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Jersey voice picking solution paves the way for productivity improvements and error reductions at Guernsey distribution facility

The Channel Islands Co-operative Society (CICS) has expanded its use of voice picking at its Guernsey distribution centre (DC).

CICS’ food business operates from eleven locations in Jersey and eight in Guernsey. As CICS has grown, the need to run an effective and efficient distribution operation has become critical.

In January 2010, CICS implemented a voice picking system to support growth and increase productivity at their food DC in Bellozanne, St Helier. The success of the implementation resulted in numerous benefits for CICS through increased productivity and availability, accurate consignments and timely deliveries. The increased productivity within the warehouse reduced the need for overtime, and continues to deliver significant cost savings to Jersey.

Paving the way to picking success

With a full radio frequency (RF) system already in place at Guernsey, CICS, in partnership with Retail Computer Solutions (RCS), were confident that the success of the St Helier voice picking system could be easily replicated within their Guernsey operation.

Ron Morris, general distribution manager for The Channel Islands' Co-operative Society, commented: “The expansion of the voice solution into our Guernsey operation is a very exciting prospect having already secured numerous benefits from our existing solution in Jersey.” 

The existing RF solution using the RCS Streetwise system and Belgravium Atlanta handheld terminals has been designed to be easily configurable – the progression to a voice system essentially requiring an add-on to the existing warehouse management system. 

The multimodal Atlanta handheld is voice-enabled, providing CICS with the flexibility to switch between traditional scanning, and with the addition of a voice headset, can be instantly transformed to a voice terminal. With the addition of the thin client software ‘Voxbrowser,’ CICS has all the elements for a full voice system. 

CICS are excited by the potential of the solution with regards to further process improvements into Guernsey. Morris added: “The additional capabilities will provide us with greater productivity and accuracy improvements, which in turn, will continue to drive our commitment to delivering a truly first class service and product to our customer base.”

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