Edeka Group has rolled out new pick-by-voice technology to the logistics centres from six of its seven regional companies. For order picking, employees now wear Lydia Voice Wear smart vests. Logistics solutions specialist Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG) implemented both hardware and software.
The previous pick-by-voice system no longer met the increasing requirements in terms of efficiency, ergonomics and cost-effectiveness. In the new solution, microphone and loudspeaker are integrated directly into the vest’s carrying system, rather than in a separate headset as was previously the case.
The decision to select Lydia Voice Wear was based on an initiative by regional entity Edeka Minden-Hannover. In parallel to its introduction there, Edeka Nordbayern also started to roll out the solution. EPG was able to carry out the system change during ongoing operations. Now, around 10,000 employees at 33 of the 38 Edeka logistics locations use in total 4,400 of the systems. Edeka Rhein-Ruhr is not participating in the project, as reported by Lebensmittel Zeitung.
More freedom of movement during picking
As employees no longer must wear a headset, the new system increases their freedom of movement during picking. Thanks to improved ergonomics, they should be able to compile orders more quickly and flexibly. The integrated audio system also allows people who wear hearing aids to work with the system. Conventional headsets were often a hindrance in this regard.
Audio transmission works digitally with high bandwidth. A technology called beamforming is designed to significantly reduce background noise, even in loud environments. Four high-performance microphones are arranged in such a way that they create a funnel effect during voice input. This is intended to ensure accurate speech recognition, even when several pickers are working near each other.
Employees become productive faster
Malte Kruse, Head of IT Logistics Systems at Edeka Minden Hannover, describes the functionality of Lydia Voice Wear as unique and adds: “What’s more, our employees can start working productively straight away without any prior voice training. That’s a clear advantage, as this wasn’t possible with our previous system. Especially when it comes to seasonal workers, short training times are critical for our business.”
Drugstore operator Rossmann is also using the high-tech vests. In addition, Eismann, Rewe Dortmund, Coop Switzerland and Migros’ discounter Denner, among others, have opted for Lydia Voice solutions from EPG.
