If you’ve decided that a voice directed logistics solution is right for you, there are several factors to consider as you chose a partner:

• Does your voice solution provider understand warehouse and distribution center operations? Some voice technology providers may have strong capabilities in hardware and software development, but be sure to evaluate their warehouse logistics knowledge as well. Ask how much time their R&D team spends on the warehouse floor to truly understand what your associates do on a daily basis.

• Can your voice solution provider accommodate all of the unique nuances of your warehouse? Although the basic functions of voice-directed picking, packing, receiving, etc. may appear to be the same in every warehouse, our experience shows otherwise. The products you are distributing, the ways you distribute them, where they go, and how often they are shipped, all contribute to some element of uniqueness in your environment. Selecting a pure “off-the-shelf” solution may not provide your distribution center with the maximum benefit of a voice directed logistics solution. Bottom line – you shouldn’t have to change your current processes just to accommodate a technology solution, unless these changes improve your operational costs and efficiency.

• Does the solution provider allow you to leverage existing vendor relationships or one device across all warehouses? If your organization has standardized on a mobile computing device from Motorola® (Symbol®), Intermec™ or LXE™, it may be less expensive to order additional units at your corporate rate than purchase a new device just for distribution center picking. And, your total cost of ownership may be lower when you maintain the same hardware provider if you can use the same mobile computer across all of your locations.

• Is your solution provider willing to consider the latest technology, even if it is not developed by them, if this technology greatly improves warehouse logistics? Many voice application vendors use their own proprietary voice recognition engines and hardware platforms. Be sure your application vendor fully supports your preferred hardware platform and other new functionality and technology, not produced by them, that can add benefit to your operation.

• Does your voice directed logistics provider have the experience, size, and financial stability to be your partner today and into the future? As you evaluate vendors, ask questions about their profitability, financial stability, number of voice customers, and ability to continue to meet your warehouse logistics needs in the future.

Learn about other considerations when choosing a partner by contacting Lucas today.