MOBILERETAILING
27
SEMICHEM TO IMPLEMENT A VOICE-DIRECTED WMS
S
emichem, the Scottish health and beauty Scott Kerr, head of IT for Semichem warehouse location and the location of the
discount retailer, has selected a new commented: “Minster had implemented a goods to be picked is veri� ed by check digits to
voice-directed warehouse management ful� lment solution for us towards the end ensure accuracy. Once con� rmed, the operative
system (WMS) to be implemented into its of 2008 in very challenging circumstances. is informed of the quantity to pick into the roll
Livingston warehouse. Their ability to deliver this, plus their lengthy cage or pallet before being directed to the next
logistics experience, assured us they were the location.
right system and company to support our Kerr concluded: “We fully expect to see
plans. The quality management information, improvements in picking ef� ciencies through
improved stock control, along with buying and the use of voice technology having seen voice
procurement improvements, are just a few of in action in similar operations. We believe that,
the bene� ts we hope to attain from the new with VoiteQ’s expertise in voice technology
solution. “ partnering with Minster and their WMS
The VoiteQ voice solution, based on knowledge, we will get our ideal solution.”
The Semichem business, part of the Vocollect Voice technology, uses the Talkman
SCOTMID Group, has signi� cant growth plans wearable voice computer, securely fastened to
in place for the coming � ve years and the new a belt and connected to a headset worn by the
NEW EPOS
Minster Logistics WMS solution, incorporating employee, which allows the user to interact
Vocollect Voice technology from VoiteQ, using spoken voice with the Minster WMS
GIVES BRIGHTON
ensures its supply chain is structured to support through a native interface. Operatives can work
this growth. completely hands and eyes-free by receiving
DOME MOBILITY
The new WMS also forms an essential part picking commands from the WMS via the plug-
of the overall supply chain solution linking into in headset and the Vocollect Voice device.
Semichem’s electronic point-of-sale (EPoS) The system literally talks the operative
and management information systems (MIS), through their task and instructions are
to improve operational ef� ciencies. As part transmitted over a wireless network to the
of this project, Semichem chose to use voice employee who follows instructions, such as the
technology for hands-free, eyes-free voice location and quantity for picking. The picker
directed work as they could see the potential for responds with the status of the pick, then the
signi� cant improvements in the accuracy, speed device updates the WMS module in real time.
and control of pick and replenishment processes. The operative is directed to the appropriate Brighton Dome, one of the UK’s major
centres for live arts, has selected pointOne
to supply a new electronic point-of-sale
MOBILE PRINTERS TAKE
(EPoS) solution to replace its ageing
cash tills, resulting in a 50% increase in
AIM AT QUEUE RAGE
its service capability and improved stock
control.
Gone are the days when Brits queued quietly, according to research from Zebra
Ruth Chalker, Bars manager at Brighton
Technologies, the on-demand printing solutions provider.
Dome said “One feature we particularly
Its survey of 115 people revealed that 20% of British respondents would rather jump
like is that when we set up a temporary
the queue than wait in line, compared to just 12% on average in other European countries.
“Three quarters of British respondents complain loudly at breaches of queue etiquette,
mobile bar, the tills can be unplugged,
while 4% have reported physically removing the individuals concerned. This growing
moved and then connected to the new
frustration with queuing means that it is really important to reduce the amount of time
location and be ready for use without any
customers have to wait in order to keep the peace, and retain loyal customers,” said Mark
re-programming or further data input. This
Thomson, retail manager at Zebra. is perfect for an operation that has a lot of
“For example, a sales assistant can use a mobile printer to process transactions on � exible space that can be altered to meet
the shop � oor, so the customer can bypass the till completely. Creating a more relaxed
the demands of speci� c functions and
environment like this encourages the customer to spend longer in the shop and perhaps
performances.”
spend more money. Such ef� ciency also enhances company reputation and helps build
According to Chalker, the new EPoS
customer loyalty, so they’re more likely to return.”
systems have revolutionised Brighton
“This can also be applied to other environments such as events, hotels and restaurants.
Dome’s hospitality services and eliminated
If there is someone able to process transactions on the � oor in addition to the original set
up, people are far more likely to look favourably on the organisation,” continued Thomson.
interval drinks issues completely, halving
Zebra already works with customers like WHSmith, which uses mobile barcode
the time it took to serve its customers
printers in-store. This allows staff to circulate the shop � oor dispensing advice and receipts
and so, improving the ability to maximise
to shoppers, which has reduced queuing time by half.
bar revenues.
APRIL/MAY 2009 RETAIL TECHNOLOGY
26-31 Mobile.indd 27 6/5/09 9:54:27 am
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