beverage professionals today. Shouldn’t you know what they know?

JOIN NOW!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing