20 Distribution
GIVING A VOICE TO THE
FMCG WAREHOUSE
In an industry where the driving force is the immediate availability of
goods, it’s not surprising that the FMCG market requires increasing
emphasis on effective distribution.
fast and accurate distribution, and
voice technology is a solution that,
when applied to the warehouse,
can significantly aid all aspects of
inventory management.
The FMCG warehouse is complex,
comprising many areas such as frozen
or fresh produce sections, and fast
and slower moving items areas with
different handling conditions; this
makes it vital for operatives to receive
accurate and specific instructions. With
Greg Tanner, a voice-directed system, operatives
Managing Director, need only a small terminal and a
Vocollect Europe lightweight headset to communicate
www.vocollect.com in real-time with the warehouse
management system (WMS). This
solution streams commands from the
WMS direct to the picker’s terminal,
W
ith fast moving consumer goods on the organization’s profit margins. directing them to their next pick. On
(FMCG) being a low-margin and In addition, modern warehouses are reaching their destination, the operative
extremely competitive business, it’s now more than places to accumulate is also able to confirm the product with
imperative that products reach the and store inventory. They have become the system, ensuring that correct items
consumer in a cost-effective and efficient multifaceted distribution and fulfilment are sourced.
manner, keeping profit margins up and the centres, undoubtedly benefiting
supply chain moving. Whilst it is common operations, but ultimately increasing in
knowledge that the supply chain is only their complexity. Ready Replenishment
as strong as its weakest link, it’s difficult to
pinpoint any one area for specific attention Order selection using voice
in a sector where the market is composed Introducing Voice-Directed technology is only the start. However,
of many categories — each with unique despite shorter lead times and
issues and needs. Distribution improved supply levels, stocks-outs
are still commonplace; but, voice has
Perhaps one of the most crucial areas When considering the many issues a role to play in helping to reduce
for efficient distribution is within the surrounding FMCG, the right application these. As products move quickly off
warehouse, where levels of accuracy can be a supply chain saviour. The the shelves, they require constant
and productivity have a direct impact urgent nature of FMCG demands replenishing, and peak season times
Supply Chain Digital Launch 2007
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