Let’s Explore How SAP Extended Warehouse Management Transforms with Voice Picking
Introduction to Pick-by-Voice: The concept of Pick-by-Voice centers around voice-guided order picking, utilizing speech recognition and synthesis to enable hands-free operations and interaction with operators. The fundamental equipment for Pick-by-Voice includes a mobile computer connected to the warehouse management system through Wi-Fi, as well as a headset with a microphone linked to the computer via a wireless technology like Bluetooth.
Additional optional devices that can be integrated include scanning devices (e.g., ring scanners) to maintain hands-free verification, screen devices for a multi-mode user experience, and mobile printers for on-demand label printing.
Continuation of Pick-by-Voice Introduction: Basic Process: The picking tasks are transmitted to the mobile computer in real-time*. The task information is verbally conveyed to the operator. The operator confirms commands through spoken responses such as “okay.”
NOTES: The term “real-time” does not always imply a direct connection to the warehouse management system (WMS). Pick-by-Voice systems may sometimes employ batch processing, where batches of work are transferred and confirmed using IDoc (Intermediate Document). However, it is possible to establish real-time connectivity between SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) and Pick-by-Voice devices. Real-time integration aids in resource optimization and exception management.
Pick-by-Voice Introduction: A Simple Process Flow in Three Steps:
1. Instruct the operator to go to the picking location.
2. Ask the operator to pick the planned quantity.
3. Instruct the operator to proceed to the packing area.
Complications for Pick-by-Voice Processes:
Picking Preparation:
• Prepare boxes, cartons, and pallets for pick and pack operations.
• Assign boxes to positions on the picking device.
• Apply preprinted labels or print labels as needed.
Information Before Picking:
• Provide the operator with the number of items or open items to pick.
• Communicate the weight and volume information.
Difference Handling & Physical Inventory:
• Update the actual picking quantity.
• Confirm the empty bin.
• Confirm the quantity after picking.
• Execute exceptions, such as clearing tasks.
Multi-Order Picking:
• Split the quantity into different picking boxes.
• Perform multiple picks from the source bin.
• Other options include skipping orders, skipping items, and assigning or printing item labels.
Benefits and Advantages of Pick-by-Voice Functionality:
1. Significant Improvement in Picking Performance:
• Pick-by-Voice can contribute to a substantial enhancement in operational efficiency.
• The cost of Pick-by-Voice hardware is comparable to handheld computers, with a slight additional expense of around 15-25%.
• Reports indicate performance increases per picker of over 15%, especially when transitioning from paper-based systems.
2. Comparing Traditional Mobile Device Processing with Pick-by-Voice:
• While traditional mobile device processing was adopted to save costs and improve quality over paper-based operations, Pick-by-Voice has often proven to be even faster.
• To evaluate the performance benefits of Pick-by-Voice, testing with hardware devices connected to SAP EWM and utilizing working time analysis methods like Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) can be employed.
Where Does the Improvement Come From?
1. Parallelization of Communication:
• Parallelizing communication speeds up the operation, primarily during walking and picking activities.
• Walking distances need to be sufficient to establish communication.
• Performing a single quantity pick is more advantageous than picking in multiple steps from one bin.
2. Elimination of Additional Physical Moves:
• Moves to perform scans, verify tasks, and enter data become unnecessary.
• Pick-by-Voice reduces the need for physical movements, streamlining the process.
Significant Increase in Process Accuracy:
1. Reduction in Error Rates:
• Pick-by-Voice systems often lead to a dramatic decrease in error rates.
• Pickers can focus on execution without interruptions caused by cross-checking content on a screen device.
2. Cost Savings from Improved Accuracy:
• Pick-by-Voice’s higher accuracy results in cost savings.
• Comparing traditional mobile device picking with Pick-by-Voice, the error rate can be five times lower, leading to substantial savings when calculating the number of cases per day multiplied by the error rate and the cost of error.
Other Benefits and Advantages of Pick-by-Voice:
Eyes and Hands-Free Operation:
• Better ergonomics, especially for handling heavy and large items.
• Improved safety, particularly in frozen areas or when wearing gloves.
• Overall, Pick-by-Voice offers a safer and more ergonomic working environment.
Reduced User Training:
• Operators require less training when using Pick-by-Voice systems.
• Easy transferability of operators to different areas.
• Improvements in speech recognition have made specific voice training obsolete.
• Initial speech training efforts for devices are no longer necessary.
Multi-Modal Devices:
• Multi-modal devices combine lightweight