Vocollect helps users expand use of voice beyond picking

Voice technology is expanding beyond picking and into an active data collection methodology that can help companies boost productivity, particularly in low margin industries, said Ron Kubera, senior VP and general manager of Vocollect (Booth 3964) in an interview Wednesday.

“We’re looking for ways to help make our customers’ processes better to improve their overall productivity,” Kubera explained. “For example, companies who traditionally use voice for picking can also use it to integrate cycle counting into picking instructions to maximize an employee’s time in a certain portion of a warehouse.”

Also helping companies do more with less, Kubera pointed to the company’s new SRX2 wireless headset. The device’s modular construction allows for the headset’s electronic components to be removed from the wearable band. This permits a company to invest in just enough electronic modules to equip a single shift—and then pass those modules to the next shift—while outfitting each employee with an individual, personal headset band. It is also rated for operation in freezer environments with temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit.

The SRX2 further boosts accuracy and productivity with SoundSense, the noise-cancelling technology Vocollect pioneered, said Kubera.

“It uses three microphones and intelligent software to continuously listen to and block environmental sounds for a 50% reduction in ambient noise,” he noted. “With better recognition, workers achieve higher accuracy, fewer errors and improved productivity.”

ProMat 2013 is scheduled to be held January 21-24, 2013 in Chicago’s McCormick Place South. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete ProMat 2013 coverage.