If you want to connect and automate all logistic processes, you need a higher-level system that takes care of this task. Whether you have just-in-time deliveries or same-day deliveries – coordination and planning are indispensable. And although the full automation of logistics already dominates the market, it will become even more important in the future. Nevertheless, manual systems still have a firm place within the digitalised supply chain. A technology like Voice Picking has developed over the past few years in a way that makes it irreplaceable today. But what does the future hold and what role do voice-guided systems play in optimising logistics processes? 
The digitalised logistics world is one of the fundamental pillars of the digital supply chain. In this context, Voice Picking plays a far more important role than that of other picking systems. No wonder, since a multitude of companies, regardless of industry and company size, are now investing in the optimisation of their internal processes. In fact, almost 50 percent of all expenditure are linked to intralogistics – and half of this again is spent on order picking alone. Of all picking systems, Voice Picking is one of the most economical and flexible solutions and therefore not without any reason an established model on the logistics market. The manual voice-directed picking method and its further development is of decisive importance for the digitalisation of processes and the increase in efficiency of all logistical procedures.
The evolution of Voice Picking
The end of the 90s not only marked the beginning of a new millennium, but also the success story of Voice Picking technology. The manual picking system quickly gained popularity for several reasons. One of the reasons was the ergonomic benefit. The removal of the classic paper list gave employees a noticeable plus in freedom of movement. Instead, mobile voice computers and headsets were used. Another reason for choosing Voice Picking was the increased quality. As expected, employees who receive support in their work processes make fewer errors. Thus, the average error rate of Voice Picking today is only 0.08 percent – a considerable difference compared to Pick by Light (0.4 percent), MDE devices (0.46 percent) and the conventional picking list (0.36 percent). The increase in the quality of the picking processes gave voice technology a high reputation in the field of warehouse logistics, as it not only saves time but also reduces errors. The third advantage that particularly modern voice applications have to offer is the flexibility of the picking method. Current Voice Picking systems work speaker-independently, which means they require no voice template training and are therefore ideal for seasonal workers.. Furthermore, the integration with the higher-level ERP or warehouse management system is carried out with little effort and provides the user with further optimisation potential. This applies in particular to processes that take place downstream. Thanks to the direct connection between Voice Picking and the warehouse management system, orders and repeat orders can be timed much more accurately. In addition, the distances to be covered in the warehouse can be better planned and coordinated, which further increases productivity.
Artificial intelligence meets Voice
While picking solutions like Voice Picking are already an integral part of logistics, their potential is still far-reaching. Modern systems already make use of an advanced range of technologies and are even able to recognise strong dialects and accents thanks to neural networks and deep learning technology. Voice-controlled processes will become even more reliable, efficient and easier to handle through the use of AI-based components. The use of artificial intelligence will enable the identification of every employee solely by voice recognition. In this way, personal settings and language preferences can be assigned directly so that work can begin immediately. 
Voice as an interface to digital logistics
The purpose of a successful integration of AI is the creation of an intelligent and connected logistics world. In this context, voice serves as an interface to digital logistics, through which all elements, data and KPIs can be requested at any time. This allows opportunities and potentials to be identified and immediately implemented. Technologies such as Voice Picking thus represent a sustainable tool for streamlining and optimising process flows, especially in the long term. Voice-controlled logistics solutions such as the digital voice assistant Lydia Voice already play a central role within many branches of industry. For this reason, artificial intelligence will continue to be indispensable for the holistic management of the connected logistics world in the future.
