OCTOBER 2019
MLIT Oct'19.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 14:15 Page 1
The European magazine promoting the effective use of IT in supply chain applications
Special Technology Report: WMS/VOICE-DIRECTED PICKING
Critical Issues: TREADING THE RIGHT PATH TOWARDS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Also in this issue: Integration in perfection – Requirements for the smooth collaboration in SCM networks ws
st
gi
&
tu uf ac an M
a WMS
rin
Automation – future-proofing your business with
g
Do
Lo
wn
lo
The only constant is change
ics
Ne
ad
ap
p
In the warehouse efficiency fast lane
For the latest news and to subscribe to the Manufacturing and Logistics IT weekly newsletter visit
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 FwdConts p2-4.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 14:39 Page 2
Receive all the latest news from LogisticsIT.com and LogisticsHandling.com streamed to your preferred device.
Search for Manufacturing & Logistics News in Apple App Store or Google Play
MLIT Oct'19 FwdConts p2-4.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 14:45 Page 3
October 2019
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
AI – The way forward in cybersecurity Cyberattacks are becoming an increasingly virulent bugbear for businesses, making it more important than ever for companies to ensure they have more than adequate protection in place. The consequences of these attacks can have a major impact on an organisation on several fronts. Valuable business-critical data can be lost or held to ransom, valuable time can be spent trying to remedy the problem, money can be stolen, even a company’s reputation can be in jeopardy if it becomes widely known that it failed to put the right measures in place to avoid such an outcome. Artificial intelligence is once branch of technology that is being increasingly deployed sto keep firms better protected from such attacks. Indeed, according to recent findings from a Capgemini Research Institute study, businesses are increasing the pace of investment in AI systems to defend against the next generation of cyberattacks. According to the research, two thirds (69%) of organisations acknowledge that they will not be able to respond to critical threats without AI. With the number of end-user devices, networks and user interfaces growing as a result of advances in the cloud, IoT, 5G and conversational interface technologies, Capgemini makes the point that organisations face an urgent need to continually ramp up and improve their cybersecurity. AI-enabled cybersecurity is now an imperative, states Capgemini: Over half (56%) of executives say their cybersecurity analysts are overwhelmed by the vast array of data points they need to monitor to detect and prevent intrusion. In addition, the type of cyberattacks that require immediate intervention, or that cannot be remediated quickly enough by cyber analysts, have notably increased, including cyberattacks affecting time-sensitive applications (42% saying they had gone up, by an average of 16%), and automated machine-speed attacks that mutate at a pace that cannot be neutralised through traditional response systems (43% reported an increase, by an average of 15%). Facing these new threats, a clear majority of companies (69%) believe they will not be able to respond to cyberattacks without the use of AI, while 61% say they need AI to identify critical threats. One in five executives experienced a cybersecurity breach in 2018, 20% of which cost their organisation over $50 million. Capgemini points out that a majority of executives accept that AI is fundamental to the future of cybersecurity. 64% said it lowers the cost of detecting breaches and responding to them – by an average of 12%. 74% said it enables a faster response time: reducing time taken to detect threats, remedy breaches and implement patches by 12%. 69% also said AI improves the accuracy of detecting breaches, and 60% said it increases the efficiency of cybersecurity analysts, reducing the time they spend analysing false positives and improving productivity. Accordingly, almost half (48%) said that budgets for AI in cybersecurity will increase in FY2020 by nearly a third (29%). In terms of deployment, 73% are testing use cases for AI in cybersecurity. Only one in five organisations
Ed Holden
used AI pre-2019 but adoption is poised to skyrocket: almost two out of three (63%)
Editor
organisations plan to deploy AI by 2020 to bolster their defences. Although there remain some challenges around AI integration and a lack of understanding of how to scale use cases from proof of concept to full-scale deployment, companies do seem to have the right attitude towards cybersecurity and the role AI can play in protecting their organisations from attack. As Anne-Laure Thieullent, AI and analytics group offer leader at Capgemini, stresses, organisations must first look to address the underlying implementation challenges that are preventing AI from reaching its full potential for cybersecurity. “Only by taking these steps can organisations equip themselves for the rapidly evolving threat of cyberattacks. By doing so, they will save themselves money, and reduce the likelihood of a devastating data breach.” Stay safe.
October 2019
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
3
MLIT Oct'19 FwdConts p2-4.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 14:41 Page 4
IT October 2019
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
CONTENTS Manufacturing and Logistics IT October 2019 The European magazine promoting the effective use of IT in supply chain applications
Editor: Ed Holden
Critical Issues 5
Treading the right path towards digital transformation
Special Technology Report 7
WMS/Voice-directed picking
Contributors: Lance Bennett, Renovotec
Transportation Management
Vikash Kumar Chaudhary, Tatvasoft Tim Just, EPS – Ehrhardt + Partner Solutions
18
Keith Phillips, Voxware, Inc
TIMOCOM: Integration in perfection – Requirements for the smooth collaboration in SCM networks
Alex Reneman, Mountain Leverage Darrel Williams, Honeywell Vocollect Solutions
Voice-Directed Picking
Publisher: Dean Taylor
20
How Honeywell Voice Solutions are bridging the gap between technology and the mobile worker
Designer: First Sight Graphics Ltd, www.firstsightgraphics.com
Voxware: How voice automation and analytics deliver a seamless holiday shopping experience Persistence Market Research: Voice-directed warehousing solutions market driven by
Production: Carolyn Pither
automation in systems EPS – Ehrhardt + Partner Solutions: How voice is revolutionising automobile logistics
Circulation: Carole Chiesa
Renovotec: Plain speaking Zetes: In the warehouse efficiency fast lane
IT Manager: Ian Curtis
AccuSpeechMobile: Voice for picking & more at NBG Home Mountain Leverage: The only constant is change
Accounts: Sarah Schofield Published by: B2B Publishing Ltd PO Box 3575, Barnet, Herts, EN5 9QD UK
Warehouse Management 36
Tatvasoft: A few hacks to increase warehouse distribution efficiency inotec UK delivers warehouse solutions project for high-end appliance
Tel: +44(0)208 440 0372 Email (publishing): info@logisticsit.com Email (editorial): editor@ibcpub.com Printed by: First Sight Graphics Ltd, www.firstsightgraphics.com
manufacturer WMS
Manufacturing 42
Forrester Consulting: 50% of businesses are looking to expand mainframe capabilities in AI, Blockchain and more Frost & Sullivan: Higher levels of automation expand revenue potential for analytical instrumentation manufacturers
Automatic Identification & Data Capture/Mobile Computing
ISSN:1463-1172
45
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
Juniper Research: Low power IoT service revenues to exceed $2.6 billion by 2024, as operators seek new revenue streams
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publishers. No liability is accepted for any action arising from the contents of this publication; readers are advised to check any manufacturer’s or supplier’s claim for products. The publishers do not endorse opinions expressed in any article by an outside contributor. While every care is taken over photographs and illustrations, which are returned when requested, no liability can be assumed by the publishers for the loss of such materials.
4
Jungheinrich UK: Automation – future-proofing your business with a WMS
October 2019
Gartner: AI augmentation to create $2.9 trillion of business value in 2021
MLIT Special Profile Oct'18 p5-6.qxp_ MLIT33 PageSc 11/10/2019 14:33 Page 5
Critical Issues
Treading the right path towards digital transformation By Duncan McFarlane, Professor in Industrial Information Engineering at the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge.
I
t is a challenging time for UK manufacturing – questions about productivity, the uncertainty of a possible EU departure and some recent drops in manufacturing outputs. One of the great hopes is that a revolution of digital technologies will provide a much needed spirt to the industry and the UK Government's Made Smarter initiative has certainly provided a kick start. But how do you systematically apply digital technologies to address the challenges of UK manufacturing companies – both large and small?
Budget and knowhow At a recent roundtable discussion – Is UK manufacturing ready to harness the power of new IoT technologies? – staged in London, I made the point that there are two key issues around digital technology to bear in mind – one is having the budget to invest in these types of technologies and the other is having the IT knowhow within your company or
www.logisticsit.com
partner network to use and maintain it. Over the past few years, it has mainly been the larger companies that have adopted a variety of digital solutions. These firms are more likely to have the money and skills available for this process than smaller (SME-level) companies. That said, many enterprise-level organisations are now becoming increasingly pragmatic when it comes to digital transformation. Whereas a couple of years ago they tended to embrace digitalisation more vehemently, now it is more a case of focusing on which aspects of the available technologies can provide the best benefits. For example, many of the larger companies will only consider deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technology if it fits around a solid business case for a specific solution.
Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring In terms of SMEs and their adoption of digital technologies, I recently introduced a
Professor Duncan McFarlane: “There has never been a more urgent need for manufacturers to invest in digital technologies and ensure the workforce has the skills to use them.”
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
5
MLIT Special Profile Oct'18 p5-6.qxp_ MLIT33 PageSc 11/10/2019 14:33 Page 6
Critical Issues
programme called Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring, which specifically looks at small to medium-sized companies’ requirements around digitalisation. In general, SMEs are slower on the uptake of new digital technologies and, as mentioned, part of that could relate to the financial outlay required. Therefore, the Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring programme looks at helping these companies to identify the simplest ‘first cab off the rank’ digital solutions they could develop within their operations; finding a lowcost pathway for deployment. I've been positively surprised by the level of enthusiasm for that approach. It is very much a case of one step at a time because many companies don't want to feel as if they are about to embark on an endless journey to become digital; they need to do it one step at a time and get measurable value from each step.
The real value of Industrial IoT A point worth making about Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities; sensors have been used in factories for measuring processes for many years. This isn’t something new. So, where IIoT comes in is really around those aspects of a manufacturer’s operations that are not currently being measured as effectively as they could be; things such as product movements, tool locations and people associated with the workplace or beyond the workplace. I think this is an area where IIoT will start to become really important and largely differentiated from the way companies currently do sensing today; i.e. largely for data gathering data about the performance of their processes.
ease the pain; for example, voice inputs. If people could create a computer program just by talking to, say, Alexa and somewhere in the background computer code could be created that could make the life of an industrial developer much easier. If people could talk to a machine tool using their natural language rather than having to key-in large amounts of code it becomes much easier to embrace new technology. In addition to developments around voice there are also major innovations taking place in other areas; vision systems, for example. So, encouragingly, the vendor community is really starting to focus more on easing the interface between people and new technologies.
Harnessing existing skillsets An important point to make is that the next generation of people working in manufacturing will have grown up with smartphones, tablets, Xbox controllers and GoPro cameras, and these types of digital devices could equally be used to great effect in the manufacturing domain. So, the question solution vendors should increasingly ask themselves is, how can we make our products more compatible with the capabilities of the people that manufacturers want to have using them rather than expecting people to have to retrain to understand how to use the technology?
The right solution for the problem Of course, manufacturers don’t just want to adopt technologies such as AI, machine learning, block chain, digital twins and 5G etc for the sake of it – what they really want is better solutions to improve their business and operational activities. Rather than thinking they need a particular technology what they should really ask themselves is, how can we address challenges for our business: e.g. be better at identifying quality problems, find better ways to manage schedule disruptions, share data more securely with suppliers or find a more efficient way of predicting the performance of a product when it's out in use. These are the types of things that challenge the business, so it’s more important to think of the best solutions for each need and then choose the technologies that deliver that solution rather than just deploy technology in order to keep ahead of the digital transformation curve. The content of this article comprises some of the points addressed by Professor Duncan McFarlane at a recent roundtable event in London. The event, titled ʻIs UK manufacturing ready to harness the power of new IoT technologies?ʼ, was organised by Epicor Software UK. n
Improving the interface Another key barrier to digital deployment could be skills-related, with companies not having the right knowledge base to be able to access digital system. We see this barrier being addressed in part by the so-called naturalisation of technology. Historically, many new technologies have been quite hard for people to really embrace in the manufacturing workplace. The good news is there is a new generation of interfaces being introduced to
6
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:52 Page 7
WMS/Voice-directed picking
Special Technology Report
Boxing clever Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke to a number of experts from the vendor and analyst communities about current and possible future trends and areas of development within the world of warehouse management systems and voice-directed picking solutions – including those related to automation, augmented reality and the digitisation of warehouse processes.
M
any warehouse or distribution
other supply chain owners to overcome the
free operation. The
centres today need to be more
barriers of legacy systems and connect to any
continued trends
agile than ever before. This is in
ERPs, CRMs and marketplaces,” says
toward increased
no small part due to the
Vidyasekar. “In today's omnichannel scenario, the
automation in
continuing rise of omnichannel,
ability to talk to other systems is extremely
distribution centres is
balancing online orders – often single orders to
important. For instance, imagine a scenario
driving emphasis on
ship to single consumers – with bulk orders to
where a customer orders online but chooses to
integrated warehouse
store. In order to make their daily routines as
pick up from the store but then decides to return
control that provide
efficient as possible many solutions vendors are
it and opts for ‘collect from home’. This means a
the ability to
rising to the challenge to meet these more
logistics company will have to pick up the
coordinate activities
dynamic picking and replenishment
product from the customers home. This type of
among traditional
requirements. In this report we will look at the
fulfilment involves three disparate systems (online
handheld and voice
current state of play regarding warehouse
marketplace, store and the logistics company)
picking and varying
management systems as well as other
and without the cloud APIs enabling real-time
types of automated
complementary solutions that can all contribute to
communication, it would be time consuming to
material handling equipment including goods-to-
greater time, cost and accuracy in the warehouse
co-ordinate the job orders between all three.”
person, robotics and conveyance/sortation
or DC. One of the most important areas of
Archana Vidyasekar, research director, Visionary Innovation Group,
systems. DC management requires an integrated
technology in this regard is voice-directed
Robert Hood, principal, Capgemini, comments
view of all in-process activities across these areas
picking systems. We also consider what might be
that hands-free devices for order picking are
to identify any bottlenecks or staffing imbalances
on its way to the mainstream in the near future.
becoming increasingly important due to the
that need to be addressed.”
increasing requirements for each-picking to So, to begin, Archana Vidyasekar, research
support direct-to-consumer fulfilment.
director – Visionary Innovation, Frost & Sullivan,
“Distribution centres that historically may have
Mature market
makes the point that warehouses have seen a lot
been required to fulfil in pallets, layers or cases
In the view of Simon Tunstall, senior principal
of innovation over the past decade, from robots
are now being required to support each picking
analyst, Gartner, one thing to bear in mind is
picking assistants to drone inspections. She adds
and parcel shipping as consumer demand is
WMS is a very mature market so most
that the software-based management systems
driving CPG companies to begin accepting
established vendors will have the core
have also seen a fair amount of improvements
direct-to-consumer orders,” he says. “Voice
capabilities; receiving, inspection, put-away,
with cloud being the major driver for change.
picking solutions are superior to the use of
some form of cross-docking, pick/pack/ship,
“Cloud-based WMSs have allowed retailers and
handheld devices as they provide a truly hands-
cycle counting etc. Where he sees differentiation,
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
7
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:43 Page 8
Special Technology Report
WMS/Voice-directed picking
however, is in the
level of automation companies have within their
warehouses take on different shapes and sizes
depths of those core
operations.”
such as the multi-tier warehouses where there are
capabilities. “For
more limited constraints from a footprint
example, some
According to Tunstall, one of the biggest impacts
standpoint,” he says. “So, instead of building out
vendors might only
on the warehouse and logistics environment is
you build up. The trend of the mega warehouse –
have a handful of
the growing move to individual parcel delivery to
500 or 1 million sq ft plus operations – while
picking scenarios
single consumers as well as bulk delivery to
certainly not the norm are become more
while others might
stores. “Because of this trend, there has naturally
customary.
have more than a
been a growing move towards single item
dozen different types
picking alongside the big batch picking,” he
of picking scenarios,”
says. “The more people buy online the more
The labour question
he says. “Most if not all
single items need to be picked. That has had a
Krebs comments that picking is still a very labour-
will say they do cross-
huge impact on the warehouse environment and
intensive workflow in the warehouse or DC, so he
docking, but there are some very complex forms
the way they have to manage more complex
believes the efficient allocation or application of
of cross-docking which not all vendors will offer.
picks. It also has an impact on the type of layout
labour is very important. “Labour onboarding and
The types of functionality I have cited above has
of the warehouse. Moreover, it has had an impact
labour training in the context of all these pressure
been considered as core for some time, but it's
on cycle times. Turnaround time in a warehouse
points is something that can often be overlooked
the depth that differentiates the different
operation is now much more demanding from this
or at least be viewed as something secondary,”
solutions.”
direct perspective. Therefore, WMS vendors are
he says. “So, in terms of the tools used by
having to adapt in a number of ways.”
workers, those that are the most intuitive and
Simon Tunstall, senior principal analyst,
Tunstall adds that there is also what Gartner
easiest to learn or fastest to get up and running
refers to as extended WMS capabilities that
Tunstall adds that there is a trend towards greater
are the ones that tend to do best in the market.
extend into things such as value-added
synergy between WMS and warehouse execution
There's still a lot of old technology in the
services. “We are seeing some major growth
systems (WES) with the aim of facilitating more
warehouse and some warehouse decision-
here and in other areas of extended WMS
waveless picking. “This is sometimes referred to
makers can be a little bit on the risk averse side,
because many retailers and industrial users are
as order streaming where rather than manage
but they should really take a closer look at some
now looking for things such as task
big chunks of waves to optimise the picks this
of today’s solutions in order to improve
interleaving, labour optimisation and yard
can now be more dynamically managed almost
efficiencies.”
management for their more complex
in real-time; adapting to the peaks in demand
environments,” he explains. “Although there
flow that are changing during the shift,” he
In the case of voice technology, Bryan Ball, VP &
are solutions that provide yard management
explains. “The goal is to better square the circle
group director – global supply management
functionality independently, many WMS
of managing wave picking and waveless picking
practices, Aberdeen Group, believes it’s really a
vendors have begun to concentrate more on
alongside each other.”
case of focusing on any way companies can
this area now.”
improve their warehouse operations. “In other David Krebs, executive vice president, VDC
words, don’t necessarily make everything voice,
Research, reflects that the pressures on
or scan or keypad; the best solution or mix of
The rise of automation
warehousing operations are not abating, so the
solutions really depends on what a particular
Another increasingly common theme is
need for greater time, cost and accuracy
worker is doing,” he says. “Voice may be the best
automation. Tunstall explains that Gartner takes
efficiencies around both item-level, direct-to-
depending on the situation, but the key point to
around 1000 enquiries each year related to
consumer fulfilment in the warehouse or DC as
make is the technology needs to be as simple
WMS and a growing number of these enquiries
well as around the more tradition bulk order to
and effective as possible so the worker doesn’t
are on the automation topic. “We have seen a
retail is considerable. “We all hear about supply
need to do anything
growth of interest in what we call the traditional
chain and warehouse automation as being a
differently to what they
bolted-to-the-floor forms of conveyors and
distinguishing or differentiating feature amongst
are used to doing. It
sortation, but there has also been a growth of
leaders in the industry and I would agree with
could simply be the
interest in more flexible types of automation
that,” he says. “Those who are good at that
case that they need to
such as mobile robots what we used to call
function certainly do better than their peers, so I
hear an audible
smart AGVs,” he explains. “There has been a
think this is an area of competitive differentiation
indication to inform
huge growth in the number of vendors offering
in terms of the warehouse itself.”
them they have
these types of solutions and the challenge for
completed a picking
WMS vendors now is shaping their offerings to
Krebs believes optimisation has been something
task.” Ball adds that
the types of demands that customers have
of a challenge especially as companies try to get
augmented reality
around automation. Within Gartner’s 10
closer and closer to the customer. “Customers
(AR) could be
dimensions of complexity one dimension is the
are more and more in urban areas so we see
something that proves
8
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
David Krebs, executive vice president,
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:43 Page 9
WMS/Voice-directed picking
Bryan Ball, vice president, principal analyst supply chain management,
Special Technology Report
to be of benefit from
packing than you do robotic activity. Then, the
Eric Carter, solutions architect, Indigo Software,
an efficiency and
real benefit is to keep the people out on the floor
observes that end users are focused on
accuracy perspective.
picking orders either in a consolidated wave
developments that enable them to fulfil e-
“We now see a lot of
picking process or picking orders and staging as
commerce orders more quickly, such as batch,
headsets with this type
well. So, if voice fits this type of model well then it
pick and sort functionality. In addition, he makes
of functionality built in
can prove to be of great value – freeing up
the point that many manufacturers are reliant on
where the user can
pickers’ hands, freeing up the activity, increasing
short-term, low-cost labour, which is an issue
see everything and
volume and reducing picking errors. Of course,
because the ready supply of this is disappearing
can then respond
any related picking technology, such as barcode
and there is a skills shortage.
using voice,” he says.
scanning, is also going to be beneficial in reduce
“Maybe this type of
mistakes on the shop floor, but in general these
In the warehouse, Carter is seeing many
technology isn’t yet
types of mobile devices can really provide
companies embrace voice technology as part of
ready for prime time,
pickers with the ability to keep going without
an overall integrated warehouse management
but it could prove very
necessarily having to return to a home-base for
solution, delivering efficiency gains and a lower
new instructions.”
entry price point than in the past. “During the past
useful for certain applications in the warehouse or DC.”
year, a number of organisations we have engaged with were seeking voice solutions
In Ball’s view, a key driver for change in the
Advanced functionality
because they have the potential to reduce labour
warehouse is the greater need for dynamic
In terms of WMS trends, Devault observes that
costs by 20% when compared to a simple paper
scheduling in many cases. “Whereas historically
companies such as Manhattan Associates and
only pick process,” he explains.
companies have picked in waves, blocks or
JDA are offering more advanced warehouse
groups of products, in the omnichannel world
functionality – supply chain management,
In terms of technological drivers for change,
they also need to handle things such like parcels
forecasting and demand planning and so on.
Carter makes the point that end user
that need to be delivered directly to individual
“Those type of tools are being implemented more
expectations for rapid delivery at low cost have
consumers on the same day or by the next day,”
from an operational standpoint because they are
gone through the roof and this is an expensive
he explains. “So, these parcels need to be
lower risk and offer a higher rate of return,” he
service to offer. “Companies are looking for ways
scheduled in the warehouse within the context of
says. “If a modern WMS has a good stable back
to recoup order fulfilment costs because in the
everything else. Much of this relates to having the
end and the order management functionality is
majority of cases, they are not able to ask the
right picking sequences in place. If you have a
good then it can really help to optimise a
customer to pay,” he says. “Identifying micro-
worker that’s going to be in the right part of the
company’s supply chain. Then, as the supply
savings by clever use of technology is one
warehouse at the right time to pick up a single
chain is improved companies can better re-
solution and it starts with a WMS.”
item, then you need to know that in order to make
organise warehouses to fit that new
the picking scheduling quicker and more
methodology.”
effective. So, the right mobile device or mix of
Steve Richmond, director of logistics systems, Jungheinrich UK, reflects that different industries
devices need to be able to handle these types of
In terms of some of the key drivers for change
will vary. However, the digitisation of warehouse
exceptions as well as the bulk orders.”
within the WMS and transportation space, Devault
processes remains a top priority for the majority
believes this can start at the front end with the
of organisations, not only to help optimise
Chris Devault, head of software selection,
requirement to optimise the picking and packing
process KPIs but to enhance connections
Panorama Consulting Solutions, explains that the
for the trucks. “We are certainly seeing more of a
between production systems and the WMS, as
clients Panorama works with range from $25
focus on drivetime and less loading and
well as connecting online shopping systems to
million in revenue up to multi-billion dollars in
unloading, and that transition of dropping off
the warehouse (facilitating same day and next
revenue. “Some of these companies have one
product is becoming more efficient,” he says.
day deliveries).
location and some have global footprints, so the
“We do see less damaged goods, partly due to
use of and need for technology can really vary
better organisation within the truck itself thereby
Richmond also
considerably per location and from company to
ensuring there is less opportunity for goods to fall
observes that
company,” he says. “One area of technology that
or move around and get damaged or have to be
automation is a
is becoming increasingly popular is voice
put back in their right position.” Devault adds that
growing trend –
picking, with many companies currently going
another driver for technological change has been
whether this is the
through the selection process. These types of
the requirement for drivers to have the ability to
integration of fully
solutions are certainly effective and efficient, but
plug into systems directly from their handhelds
automated or semi-
they are not necessarily a good fit for everybody.
and capture customers’ signatures, change and
automated
We see the benefits more in terms of high-
edit invoices and even take payments on the spot
intralogistics models.
volume, more mid-sized products where you still
too. “These types of developments are really
“We are, however,
have people doing more of the picking and
helping to optimise things,” he says.
seeing increased
www.logisticsit.com
Chris Devault, head of software selection,
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
9
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:43 Page 10
Special Technology Report
Steve Richmond, director of logistics systems,
WMS/Voice-directed picking
demand for hybrid
warehouse management projects. “When
become comfortable with the big perpetual
systems, using a
integrating a WMS, it’s critical that it has the
licence deal. Moving to the subscription model
combination of both
capability to easily integrate with an organisation’s
may involve a slower flow of money, but
manual and
existing software and hardware (e.g. trucks) and
subscription costs charged by some vendors is
automated solutions,”
be able to host warehouse management software
considerable and can soon add up. Another
he explains. “For a lot
like SAP EWM,” he says, adding that one of the
point to mention is that there isn’t really a
of industries, the clear
major success factors in warehouse
consistent costing approach to this model in the
focus is improving
management projects today is a smart interface
marketplace, which can confuse users in terms of
warehouse processes
architecture that can connect trucks and material
what they should really be paying for their cloud
by making them more
handling equipment on the ground to the host
WMS. With the cloud solution there may not be a
transparent and
systems of Jungheinrich’s customers.
large chunk of upfront capex to budget for, but
measurable, helping to reduce errors to zero.
cloud subscription deals can add up very Carter makes the point that companies are now
quickly.”
The use of big data and artificial intelligence (AI)
buying best-of-breed point solutions with exactly
are also being integrated to provide extensive
the functionality they need and integrating them,
Hood comments that the traditional objections to
reporting capabilities and continuous
rather than trying to compromise with a single
cloud computing, such as security and
optimisation. For Jungheinrich, the functionalities
solution that tries to cover off everything but has
performance, have largely been quieted. “Those
of a WMS, the user experience and how
many limitations. “As a rule, modern systems are
implementing cloud-native solutions are
interfaces are able to link numerous and existing
very easy to integrate now and the capability to
beginning to realise that along with the great
system environments together are key. These
get data into and out of a software system is built
benefits afforded with cloud computing there are
offer operators more robust processes, quicker
into an application right from the beginning,” he
also some new challenges they face,” he says.
learning times and greater flexibility within a
says. “In the past, working with legacy ERP
“The periodic releases from the solution providers
system’s dashboard.”
systems would have been much more difficult,
(often quarterly) require a ‘dev ops’ approach to
because they lacked open integration protocols.
managing the WMS solutions including a level of
In terms of drivers for change, Richmond makes
Indigo uses an XML interface, based on the
continuous regression testing. The near-
the point that, from a customer standpoint, there
industry standard SOA protocol, with all
prohibition against customisation of those
has been growing demand for more flexibility in
implementations to ensure data is live, available
solutions also frustrates some clients who have
production with batch sizes reducing to the
in real-time and visible across the business. Our
grown accustomed to modifying their on-premise
ultimate customisation of ‘batch size one’. “Within
open integration server and flexible mapping
solutions as they desired. The cloud solutions do
distribution channels, it is the changes in
capabilities are compatible with Oracle, SAP,
offer extensive APIs that support extension of the
consumer behaviour and the impact of next and
Microsoft, Infor, Sage or any other TMS, ERP or
solutions but some of the historic expectations
same day delivery options from e-commerce,” he
SCM system, allowing customers to get exactly
are presenting challenges. Finally, the cloud
says, adding that across Europe the availability of
what they need. Whether existing systems are
solutions generally are much more constrained in
warehouse personnel and expensive labour costs
running on IBM, Windows, Linux, are cloud-
terms of directly accessing the data layer which
have led to pressure on organisations to optimise
based or on premise, Indigo’s open integration
is another frustration for clients moving from on-
current warehouse infrastructure and processes.
server seamlessly connects in real time across
premise solutions where technical resources on
“For vendors, Big Data and AI technology are
any platform.”
their teams were able to directly access the WMS
increasingly available for warehouse
database to do mass updates, etc.”
management systems and the use of these technologies is rising,” he points out. “The need
Cloud developments
Richmond recognises that there has been an
for improved user interfaces and the use of
Has the Software as a Service (SaaS) model and
impact, but believes this has so far not been
mobile devices has brought pressure for greater
the cloud concept in general had any notable
extensive, though
usability and functionalities of warehouse
level of impact on the WMS software solutions
different industries do
management systems. Current developments
market so far? Tunstall considers that although
vary. “My personal
with automation and smarter/digitised warehouse
the WMS marketplace was one of the latecomers
opinion is that in the
equipment are also placing new demands on a
into the world of cloud, it is certainly becoming
future, and we are
WMS.”
more firmly established now as a cloud solution,
talking some years
with many security concerns now allayed. He
from now, all business
adds: “With regard to the benefits of WMS as an
processes (particularly
Joining the dots
on-premise or cloud solution, there are still some
at a WMS level) will
Have ways of best integrating WMS with other
barriers to cloud; one of them revolving around
connect and run on
systems developed to any notable degree over
pricing. Pricing models can be confusing and
cloud infrastructures,”
the past year or two? Richmond stresses that
sometimes costly when you look at the whole total
he says. “I believe this
integration and interfacing are major topics in
cost. Some vendors’ sales departments have
will be the case for
10
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
Eric Carter, solutions architect,
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:43 Page 11
WMS/Voice-directed picking
Robert Hood, principal,
Special Technology Report
time-critical
Devault believes artificial intelligence will
infrastructures in
continue to come into play within the
Going ‘off-script’
intralogistics (such as
warehousing environment. “We are witnessing
Vidyasekar believes the next driver for change
Material Flow
greater levels of AI being integrated with
will be artificial intelligence. “The work that Hitachi
Computing and
workflow automation, and we're really seeing
is doing with its AI-run warehouses is quite
Warehouse Control
some benefits here,” he says. “Some companies
fascinating,” she says. “The warehouse
Systems). SaaS is a
might only use AI to kick something off, but then
management software continuously analyses how
topic for special use
by using workflow technology and behind-the-
employees perform different jobs, and if an
cases, and a SaaS-
scenes process automation this can take care of
employee uses a more efficient way to do the job,
based invoicing model
many of the warehousing processes.”
the system would analyse it and use it later on.
can bring substantial advantages to some
Like so, by not relying on pre-programmed Ball anticipates the wider use of drones in the
instructions, Hitachi claims that its WMS ‘can go
industries with short, or middle termed
warehouse for tasks such as more dynamic
off-script’ adapting to real-time changes.”
warehousing contracts. Since the average usage
picking in scheduling, or even for helping to
time of a WMS is currently still under 15 years,
improve the layout of the warehouse. “You
Richmond observes two main drivers at the
from our experience, we don’t think SaaS models
could call it having an ‘eye in the sky’,” he
moment, which he believes will influence WMS
are suitable for longer termed contracts.”
says. “It’s the same as most other types of
software packages over the next few years. “First,
technology; you need to make it pretty bullet-
the development of material handling equipment,
Carter believes SaaS has made inroads but
proof from a functionality and security point of
automation, smarter assistance systems within
makes the point that, interestingly, some of
view and get past any other start-up issues that
the forklift truck world, as well as automated
the original SaaS solution vendors have now
might arise, but once you get through that I
equipment like AGVs and AS/RS systems will be
started offering on-premise options. “Why is
think the fundamentals of the technology are
key drivers in the evolution of the software,” he
that? It demonstrates that aside from all the
pretty sound. I think that kind of drone
says. “Integration will become more prevalent
hype, WMS customers still prefer to have their
deployment is going to be one of the next big
and systems will become smarter, with the ability
software running on their own infrastructure
innovations in the warehouse. It’s still in the
to answer more complicated questions. This will
where they can manage it themselves, if that
early stages, but drones are even being used
not be about the obvious things like reducing
is a possible option,” he says. Carter also
in some stores now for tasks such as
speed of the AS/RS equipment when there is a
maintains that some companies remain
monitoring customers or workers.”
low demand of orders in the system. It is more
concerned about security, privacy and
like the questions of ‘what will be the right lithium-
availability. “A WMS is a mission-critical
Krebs thinks one big question people have is,
ion charging strategy for the truck fleet, based on
system, If email goes down companies can
‘when are we going to get to actual lights out
the current picking demand in the warehouse?’
use other methods of communicating, but if
warehousing or lights out manufacturing with
Or ‘what kind of strategy will be used based on
the WMS goes down the whole warehouse
full automation and with zero human
today’s picking requirements?’”
grinds to a halt – they can’t afford issues like
requirement for labour’? “We do see increasing
that. We are only seeing about 10% of
elements of certain automation workflows
Secondly, Richmond cites the development of IoT
prospects asking for a cloud-based system,
especially as the cost of labour increases,” he
and Cloud infrastructure, believing they will
on premise is still the focus.”
says. “As we are looking at increasing hourly
influence the way IT systems run in intralogistics.
wages the attractiveness of displacing some of
“We will see the process world (at the WMS level)
that labour with automation is only going to
in the cloud, and the Material Flow Computer
What to look forward to
increase, so certain workflows that may have
(MFC) world still on-premise mid-term. In the next
What might be the next
been manual in the past – such as unloading a
one or two years my prediction is that we will see
innovations/developments to look out for in
trailer – could become increasingly automated.
the one or other development of ‘cloud ready’
the world of WMS software over the next year
That x-factor in the warehouse with regard to
solutions, which can connect to the cloud and
or two? Hood considers that we will see more
automation has certainly been item-based
communicate with host systems in the cloud, with
innovation around Warehouse Control
picking. In that area we have seen
some systems probably in a private cloud
Systems (WCS) and Warehouse Execution
collaborative robotics introduced where you
infrastructure.”
Systems (WES) to assist with managing the
still have an individual doing the picking but
complex DC environments where use of
with a collaborative robot working on some of
Carter explains one area Indigo Software is very
various types of automation will continue to
the additional functions of that workflow. In
interested in exploring is the use of drones for
expand. “We’ll likely see more of a blurring of
terms of putting in place a fully automated
stock counting and perpetual inventory checks.
lines between planning & execution in
picking workflow we’re not there yet, partly due
“This can be done at night if the warehouse is
distribution enabled by, among other things,
to accuracy issues. I don't think even two years
closed, or during the day and it allows ongoing
advanced Supply Chain Visibility solutions
is enough of a horizon but that certainly is
spot checking using a special type of drone that
such as control towers,” he adds.
something we are seeing more and more of.”
reads pallet labels,” he says.
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
11
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:43 Page 12
Special Technology Report
WMS/Voice-directed picking
Keith Phillips,
complement the mobile workforce – for example,
president and CEO,
Blockchain
pairing robotics with voice technology to help
Voxware, Inc.,
Phillips highlights a move towards blockchain.
eliminate travel time. With these changes among
continues to see the
“We all know there's plenty of data out there and
many other business pressures, supply chains
push for automation
we offer a very robust analytics solution to
are facing a wave of technology innovations to
throughout the
manipulate and leverage that data,” he says.
drive operational changes. This includes the
entire distribution
“What’s important is the integrity of the data and
concurrent use of multiple technologies to meet
centre, not just for
the usability of that data, which is where
business requirements. Selecting adaptable
picking. “For
blockchain comes in. Then companies need to
technologies that can grow alongside their
Voxware, it’s about
understand how to leverage that data to drive
business and pairing it with another solution like
the multimodality of
their operation. The impact that it's having from a
voice technology can contribute to the creation
the solution and
practical perspective is it allows senior level
of best-in-class processes and workflows.
providing our customers with the right
people in a distribution operation, for the first
Ultimately, each business situation has common
technology to complete their specific
time, they have a need to, and quite frankly will
and unique requirements and Voice can deliver
tasks,” he says. “It’s important for our
not be competitive if they don't do it, to look at
satisfaction to many situations.”
customers to have options so they are able
data, and figure out how to move product
to leverage the appropriate technology to
through their entire supply chain.”
Keith Phillips, president and CEO,
Robert Van Vliet, country manager, Zetes,
do their job. Beyond that, companies need
reflects that for several years a key talking point
to layer in analytics. People are learning
Darrel Williams, sales director Europe, Honeywell
is ease of use. “Staff turnover is very high, which
that just automating with a multimodal
Voice Solutions, considers that the awareness of
means you don’t want to waste 30/40 minutes
solution is only part of the puzzle. Once you
the technology of voice is commonplace, no
per user on training,” he explains. “This means
automate, you need to actively manage it
more so than in mission-critical business
that an ‘untrained’ system is becoming the
effectively to get the maximum output out of
applications. “The consumerisation of voice in
standard. Zetes launched the untrained system
the workforce.”
everyday life has led to at least a basic
10 years ago.”
understanding of the what’s possible,” he says. Phillips points to a few things that have
Williams adds that since the last Manufacturing &
The second main topic highlighted by Van Vliet
driven change. First and foremost, he
Logistics IT special technology report on voice-
is the re-use of devices, especially in the case of
believes it starts with the end consumer.
directed picking solutions, there has been an
smaller warehouses where users need to
“This is regardless of industry – they
explosion of demand – and a mass adoption of
undertake multiple tasks. “You don’t want a
demand a different level of service,” he
voice – in almost every walk of life. “The key
dedicated device for just one process,” he says.
says. “This demand has forced distribution
drivers behind this build on the basic principles
“This means, you buy any Android device and
companies in every sector to rethink how
of ease of usage, flexibility, agility and
install the voice app and you can use this device
they get product to the market. That’s where
empowerment of the worker,” he says. “E-
with voice, barcode, display etc. You create a
it all begins.”
commerce has shifted consumer demands,
true multimodal environment. Finally, you want to
leading to more adoption of technologies
manage the users and devices. This means you
The second issue raised by Phillips is the
including voice. Consumers expect a seamless
need to have a platform that provides all the
ongoing labour shortage. “The shortage is
and flawless online shopping experience.
business data (users performance, achieving
magnified by the strong economy, so you’ve
Anything less than perfect – from a poor
KPIs, voice recognition performance, device
got two opposing forces putting pressure on
customer experience, to cumbersome returns
performance, battery status, etc) which allows
the distribution centre to deliver more
process, to the loss of repeat customers –
the team
throughput,” he says. “What that does to
reflects negatively on the business and is costly.”
leader/manager to
companies like Voxware is that it forces them
make decisions
to make sure companies are leveraging all of
Williams also reflected that the growth of
based on up to date
the different technologies that are available in
urbanisation is changing the distribution pattern
data.”
the space, not just voice, but scanning and
of goods. He adds that companies are also
augmented reality. Companies also have to
increasingly focused on workers and their well-
In Van Vliet’s view, the
figure out how to integrate the human worker
being, which is critical to improving worker
main changes and
into the world of automation and figure out
health, longevity and overall productivity. “At
developments have
which technologies best support the human
Honeywell, we continue to see a deeper and
been driven by
worker to enable them to interface with
more seamless integration of technology
changing the end-
automation and drive the highest level of
throughout the DC and companies should focus
user requirements.
optimisation.”
on the application of that technology to help
“The standard voice
12
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
Darrel Williams, sales director Europe,
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:43 Page 13
WMS/Voice-directed picking
Special Technology Report
pick installations are
Tim Just, CEO, EPS (Ehrhardt + Partner
still there, but the
Move to e-commerce
Solutions), currently sees three central
need to optimise more
In terms of what has driven these changes,
development directions, which EPS is already
complex process
Bova considers that the move to e-commerce
implementing in Lydia Voice:
pushed voice
operations is continuing and expanding to a
companies like Zetes
global perspective. “In the retail sector, the
to create an
drive to present a unified experience between
technologies. We have already implemented
environment which is
the online, catalogue and in-store experience
this development in the Release 8 of Lydia
more ‘multimodal’ and
continues to evolve as firms compete on
Voice. The latest generation is based on
not voice only,” he
availability, price, the shopping experience and
neural networks and the deep learning
says, adding that this
customer loyalty,” he says. “For manufacturing
concept. The integration of the AI
is because of the
and wholesalers, this means that goods which
components has improved recognition
omnichannel and the
were channel delivered, are now drop-shipping
security (confidence) by a further 25%
requirement for shorter lead times etc. Van Vliet
directly to the end-consumer. In the distribution
compared to the previous solution. This
explains that Zetes has installed over 250.000
centre this may necessitate multiple shifts
means that even users with pronounced
voice terminals over the past 10 years and
working to fulfil orders, often three shifts
dialects, accents or unclear pronunciation
makes the point that over the past two years
working 24x7. The higher cost of errors requires
can be reliably recognised without voice
there has been a growth in the amount of
improving order accuracy as a competitive
template training. Especially for non-native
installations with a combination of technologies;
necessity. For most organisations, optimising
speakers this is a significant advantage.
voice together with Put to Light. “This means you
what they already own is an ideal scenario.
pick the item by voice and put it on the trolley
Modern device-based voice is the perfect
with a light above the box. Especially when you
complement to layer into their customised
justice to this, for example, with our Lydia
do multi-order pick this speeds up the process.”
workflow processes to see results rapidly.”
Voice Wear order-picking vest, the more
Robert Van Vliet, country manager,
1. “The integration of AI components in speech
2. “More ergonomics in voice processes. We do
ergonomic alternative to the classic headset. Bob Bova, CEO, AccuSpeechMobile, considers
Lance Bennett, technical services director,
The order picking vest is a patented solution
that the ability to extend the useful life of existing
Renovotec, considers that the key talking points
that convinces with its high wearing comfort.
investments, and simultaneously realise
within the industry and among the user
All voice components are already integrated
increased productivity in the near-term,
community include the use of voice on Android
into the vest - for maximum freedom of
continues to be a business imperative. “Modern
devices; speaker-independent voice
movement and satisfied employees. Hands-
voice solutions offer a compelling value
recognition; and multi-mode applications that
free, eyes-free and now also headset-free. The
proposition to meet this need,” he said. “These
mix voice, scanning and screen imagery. “The
Lydia VoiceWear High Vis + is a further
voice solutions are deployed 100% on the
cost of voice solutions is considered by many in
development of our Lydia VoiceWear in the
mobile device, with the OS most suitable to the
supply chain to be too high,” he says, “ though
design of a warning vest. It is certified
business (Android, Windows, iOS), supporting a
that point is less relevant where voice is
according to the European standard EN ISO
multilingual workforce and providing a hands-
deployed in higher value environments – for
20471. The vest is equipped with reflective
free, eyes-free solution for picking as well as
example maintenance and inspection, where it
strips of the highest quality so that employees
many other applications in the DC. Affordability,
is critical to follow and record the results of a
are always clearly visible under any lighting
ease of deployment and the short ROI
set process.”
conditions. This is especially important in
timeframe, effectively bring device-based voice within the reach of firms of all sizes.”
some countries, such as the UK, where the Regarding drivers for change, Bennett
use of warning vests in the warehouse is
comments that the advent of and massive
mandatory.
Bova adds that modern voice-enabled workflows
investment in better speech recognition,
deliver increased flexibility. “The tight labour
worldwide and in multiple markets is a big
market has given rise to a workforce that is more
driver (think Alexa). “Multi-purpose Android
Intelligence. Lydia
fluid, often moving between firms for incremental
devices: if you have a device that one moment
Warehouse
increases in the hourly pay rate,” he points out.
can be used for voice picking and the next for
Intelligence is our
“Voice-based workflows facilitate rapid ramp-up
say load-checking and scanning, then end
solution to cope
for new team members, increase productivity for
users believe they can secure better value from
with the increasing
the existing team, support bilingual workers and
their investment,” he says, adding that he
flood of data in the
smooth the ramp-to-rate for seasonal staff.
doesn’t believe there is much blue sky thinking
warehouse. LWI
Modern voice solutions do not require voice
by the vendors, though that is partly because
continuously
training or the maintenance of voice files for each
voice is a mature technology, at least in the
structures and
individual.”
supply chain.
analyses various
www.logisticsit.com
3. “Big Data and
Bob Bova, CEO,
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
13
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:43 Page 14
Special Technology Report
Lance Bennett, technical services director,
WMS/Voice-directed picking
KPIs and makes them
Another driver of market change in his view has
Phillips makes the point that technology in
available for further
been the big growth in the small-medium e-
general has advanced significantly. “Regardless
evaluations in real
commerce companies who need effective and
of the approach you take to the integration of a
time. LWI informs for
accurate ways of picking small orders for
solution like ours into a host system, whether it's
example. about the
multiple end customers, often with stock that
WMS, or WCS or ERP, it doesn't matter,” he
remaining battery life
varies in size and shape. “Voice works well in
says. “What's important is the integrity of that
on the basis of the
that scenario,” he says. Batchelour adds that
interface and the architecture behind it. Many
collected battery data
end users are now seeing voice as an option,
people will call our software middleware, and it is
(predictive
and in some cases, essential for a wider range of
not. It’s a standalone software application as we
maintenance). This
applications than before. “Lower price point has
execute processes within our software that
allows the customer to
helped voice expand out from picking to other
interface middleware. One of the big changes is
react promptly and
processes such as replenishment, moves,
the ability to take advantage of other
continuously optimise
inventory count, facility and vehicle management
technologies. In our case, we've leveraged
and quality inspections,” he explains.
analytics to be able to bridge the gap between
their processes to get the most out of the voice application. LWI collects also the WIFI
data in multiple places to give warehouse
network data, the duration and number of
management and senior executives complete
requests between client and server as well as
Integration
and total visibility into the entire operation across
the quality of speech recognition.
Have ways of best integrating voice-directed
multiple data sources to be able to drive the
systems with other systems developed to any
highest level of optimisation among the
In terms of drivers for change, Just reflects that
notable degree over the past year or two?
workforce.”
end users expect more usability and ergonomics
Williams maintains that tighter integration is
due to their personal experience. “Personal
critical. “Mobile applications are expected to
Bova comments the trend towards adaptable
assistants like Alexa and SIRI make ‘voice’ more
deliver advanced functionality, commercial
solutions that use off-the-shelf components;
common,” he says. “These leads to higher
advantage and benefits to the user,” he
including consumer-grade devices, continues
customer expectations for enterprise voice
explains. “The step change is that we now
and provides organisations with a range of
systems. The new expectations can only be met
expect a fully featured, easy to use interface
options to support voice-enabled workflows.
with heavy investment in new technology. We
without the safety net of a middleware or bolt-on
“Intelligent automation built on device-level voice
invested more than 15 man-years in developing
specialist system. Many enterprise business
integration brings an entirely new level of
Lydia 8 technology. So, the enhancements in
systems are now achieving on one or two of
workflow support for any warehouse application,
technology can benefit the user, if the voice
these requisites, and those are typically
not just picking,” he says.
provider understands to match both tracks:
functionality focused. However, the user
usability and technology – and we do.”
interface, and the ability to execute in real life
Van Vliet reflects that what we typically see is
(with real people) is often missing from the mix.
that the WMS/ERP systems support the standard
Mark Batchelour, managing director, Voice
Familiar, easy to use, common interfaces
(happy flow) voice pick process. He adds that if
Beyond, comments that the platform shift that
powered by voice deliver this user experience
a customer requires some more complexity due
has been created by the demise of mobile
whilst extracting maximum value from the core
to the different order flows or new regulations
Windows and replaced largely with Android and
application. Honeywell offers approved
(like FMD for pharma, TPD for tobacco) these
iOS devices has opened doors to lower cost of
interfaces with the leading enterprise and
companies don’t have the time and or
ownership in the voice-directed workspace.
warehouse management systems.”
knowledge to follow the need. “When Zetes
“Taking advantage of new, low-cost hardware
started selling voice solutions we were the only
platforms is one part of the equation,” he says,
Batchelour considers that integrating for voice
one with two options, a direct integration with the
“but it needs to be balanced with matching
has always been a case of using the best tool
ERP/WMS and the
software and support to provide an end-to-end
for the job. “Middleware, Direct (native)
middleware solution,”
system that provides high quality at a more
interfaces and Screen To Voice all have their
he says. “Even today,
affordable cost point. The Android switch has
applications,” he says. “One of the challenges in
we support this and
enabled new opportunities from existing
the past was that some companies selling voice
based on the
suppliers, for example the ‘optional training’
only had one tool to rely on and customers
requirements
systems now available, giving the best of both
ended up with the wrong solutions. Now there
(complex or easy) and
worlds in both trained (high accuracy, low
are more choices than ever, and the better
on the available
crosstalk) and untrained (fast start up time for
suppliers can cover all the bases. We have seen
functions in the back
new workers) systems.”
native interfaces for WMSs accelerating with
end we propose to go
Batchelour believes the switch to Android
many smaller WMSs joining the top tier in having
one or the other. Zetes
devices has driven a lot of market change.
an off-the-shelf voice interface.”
is a strong believer of
14
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
Tim Just, CEO, EPS,
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:43 Page 15
WMS/Voice-directed picking
Special Technology Report
open architecture,
modernisation of the existing voice landscape
voice in your warehouse, but don’t have a long
hence 10 years ago
without letting go off crucial functionalities.
and costly implementation.”
we launched our third-
Interfaces are our daily business and we can
generation voice
integrate into any system.”
system which is an
of systems has accelerated over the past two
open platform. You
Mark Batchelour, managing director,
Williams explains the trend towards outsourcing years. “Most of us use cloud-based tools and
can run it on any
Cloud/SaaS
applications in our everyday life, and the
device, so no lock in
Has the Software as a Service (SaaS) model and
business world is no different,” he says. “The
and or expensive
the cloud concept in general had any notable
benefits can be enormous, including a reduction
‘software update
level of impact on the voice-directed systems
in need for expensive infrastructure, costly one-
plans’. The value
market? “Absolutely,” says Phillips. “Since
time development and the potential financial
should come from the
launching our cloud-based Voice Management
benefits. Of course, subscription-based solutions
client/system and this
Suite (VMS) in 2012, we have customers
also carry the benefit of ensuring businesses
because we have a cloud offering that matches
stay current with the latest versions.”
will keep customers, not a contract.”
their cloud strategy,” he explained. “We also Bennett considers that there hasn’t been much
have customers who we were their first cloud
Bennett considers that SaaS has had no major
recent voice-to-other-systems integration
deployment, and now years later they've
impact except where a supplier (such as
progress and adds that many users are still living
migrated the majority of their IT infrastructure into
Renovotec) is willing to invest in the equipment
with older applications. “Voice is often seen as
the cloud. We believe the cloud strategy will
that facilitates easy rental. “We provide a voice
an expensive solution to integrate into smaller-
continue to evolve over time, but we’re probably
solution as a service when and if users want a
scale environments,” he says. “This and the fact
not too far away from it being unacceptable for
subscription model,” he explains. “It is difficult for
that many applications are still closed to easy
companies to not offer their technology in a SaaS
distributors and manufacturers to use business
integration of complementary technologies
basis. Organisations are looking at every aspect
models that depend on subscription because it
results in too many implementations being based
of their business to succeed and flourish. One of
greatly disturbs their cash flow in the short term.
around screen-scraping to voice solutions.”
the biggest advantages of going to the cloud is
So, the voice market is not generally committed
removing the burden from the customer to
to SaaS: but there are exceptions; niche market
Just remarks that EPS relies on flexibility,
having to maintain its own IT infrastructure. They
players such as Renovotec who are very
transparency and cooperation based on
are able to free up their staff to work on more
committed to a voice SaaS model, following their
partnership. “For almost 25 years our approach
important initiatives. There is also arguably no
success in equipment rentals.”
has been an ‘open architecture’,” he explains.
more secure place than the cloud as companies
Bova points out that customers are demanding
“Lydia Voice is easy to connect to an existing
like Amazon and Microsoft have the highest
greater adaptability for their voice
WMS or ERP system. Either by direct integration
levels of security on the planet.”
implementations. “Modern device-based voice
via a Lydia Connector solution, indirectly via one
solutions are agnostic regarding the source
of our numerous standard interfaces or via the
Batchelour doesn’t believe the cloud/SaaS model
application, which might be a commercially
Lydia PickManager. Lydia Voice also differs from
has had a major impact on the voice-directed
available application, an application developed
other language providers in that it is 100%
systems market so far. “There are cases where it
in-house, hosted internally or cloud-based,” he
integrated with SAP. Lydia Voice works like a
is valuable, and it’s not hard to do now if it is
says. “dditionally, a solution that supports agile
microphone to SAP. Because the entire
needed. That said, most customers seem to like
development and staged deployment is
application logic is in SAP, one can continue to
the control and ownership that comes from
preferred, and that avoids a single-point-of-
use all standard functions.”
having something dedicated to them, and the
failure situation. As the WMS, ERP or other
low cost of hosting it themselves is attractive.”
applications typically involve multiple workflows,
Just adds that over the past two years more and
no-longer is it acceptable to voice enable only
more providers of back-end-systems have
Van Vliet points out that through the cloud/SaaS
picking. Customers require a voice solution that
offered open interfaces, often web-based. “We
model vendors can offer Pay as you Go. “In our
can be applied to many of their workflows,
welcome these activities, but also offer a unique
fourth-generation voice system we offer
regardless of where they choose to host their
approach to interfacing with ‘Lydia Co-Exist’,” he
customers the option to Pay as you Go, which
applications.”
says. “Using the Lydia co-exist approach, we
means customers only pay for the voice system
ensure that the Lydia client behaves identically to
for the number of users they had the previous
Just reflects that SaaS and cloud are becoming
another voice system. If there is already a voice
month,” he explains. “The second option is to
more accepted in the voice-directed systems
solution running, Lydia Voice can be
use our ZetesMedea execution system (when
market. “For now, only few of our customers use
implemented in a very short-time parallel to the
your current ERP/WMS system doesn’t support
this option, but we expect this to increase,” he
existing voice application. This allows the
Voice picking) for the execution of the voice
points out. “It provides more potential to fully use
customer to benefit from a cost-effective
orders. This way you can benefit from having
all aspects of voice and to only focus on the
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
15
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:43 Page 16
Special Technology Report
WMS/Voice-directed picking
process as such and not on the infrastructure.
characteristics to support today’s market
an easier integration of software (apps) and
We already provide a Lydia Voice Demo App in
demand.”
hardware.
based solutions (for SMEs) as an alternative to a
Just comments that with Lydia Voice & Vision
Bennett believes the move to Android is having a
comprehensive project. The best model around
EPS has created an intelligent combination of
knock-on effect on voice systems in that it is
an app-based approach is SaaS.”
Pick by Voice and mobile devices such as
pressuring users to reduce costs; but where
tablets, data glasses or smart watches. “This is
voice is the best solution for a particular
the Google Play Store and plan to offer app-
yet another innovative picking system for the
requirement then it is worth the investment in
Mobility
intralogistics of the future,” he says. “Here,
dedicated voice hardware. “However, voice is
Are mobility solutions such as mobile computers
process control is just as intuitive via voice. This
not a suits-all solution in the way the
and tablet PCs having an impact or influence on
significantly reduces the frequency of visual
manufacturers often suggest,” he says. “A
voice systems? “Not really,” believes Van Vliet.
information, which employees mainly have to
mobile computer/tablet is a veritable Swiss army
“A voice system is always real time, which
concentrate on when using a pure vision
knife of technology tools. But to deliver a very
means back-office data is available and
solution. At the same time, however, process
specific task you would not choose a multi-
managers can see progression. The only era we
reliability increases – our customers report up to
purpose Swiss army knife; rather, you would
see benefits is around battery capacity. So, if
20%. The Lydia Smart Assistant displays
select a single, specialist tool that has been
your battery is running low, you change this
process and article information on smart
designed for the task – such as voice. Voice can
when you are close to the battery charger to
watches, tablets and smartphones. This makes it
be an expensive solution, but where it is right for
avoid a long walk back.”
possible, for example, to attach tablets to means
the job the payback should be very quick.”
of transport as an additional source of Williams reflects that compromise no longer
information and make all data available to
Batchelour comments that the addition of
has a place in the modern industrial,
employees at any time. The additional data can
general-purpose Android devices to the market
commercial or business world. “Providing the
then be retrieved as required. In addition to
has enabled some new applications that were a
most appropriate mix of voice, screen and
product details, it is also possible to display the
challenge before for dedicated voice devices.
keyboard choice to the worker to enable them
next work steps or special instructions – and in
For example, complex inspection processes can
to do their job, whilst having the option to
combination with voice control by voice.” Just
now be voice enabled. “We recently built a fruit
interface seamlessly with automated systems,
adds that Android in mobile computing is
and vegetable inspection process that captured
robotics and co-bots deliver the performance
replacing Windows CE. He believes this leads to
quality & rejection/acceptance data in real time
16
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice Report p7-17.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 14:43 Page 17
WMS/Voice-directed picking
Special Technology Report
to the customers supplier portal giving a grower
year or two? Bennett cites non-taught, speaker-
leveraging what they already have deployed,
immediate feedback about their truckload of
independent voice recognition, while Williams
the proven productivity and accuracy benefits
vegetables,” he points out. “Always on 4/5G
considers that augmented and assisted reality
of voice-enabled workflows will be integrated
mobile data has made it possible to perform
is the poster boy of new technology. “We have,
by more organisations both inside and outside
inspection wherever and whenever it is needed.
at Honeywell, had operations systems utilising
the four walls. “There will be continued coupling
This integration in real time with enterprise data
optical aids for several years,” he explains. “Our
with intelligent scanners, ocular devices, and
systems and not ‘just the WMS’ is an ongoing
customers have assessed these systems with
increased adoption of device-based voice on
trend and something that delivers big benefits to
us and have concluded that there is potential in
consumer-grade devices in the warehouse as
a customer both inside and outside the
this area, but the fact remains that all current
well as outside the four walls,” he says. “We’ll
warehouse.”
AR systems are underpinned by voice
see advances in the ability to analyse this new
technology, and our customers continue to
data stream as well as assisting with workforce
Phillips believes customers are looking at the
invest in the broader range of opportunity
allocation. We will also see some firms move
devices from a standpoint of what is most
unlimited voice.” Williams adds that robotics
from the server-based voice model to the
appropriate for their operation, their workers and
and automation are also more prevalent today
device-based model. In addition, firms that
even down to specific tasks. He makes the point
and he sees an increase in uptake in this area.
considered voice automation cost-prohibitive in
that customer are asking the question, ‘Which is
“We have notable examples whereby co-bots
the past will find that they can now embrace the
the best technology and device for this particular
and sortation systems are controlled by voice
technology.”
worker to use to complete their daily tasks?’ “I
today, working in harmony with mobile
think that's a dramatic change from the history of
workers,” he points out.
our market and not all companies in this space
Just comments that within the voice-directed world he is sure that Big Data solutions are
are fully there yet,” he adds. “Devices today
Phillips believes there are two big
getting more and more important to customers.
have significantly more capabilities. Historically,
developments in this space. The first is the
“This is a topic that is most in demand – also
a mobile device for voice was just that, users
continued adoption and evolution of augmented
from the market perspective,” he says. “We are
could only do voice. Today, we’re able to
reality – bringing all the technologies together
working on it and with LWI we already have a
leverage other functionality through the screen
including voice, vision and scanning. The
solution which we continuously equip with new
by issuing instructions, displaying images of a
second as it relates to voice specifically, is the
features and functionalities.” Additionally, Just
product, verify a UPC code and more.”
emergence of natural language model voice
observes that hardware for voice applications is
recognition technology, which holds the
getting smaller but more powerful and with a lot
Bova points out that modern voice solutions
promise of eliminating the necessity to train
of new features.
are designed to work in heterogenous mobile
specific users into the system. “This creates
environments with a variety of form factors,
huge time savings when new employees come
Now that voice training is an option, not a
play well with other peripherals such as
into the organisation, whether that be temporary
requirement, Batchelour believes the next step
scanners, support multiple operating systems
employees during the busy seasons or new,
will be more access to low-cost rugged mobile
such as Android, Windows and iOS, and work
permanent staff members,” he says.
devices. “This will take voice into places and
seamlessly with text based or GUI interfaces.
processes it has not been a good fit before,
“The affordability of mobile devices and the
The innovations Van Vliet is seeing are in
such as inspection and verification,” he says.
growing understanding that hands-free, eyes-
different areas; such as ease of use, making all
On the software side, Batchelour anticipates
free voice-based workflows are an asset to a
users voice assistant, integrating with more than
more analysis and prediction using the data
variety of applications within the four walls, as
1 or 2 technologies (such as put to light and/or
from workers, both current and historical, to
well as outside the four-walls, is growing,” he
RFID) and ease of implementation. “Companies
inform and guide warehouse managers.
says. “Voice-enabled workflows are
don’t want to spend 20 to 30 days on an
appropriate for fleet maintenance and
installation; they want to benefit straightaway,”
Batchelour points out that whereas 15 years
inspection as well as increased productivity
he says. Van Vliet also highlights new
ago voice mainly suited large grocery retailers,
for last mile delivery. In the retail sector, voice
regulations. “Only in 2019 we saw two new
voice is now used widely across industry for
can be leveraged in last mile fulfilment
regulations whereby each unique item need to
many tasks and product types, and now suits
operations as more consumers embrace click
be scanned. If your voice system is not open it
much smaller operations. He concludes:
to connect or BOPUS delivery model.”
will slow down your process as you need to
“While voice has changed massively in some
integrate with other technologies like scanning
ways, it still requires a dedicated and
or image technology to read 50-100 barcodes
knowledgeable design to get the best out of it.
in less than 1 second.”
Using the right tool for the job and supporting
The future What might be the next key
it extensively is the only guarantee of a
innovations/developments to look out for in the
Bova believes as more organisations seek to
world of voice-directed systems over the next
improve productivity in the near-term by
www.logisticsit.com
successful and effective system.” n
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
17
MLIT Oct'19 Transport p18-19.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 11:33 Page 18
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
Opinion
Integration in perfection –
Requirements for the smooth collaboration in SCM networks By TIMOCOM.
N
ew times for the supply chain. The chain of logistical events becomes a permanent flow of data and information. A linking element in the collaborative value-added processes. Welcome to the digital world. Anybody wanting to benefit from the opportunities of digital transformation needs one thing more than anything else: a neutral, company-wide system that simply and securely links the partners involved and their processes in the complex network structures of the supply chain. Customer, manufacturer, supplier, forwarder, warehouse logistics provider, recipient: a number of different parties and their IT systems have to be integrated into supply chains. A neutral system platform that offers flexible options for integration and usage via the interface, web account and mobile devices is needed for this to work. The aim of integration is to convert the previously bidirectional connections into multi-directional communication networks and ensure that the smooth cooperation among the business partners is successful through a workflow without media disruption.
concentration potential can also be recognised more easily and exploited. It is therefore necessary that information is made available at the decisive moment for the operational management of the supply chain. End-to-end supply chain visibility may be needed for this. This not only involves the continuous transparency of the transport process, but also observing certain factors which are dependent on one another and which are of significance for a timely dispatching process.
Real-time information is essential Not only real-time information on the current shipment status is essential for this. Early alarm messages are also important for being able to manage discrepancies from the defined control process proactively. The early availability of relevant and valid information enables the parties in this case to take the necessary precautions or supplement existing information with additional data. Are there
discrepancies from the intended delivery date? Do additional transport capacities need to be created? The logistics provider can only plan and act with foresight if the supply with its numerous events is transparent from start to finish. The possible actions of the various system users and their partners are defined as part of digital workflows and applications for digital order processing. Tendering shipments, managing orders, managing networks, tracking shipments, evaluating delivery performance – all building blocks which companies require to manage their supply chain are ideally to be found in this system environment. These building blocks can be configured to form a customised solution depending on requirements.
System platforms are becoming the hub of digital transformation System platforms are becoming the hub of digital transformation in logistics with their
The visibility of goods flows improves their planning capability The interaction between parties within this system results in a joint, high-quality database. The requirement for this is supply chain visibility: the visibility of goods flows and inventories improves the planning capability and minimises risks. The focus should not only be on the upstream or downstream partner in the supply chain. The more the supply chain can be overlooked, the greater the degree of transparency. And the more reliable operational and strategic management decisions are made. Capacity management with suppliers can be improved, for example, by information being made available at an early stage. Consolidation and
18
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Transport p18-19.qxp_MLIT31 pageForcst 11/10/2019 11:33 Page 19
Opinion
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
flexible possibilities. Its open infrastructure enables it to integrate countless additional applications and data sources, for example consisting of vehicles, telematics systems, carriers and production machinery.
• Everything is digitised and there are also binding contractual documents in electronic form • All procedures are transparent for the parties involved in the supply chain
In order to ensure that companies exploit the varied and extremely flexible options of this system, certain basic requirements should be met:
One-stop intelligent shopping
• All system applications for order processing must be integrated into the company’s own workflow with a click of the mouse • Interfaces must be created simply and quickly and must integrate the parties involved in the transport chain • All processes should run without a media disruption, which means for example: Orders can be created directly from the system without having to switch to the email programme or send a fax • Applications can be customised with the company’s own logo and other design elements according to the ideas of their users
The options for enhancing the system with further applications and collaboration building blocks are infinite. It is only a question of time before production machinery and store shelves are involved in the system-based communication process as a matter of course: Dear transport logistics providers, who among you has enough time and storage capacities to supply us with much needed products by tomorrow? One-stop intelligent shopping: Digital information that is increasingly driven by artificial intelligence is becoming a source of inspiration for supply chains that implement a highly functional service system.
A good benefit for the environment too Data provides the infrastructure for intelligent supply chains and the cooperation between human and machine in this system. These infrastructures are intelligent if they meet customer requirements and achieve environmental objectives. After all, they are becoming more and more limited. Logistics that avoids unnecessary traffic movements and enables intelligent forms of collaboration in global manufacturing and delivery processes plays a major role in protecting the world from damaging environmental influences. And this role is increasingly intended for you as a service provider for the industry and retail sector. n
Improve your logistics networking at timocom.co.uk
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
19
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:33 Page 20
V OICE technology
Opinion
How Honeywell Voice Solutions are bridging the gap between technology and the mobile worker By Darrel Williams, sales director, Europe, Honeywell Voice Solutions.
November 2018). Honeywell has a
between aisles and to the shipping dock.
collaborating relationship with Fetch Robotics to
Another use case can be robotic pick to cart, in
provide distribution centres with autonomous
which, the bot does the moving, and the human
mobile robots to help them more effectively
simultaneously picks and places multiple
fulfill growing e-commerce orders.
orders into totes on the cart. Finally, there are goods-to-person scenarios where the robots
Darrel Williams: “We seek to understand problems from a holistic perspective and how voice can integrate with technologies to improve operations, and the worker experience, to help companies find the best solution to meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s consumer.”
Fetch Robotics offers a range of AMRs that use
deliver goods to and from people that stay in
a combination of LiDAR and 3D cameras –
one place. We believe that warehouse workers
similar to self-driving car technology – to
will be supplemented, not replaced, by robots.
navigate unpredictable warehouse environments safely and accurately. In the
The initiative enables Honeywell Voice to show
event of an obstacle, these robots can adjust
how voice-guided technology and robotics
routes in real time, unlike automated guided
work together in a high-velocity picking
vehicle systems (AGVs), which depend on
environment which is beyond the traditional
preprogrammed, fixed paths. This enables the
way of thinking about Voice. Customers can
AMRs to take on repetitive warehousing tasks
boost labour efficiency by deploying Fetch
he Honeywell Voice business has
T
that may otherwise require significant travel
Robotics’ AMRs, which operate safely
always been about empowering
time between locations and transporting heavy
alongside people to transport items through
the human worker to work more
loads.
distribution centres without human guidance or
efficiently and more productively with the other IT systems in a
fixed paths. Rather than getting one-point AMRs are primarily collaborative robots that
solution from one vendor, we provide the
warehouse, bridging the gap between
support, not replace, people. At Honeywell
holistic solution of combining the technologies.
machines and IT systems and the actual
Voice we have undertaken proof of concepts to
physical work that needs to get done.
call the robot, and to send the robot. We have combined with AMRs in the order picking
Assisted, augmented reality and convergence of voice technologies
We seek to understand problems from a holistic
process, in which the robot follows a person as
Warehouse operations are beginning to
perspective and how voice can integrate with
they case pick, then autonomously navigates
investigate the potential productivity
technologies to improve operations, and the worker experience, to help companies find the best solution to meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s consumer. Let’s take a closer look as some existing and emerging technologies and how they interact with Honeywell Voice.
Next-generation Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) AMRs are transforming warehouse operations, as these truly become more autonomous and intelligent. Gartner estimates that by 2023, over 30% of operational warehouse workers will be supplemented, not replaced, by collaborative robots (Source: Gartner, Predicts 2019: Future of Supply Chain Operations, C. Klappich, Rick Franzosa, Christian Titze, et al., Published 29
20
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:33 Page 21
Opinion
V OICE technology
At Honeywell, we see voice and assisted reality, augmented reality as complementary technologies. For example, in the distribution centre, you can use the augmented reality to light up a pick location in the glasses. Voice directs you to the location area and tells you how many to pick. Now, a virtual rendering of the cart can be displayed in the user’s field of vision with where to put items highlighted visually. This enhances productivity and allows for more flexibility, such as being able to dynamically define the cart at the point of use. This will take AR down a more valuable path, which will drive growth in adoption. improvements with technologies like
still in its early stages with many projects
Workflows such as packing can be enhanced
augmented and virtual reality. Gartner
remaining in the prototype stage. Initially,
having one device that supports voice
estimates that by 2023, 20% of warehouse
smartglasses were simply used to replace what
interactions, scanning, and image and video
transactions will be processed via augmented
was currently being done on mobile handhelds
capture. In a packing scenario, voice directives
reality (Source: Gartner, Predicts 2019: Future
and, in some cases, added some voice
using smart glasses could be combined with
of Supply Chain Operations, C. Klappich, Rick
technology. Task and navigation instructions
image capture with the glasses to take digital
Franzosa, Christian Titze, et al., Published 29
would be given visually or verbally, and then
images that prove a package was packed
November 2018).
user responses would be provided either
correctly and was damage free. n
verbally or through supplemental mobile Augmented reality (AR), using smartglasses, is
technology like ring scanners.
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:33 Page 22
V OICE technology
Opinion
How Voice Automation and Analytics Deliver a Seamless Holiday Shopping Experience By Keith Phillips, president and CEO of Voxware, Inc.
very other year, Voxware conducts
E
a holiday shopping and shipping consumer survey. In 2018, we learned that 83% of consumers intended to purchase more gifts in
2018 than they did the previous year. And according to final numbers from the 2019 holiday shopping season, consumers opened their wallets early and often and spent big, totaling more than $701.1B according to NRF (National Retail Federation). That’s great news for retailers! But what does it mean for distribution centers that are responsible for ensuring fulfillment in a timely
processes will struggle to meet demand for
market, that can mean a huge difference in
manner?
fast, on-time, and accurate delivery.
your bottom-line profit.
Fortunately, companies like Voxware empower
Is Hiring More People the Best Answer?
distribution operations to exceed accuracy and
One of the most common ways retailers
efficiency demands across all warehouse
Shopping is Complete. Now It’s Time to Ship to the Consumer
prepare for the holiday shopping onslaught is
functions with Voxware VMS and VoxPilot
While retailers must be thrilled with spending on
by hiring seasonal workers. Historically, this
analytics software.
the rise, they need to be aware of the next
has been an easy solution. However, with a
stage in the customer journey: Shipping. Just
tight labor market, finding skilled workers for
Here are two ways that Voxware helps support
to add a little more pressure to retailers during
seasonal shifts is like trying to find the hottest
retailers and their seasonal hiring dilemmas:
the busy season, 87% of consumers in our
toy for your children. Still, we’ve seen data that
survey reported having higher expectations for
Target, Kohl’s and Macy’s expect to hire in
Reduce Training Time from Weeks to Days
correct and on-time delivery for items
huge numbers. UPS is planning to add
to Hours: DC technologies that are easy to
purchased online during the holiday shopping
100,000 non-permanent positions, while many
scale have one thing in common: they’re also
season than they do any other time during the
other retailers will shift seasonal hiring to
easy to train. While some retailers hire early
year.
transportation and warehousing positions.
with the expectation of spending time training,
Technology Provides an Answer
enables new hires to start working within days.
How do consumers define on-time delivery?
Throwing people at the problem may not work.
With natural language independent voice
Our survey revealed that 48% of consumers
Forward-thinking retailers who have invested in
recognition advancements on the horizon, this
now expect packages to arrive within 2 days
technology solutions have a leg up on their
training could be cut down to just hours.
using standard shipping. Another 31% expect
Voxware Voice Management Solution (VMS)
competition when it comes to evaluating needs
packages in 3-4 days. Only four percent of
for seasonal hires. By choosing scalable
Use A Crystal Ball to see what’s Coming
consumers have the patience to wait a week for
technologies to meet seasonal surges in
Before You Hire: VoxPilot analytics allows
their packages to arrive. Call it the Amazon
demand and by using predictive modeling
hiring managers to pull data on pick rates and
effect if you will, but consumers have spoken.
tools to better understand the impact on overall
combine it with data on sales projections to see
throughput, these companies can dominate the
the likely throughput. To test the outcome of
That’s fast turnaround to fulfill an order to meet
holiday shopping season.
hiring more or fewer item selectors, managers
customer demands for 2-days shipping.
can run models to see whether they will be able
Rather than risk turning away customers with
to meet anticipated demand. In this tight labor
increased shipping rates, smart retailers should
Companies that continue to rely on outdated
22
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 23
V OICE technology
Opinion
instead implement supply chain technology to reduce their costs of offering fast and free shipping.
Automate, Automate, Automate By replacing outdated processes (yes, some retailers still rely on paper-based methodologies) with voice automation technology, companies can help recoup fulfillment costs by increasing speed and accuracy for all functions in their distribution operations. Traditionally voice technology was implemented at the picking process with fast ROI. However, through the years, Voxware more than three quarters (78%) indicated they
see an efficiency improvement of at least
The Customer Experience Doesn’t End at Checkout – Returns Process Plays a Critical Role
30%, which helps increase fulfillment speed.
Retailers hoping for an easy start to the new year
forums.
Think of it as a cascade of benefits:
should understand that customers expect the
customers who deploy voice technology throughout the distribution process regularly
• When you do Receiving right, it sets up success for Put Away • If you do Put Away right, it sets up greater inventory accuracy at the Picking location • When you get Picking right, it reduces
media, customer review sites, or other public
same high level of service from the returns
Fortunately, companies that want to reduce
process that they expect from the purchasing
incorrect deliveries and improve both inbound
process. In fact, the biennial survey found that
and outbound logistics can turn to trusted
95% of consumers say how well retailers handle
technology partners like Voxware. Voxware
returns influences their decision to order from
empowers distribution operations to exceed
them again.
accuracy and efficiency demands across all
errors and worker interruptions and sets up success for Packing / Loading
would share their negative experiences on social
warehouse functions with its multimodal voice As part of the decision-making process,
automation technology. With consumer demands
consumers expect to have the freedom to
rising daily, the stakes are too high for
customer gets the right package the first
choose how they return products. 88% surveyed
organizations to sit idle. Those who do will be
time, on time, and you win customer loyalty
prefer the option to return products to a physical
tomorrow’s headlines. n
and brand reputation.
store or through a pre-paid shipping method.
• If you get Packing and Loading right, your
Work Smarter, Not Harder
The most obvious way that retailers can reduce
Additionally, companies can also reduce
the number of returns they process is by
costs by implementing analytics into their
shipping the correct item the first time.
distribution operations. Voxware VoxPilot
Unfortunately, our survey found that many
analytics can help retailers reduce shipping
companies still struggle to get the correct item to
costs by pulling real-time data from multiple
a customer on the first or even the second
sources into a single platform. For example,
attempt. 30% of our survey respondents have
armed with a complete picture of the supply
returned an item purchased online due to some
chain, managers can decide to reroute orders
sort of retailer error. Even worse, 40% of
to leave from a distribution center closer to
respondents reported receiving an incorrect item
the customer’s home, thereby reducing
after returning the first incorrect item.
shipping costs. The results of the survey are clear. Smart Companies that continue to rely on outdated
retailers will recognize both a need to reduce
processes will struggle to meet demand for
returns with more accurate outbound distribution
fast, on-time, and accurate delivery. As
operations as well as an opportunity to reduce
consumer-spending levels continue to
the negative impact on both the bottom line and
increase, companies that invest in technology
brand reputation. Not only did one third (37.7%)
to optimize their operations will see benefits
of customers indicate that they expect
during the holidays and beyond.
compensation for late or incorrect deliveries, but
www.logisticsit.com
Shoppers to Retailers: How To Make Our Holidays Happy in 2018 Retailers better be prepared for online shopping orders!
where?
when? 45%
will complete half or more of their online shopping on Black Friday
40%
said more than half of their online shopping will be on Cyber Monday
57%
plan to purchase half or more of their gifts from Amazon.com
how much? intend to purchase more gifts than last year
83%
Consumers expect correct and on-time delivery during the holidays! 87% have higher
72% will abandon the retailer online if package does not arrive within 2 days of promised delivery date
expectations for accurate, on-time deliveries during the holidays than any other time
Meet expectations…
… or lose a customer.
48% expect to receive purchases within 2 days using standard shipping
26% will abandon the retailer altogether if they receive a single incorrect item due to retailer error
Consumers want to be heard! Protect your brand!
78%
Rate youre: experienc
of consumers will share their negative shopping experiences online
Voxware, a leading provider of cloud-based voice and analytic supply chain solutions, polled 500 consumers about their holiday shopping habits and expectations in the biennial Voxware Holiday Survey.
www.voxware.com
info@voxware.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
23
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 24
V OICE technology
Insight
Voice-directed warehousing solutions market driven by automation in systems ncreased security and real-time business
I
intelligence are among the major factors driving the growth of the voice-directed warehousing solutions market, according to a report on the voice-directed warehousing
solutions market by Persistence Market Research. Moreover, voice-directed warehousing solutions for improvements in the business operations of warehouses and distribution centres is also creating potential growth opportunities for the voice-directed warehousing solutions market. The voice-directed warehousing solutions market is driven by automation in systems. These programmed systems guide the replenishment of stores, order-fulfilment, packing & loading, put-away of goods, and simple to complex order
tracking, logistics & transport, and others. The
throughout their supply chain are also creating
picking workflows. Since these systems allow the
global voice-directed warehousing solutions
potential growth opportunities for the growth of
automation of a wide range of mobile tasks and
market is expected to gain a total incremental
voice-directed warehousing solutions market.
workflows, they help handle exceptions, such as
opportunity of US$ 1,703.3 million during the
the shortage of goods, as well as increase the
forecast period of 2018 to 2026.
High growth
capabilities of voice technology. Due to these
The voice-directed warehousing solutions
factors, the voice-directed warehousing solutions
Moreover, the rapid adoption of voice-directed
markets in South Asia and East Asia are
market is growing at a rapid pace.
warehousing solutions in the retail industry to
estimated to witness high growth with a
reduce training time, increase customer
significant CAGR during the forecast period due
Voice-directed warehousing solutions help
satisfaction, and high return on investment are
to rising digitalisation and the increasing
warehouse holders increase the security of their
among factors that are significantly boosting the
penetration of smart devices in the countries of
staff and improve the handling of orders.
retail industry in the voice-directed warehousing
the region such as India, China, and Japan.
Moreover, voice-directed warehousing solutions
market. Furthermore, the rising adoption of
Moreover, the growing adoption of cutting-edge
provide real-time communication to experts in
voice-directed warehousing solutions in various
technologies is creating significant growth
case of any problems faced in understanding
industries, which include electrical & electronics,
opportunities for the voice-directed warehousing
the system, real-time visibility for throughput, and
food & beverages, e-commerce, and transport &
solutions market. In addition, a continuous
aid in decision-making while fulfilling an order.
logistics to enhance customer satisfaction and
increase in the number of companies providing
Therefore, the need for voice-directed
expand productivity are propelling the growth of
voice-directed warehousing solutions in the
warehousing solutions is increasing rapidly in the
the voice-directed warehousing solutions market.
countries of East and South Asia is expected to
retail sector to achieve high accuracy, efficiency,
positively influence the growth of the voice-
and productivity. These factors are expected to
On the basis of region, Europe and North
directed warehousing solutions market during
boost the voice-directed warehousing solutions
America are among the largest markets in the
the forecast period.
market during the forecast period.
global voice-directed warehousing solutions market owing to the early adoption of advanced
Voice-directed warehousing solutions providers
Substantial opportunity
technologies pertaining to voice-directed
are focusing on providing advanced products as
According to Study, the global voice-directed
warehousing solutions and the presence of
well as on entering into partnerships and
warehousing solutions market report has been
various key players in these regions.
collaborations with augmented reality and virtual
segmented by component, industry, technology
Furthermore, rapid increase in E-commerce
reality solution providers to offer advanced
and region. The industry segment is further
sales and the adoption of voice-directed
voice-directed warehousing solutions. This is
segmented into electrical & electronics, food &
warehousing solutions by various organisations
expected to enable them to reach new growth
beverages, pharmaceutical, e-commerce, retail,
to drive productivity and increase efficiency
markets in the next few years. n
24
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 25
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 26
V OICE technology
Opinion
How voice is revolutionising automobile logistics By Tim Just, CEO, EPS (Ehrhardt + Partner Solutions). ust-in-sequence picking, just-in-time
J
time spent on an assembly step and optimising
delivery: The automotive industry is a
the workflow. The principle of just-in-sequence is
high-performance sector with
gaining increasing importance in the high-
correspondingly high requirements –
performance automotive sector in particular. The
also when it comes to intralogistics.
efficiency of the sequencing process, which is
The practical strategy for mastering complex
extremely complex on account of the
tasks within production is to combine automated
multifaceted production and large series, can be
and manual processes. Yet this represents a
boosted considerably with Pick by Voice. The
major challenge in times when qualified experts
reason for this: Pick by Voice has become
are ever harder to find. The required manpower
established as a technology in diverse sectors,
can be used extremely efficiently with voice-
where it reliably provides high-quality results –
controlled applications. In order picking, Pick by
perfect for fulfilling the strict requirements in
Voice solutions are already helping to maximise
automobile logistics. The employee’s potential is
efficiency, safety and ergonomics. Further
utilised to the best possible extent with voice
opportunities are also available in the area of
applications. It has been revealed in practice
quality inspection – though many companies
that voice users significantly accelerate their
modern assembly processes. Increased picking
have not yet tapped into this potential. Voice is a
processes and clearly increase their process
accuracy can be attained here with voice.
pioneering technology, which can accompany
quality.
and support pickers, test inspectors and fitters in
Pick by Voice accompanies pickers step by step through the sequencing process, specifying the
applications have nowhere near been utilised to
High-precision material flow with Pick by Voice
their full extent.
The application options for Pick by Voice in
Being able to pick the right part from thousands
intralogistics processes accompanying
of other parts would not only be much more time
The automotive industry has a high level of
production are diverse: Voice is used in the
consuming but also more prone to error with a
automation in standardised processes. Yet tasks
entire supply chain from delivery through to
paper-based picking list or solely with an MDE
with a high degree of complexity – as frequently
assembly. For instance, voice can assist the
device. However, voice-controlled processes
the case in the multifaceted production
recording of article data with barcode scanners
enable a considerable increase in efficiency as
processes of the automotive industry – call for
at incoming goods. A key application of Pick by
well as process reliability and quality. Another
sophisticated cognitive skills in people. This is
Voice in the automotive sector involves picking in
factor for success is the outstanding
because humans are superior to automated
goods baskets for the assembly line. Voice
ergonomics: Order pickers can keep both hands
systems when it comes to flexibility, the ability to
ideally supports the principle of just-in-sequence.
free, allowing them to handle heavy and bulky
improvise and problem-solving competence.
Larger parts such as tailgates are sequenced
parts such as engine blocks easily. Thanks to
The assembly procedure is confronted with
backwards – the parts required last having been
ergonomic hardware, such as a mobile voice
several challenges: To prevent long goods
loaded first. That means the components to be
computer or an ergonomic voice vest,
retention and resultant warehousing costs, the
used first are located on top, which creates a
employees can focus fully on their core task by
material flow needs to be coordinated optimally
significant time advantage in the assembly. It
following the hands-free/eyes-free concept. The
to the production processes. The individual parts
should be noted that the sequencing processes
higher concentration ensures greater safety at
or assemblies are to be delivered to the
of various products differ and so the voice
the workplace along with significantly improved
assembly line just-in-time, in other words with
solution needs to be correspondingly flexible. All
process quality.
time and quantity precision, which also leads to
the different sequencing options used in a
shorter throughput times.
manufacturing company must be mapped in the
The next higher level of complexity in this
voice software. It is therefore important to
Perspective quality control: more efficient processes with Check by Voice
principle of lean material flow is just-in-sequence.
coordinate closely with the user and take all
The use of voice-controlled processes is not only
This refers to the provision of components in the
individual requirements into consideration.
available to assembly. For instance, voice is set
correct assembly order, thereby minimising the
Sequential delivery is a key component of
to become a significant technology for quality
more and more steps – but whose potential
26
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
picking order and indicating optimised routes.
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 27
Opinion
control in future. Check by Voice allows
combination of voice and vision is also
inspectors to focus their attention entirely on the
conceivable in another application: In the
area to be tested, as they are not distracted or
sequencing process, a visual display of the
encumbered by a handheld display or
article to be picked as a supplement to voice
clipboard. Entering information by voice into the
could enable extra performance enhancement
device instead of writing them down means that
and further minimisation in process error rates.
V OICE technology
employees have 100% and not just 50% crucial in deciding whether a car is rejected or
Potential of voice applications in the automotive field
not. The hands-free concept gives inspectors full
Owing to a lack of experts, the number of
haptic control, allowing them to detect paint
workers who are able to carry out vehicle
damage and cracks better on the vehicle.
assembly single-handedly is noticeably
Outside the major production facilities, more and
declining. That means voice-controlled
more workshops are benefiting from this
processes will also play a future role in the
enhanced efficiency. In the area of maintenance
assembly itself. It is conceivable for a fitter to
and safety (for example TÜV), Check by Voice is
install parts in the car directly from the goods
used for quality testing. Test inspectors typically
basket with the aid of precise instructions via a
enter the observed defects by voice while
voice system. Voice could allow you to qualify an
assessing a customer’s vehicle.
employee for automobile assembly within a short
effective inspection time. A time gain that can be
time. This means companies can avoid capacity
Voice is set to become a significant
Check by Voice is a proven technology in quality
bottlenecks despite a lack of expert personnel.
management, which is set to be developed
In future, voice will become established as a
supported by voice. One thing seems certain:
further and optimised in future. Voice is
practical medium in a growing spectrum of
Voice-controlled processes are set to play an
increasingly being combined with vision for
applications. Human-machine interaction will
even greater role in optimising production,
instance – voice remaining the main channel,
become increasingly important. Besides quality
picking and test procedures in future. n
though selectively supported by visualisation. A
control, process control could also typically be
Intuitive and ergonomic Significant increase in efficiency
www.epg.com
Highest flexibility Maximum quality
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
27
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 28
V OICE technology
Opinion
Plain Speaking Voice is a powerful technology –but only when it is correctly deployed. Renovotec technical services director Lance Bennett provides some practical advice on Voice systems implementation and optimisation
Once installed a voice system can be used
workflows that have been identified as ideal
for any transaction that is hands-free; for
candidates for voice support, analysing and
example in the warehouse a voice terminal
optimising them in readiness for voice
can be used to manage forklift-enabled,
systems implementation.
hands-free pallet movements, freeing up space in the cab and obviating the need for
We frequently recommend running a voice
drivers to look at in-cab computers.
systems trial to ‘prove the benefits’.
But while voice has many uses its
As voice is sometimes accompanied by
technology is not ideal for large data
major changes in working practices it is best
collection or non-numeric data handling.
to avoid a ‘big bang’ approach in favour of
Care should be taken to understand what
(say) team-by-team voice adoption. This
your voice inputs are to ensure they don’t
enables staff to participate in identifying any
slow down the process.
minor adoption difficulties and help address them – all of which eases the transition from
V
Be prepared
old to new, and the introduction of improved
oice is not a panacea, but
Getting the best out of a voice system
methods.
where it is the right solution for
requires careful preparation. After all this is
the job it can produce dramatic
no common or garden scanning system;
There are basically three ways to install a voice
improvements in performance
voice is far more sophisticated. Voice
system. One approach is to implement a point
and accuracy. Increases in
systems are complex solutions that can
solution onto the client company’s WMS,
worker productivity of up to 35% and a
easily fail if badly implemented. A
usually via a direct connector to the warehouse
reduction in picking errors to near-zero are
consultative approach is essential, in which
management system. Beware however that
common, with rapid payback as a result.
the supplier and their client focus on the
direct connection can result in a more rigid
Where is a voice solution best deployed? Simply put, wherever its users benefit from working hands-free. A good example is high volume, small item picking (for example in an Internet sales fulfilment operation) where a voice-driven, hands-free system can deliver a significant increase in performance with optimum accuracy, reducing costly processing time. Voice is also beneficial in lower volume environments where accuracy is essential such as the maintenance and inspection of high value assets (think aircraft, industrial plant equipment) and for complex component picking such as automotive assembly kits where there can be no room for error.
28
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 15:52 Page 29
Opinion
V OICE technology
Middleware - the third option for voice
Voice has an exciting future, not only for the
implementation – requires data integration
consumer but also for supply chain drivers
between the host and the middleware. This
such as robotics. It is a sophisticated and
solution normally gives far greater control
powerful technology that always rewards a
and flexibility of workflow design and
respectful adopter. n
optimisation (without requiring changes to the host system/WMS). However, care should be taken to ensure that the chosen middleware does not restrict the functionality implementation and a poorly matched
of the WMS by poorly duplicating functions
workflow, depending on the WMS. Direct
or data.
Voice-WMS integration can be a very good option when the WMS has open APIs that
Here an independent advisor can support
enable tailored voice workflows to be designed
the user by selecting and deploying the right
that reflect the optimum process flows.
solution for their operation.
Another approach is via screen-scraping,
Too often a voice system is implemented as
maybe used when an organisation’s WMS is
a static solution and left to operate as it was
remotely hosted and lacks voice or
installed, year after year – even though the
integration facilities. While it is viable, any
business is continually changing. Once
screen scraping application will be restricted
installed, keep your voice system optimised
by the data that is presented by the
with an annual process review in line with
underlying data screens.
business and process changes.
A case in point: VOICE PICKING TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION AT AO.COM Following a trial at online-only retailer AO.com, Renovotec’s voice-picking project has now gone live across the company’s extensive UK logistics operation, where 120 voice-picking devices are being used. AO.com specialises in household appliances and electricals: conservative cost-benefit analysis shows that the new voice technology will achieve payback “well within a year� say Renovotec. The new voice-driven solution updates AO.com’s approach and ensures that the right goods are picked and loaded in the right sequence, delivering higher levels of speed, accuracy and performance.
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
29
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 30
V OICE technology
Success story
In the warehouse efficiency fast lane The Augustin Group, a specialist automotive spare parts supplier to wholesalers and garage workshops, has worked closely with Zetes to transform productivity, accuracy and inventory visibility at its warehouse facilities in Germany.
n order to maximise parts availability for
their capacity in 2017. At that time most
and we felt that Zetes understood us very
its European wide customer base it has
activities in this area were still paper-based.
well.”
invested in modernising critical
Delivery slips were checked off item by item,
warehouse processes using Zetes’
parts were put into inventory without a
Short training
logistics execution solution ZetesMedea.
I
scanner, and order pickers worked with
After just five months, ZetesMedea was rolled
Managing more than 40,000 line items, it has
printed order sheets. Using this system, six
out at the Augustin Group. As part of this
streamlined every critical warehouse process,
employees in goods receiving had to process
process, the warehouse employees were
from goods receiving through to order picking
five to ten trucks every day, while up to twelve
equipped with handheld terminals and mobile
and final dispatch to its customers.
order pickers had to handle 700 to 800
printers from Zebra. Now the displays of the
orders. Even then it was evident that this
handheld terminals guide the users step by
Researching for spare parts for older vehicles
figure would rise to as much as 1500 orders
step through each process, which can be
can quickly become along and fruitless
per day in the coming years.
selected and started using the touch-sensitive
journey. Most manufacturers discontinue
screen. The ZetesMedea menu navigation is
normal supply of stub axles, shock absorbers,
In light of this, Augustin decided in 2017 to
very intuitive, so even new employees can
exterior mirrors, etc. around 15 years after the
introduce a Warehouse Execution System
learn to use it quickly and be deployed in the
end of production of a specific model. In this
(WES) intended to exchange order and
warehouse with very limited training.
field, the Augustin Group has established a
inventory data with their in-house ERP system
position as a leading supplier for customers
and to control and digitalise all processes
In goods receiving, one barcode on the
of the Fiat Chrysler Group. The owner-
between goods receiving and dispatching.
delivery slip or the pallet is scanned so that
operated company with headquarters in
After a detailed market analysis and various
ZetesMedea can send the input data to the
Handewitt near the German-Danish border
meetings with potential vendors, they opted
merchandising system. There the barcode is
can supply approximately 400,000 parts for
for they opted for ZetesMedea, a logistics
linked to an existing order and fed back to
current and vintage passenger cars and utility
execution solution to enhance warehouse
ZetesMedea.
vehicles.
operations.
Matching warehouse locations and items Rapid growth
“Zetes was the only vendor that was able and
With a large number of identical items, only
The company has grown very quickly as a
willing to address our individual requirements
the outer packages are labelled and then
result of the e-commerce boom and the
and processes,” explains IT specialist Marc
transported to one of the warehouse locations
expansion of Fiat Chrysler. Sales have risen
Berlau, who was very impressed by the
proposed by ZetesMedea. “All processes in
by 30% per year in the last two years alone,
cooperation with Zetes during the planning
goods receiving could be mapped in
pushing logistics processes to the limits of
phase. “Only a few meetings were necessary,
ZetesMedea, resulting in a 300% increase in productivity,” says Weger. ZetesMedea also supports the transfer of items from goods receiving to the warehouse location. After the item barcode is scanned, the program proposes a warehouse location, which the employee usually accepts and confirms by scanning the barcode at the shelf location. “If necessary, the merchandise can also be taken to another unoccupied warehouse location, which of course also has
30
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 31
Success story
V OICE technology
to be scanned”, explains Berlau. By matching warehouse locations with items, users always know which items are present at which location and how many there are.
SOS for colleague assistance There is also a distinction in the next step between processing a single order or processing multiple orders in parallel (multiorder picking). The closer it gets to the departure time, the more often order pickers are guided to process a single order to
seamlessly documented procedure, the error
improvements. “In the past, wall-to-wall
ensure that it will be ready on time. “Here as
rate in order picking is virtually zero”,
counting kept 50 employees busy for an
well, ZetesMedea offers us maximum
emphasizes Weger. This makes it possible to
entire day, and sometimes there were
flexibility with the selection options”,
dispense with an additional check scan at the
miscounts during the back-and forth
emphasises Berlau. Further flexibility is
packing station. In the past, the pick and
registration of the 40,000 or so items,
provided by the SOS button, here pickers can
pack lists had to be checked off again by the
resulting in inventory errors”, according to
press this button directly on their handheld
employee concerned. “Eliminating the check
Berlau. With ZetesMedea they were able to
terminal to ask for help from their colleagues
at the packing station gives us enormous time
change to permanent cycle counting. In
when a deadline is at risk.
savings”, summarises Berlau.
conclusion, using ZetesMedea the Augustin
Although the SOS button is rarely used, it
Group has digitalised all processes between
helps to ensure delivery quality. Thanks to
Integrated inventory
good receiving and goods dispatching,
ZetesMedea, on time fulfilment is already at a
Changing the inventory checking procedure
making them significantly more productive,
high level. “With the clearly structured and
yielded further savings and quality
transparent and reliable. n
Empowering your supply chain Enabling agile, scalable warehouse efficiency to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. - ZetesMedea
www.zetes.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 32
V OICE technology
Success story
Voice for Picking & More at NBG Home BG Home provides a wide
N
range of quality, on-trend home decor and accessories, lighting, wall décor, soft home goods and more, delivering
affordable home furnishings to customers worldwide with over 1500 employees in five global management offices and multiple distribution centers. One of the largest home décor manufacturing and importers in the world, NBG Home prides itself on unparalleled quality, style and highly efficient distribution. The phenomenal rise of the eCommerce portion of the business, in conjunction with acquisitions to the family of brands for NBG Home, has helped drive the need to embrace new omnichannel technology for operations.
Double Digit Productivity Improvements
workers are in such high demand. “The definition
Streamlining the Process with Voice
Motorola scanners with voice are now deployed
of a ‘long timer’ has changed,” says Napper, “it’s
Dwayne Napper, Director of Distribution for
every step of the way from picking, inventory,
much shorter than I’ve ever seen.” He continues,
NBG Home, brings a strong WMS systems
stock movement, directed put-a-way, stock
“Voice has helped us with training for the
background and expertise in operations
change and receiving. Adding voice smoothed
workforce, especially in the eCommerce area.
optimization, led the implementation of the
the transition to the new warehousing application
We have programmed the processes with voice
Sage Advanced Warehousing application. “I
and provided double digit improvements in
to remove as many extraneous steps as
was familiar with voice technology and initially
productivity for many processes. This continues
possible, which helps new people ramp up to
looked at voice to bridge the gap and
to be an important part of optimizing operations
rate faster.”
streamline the process of moving to the new
as the business has shifted to a larger portion of
system”, says Napper. “We wanted a solution
eCommerce sales and more retailers are looking
Deploying voice was also smoother than
that did not require a server and could be
to NBG Home to hold the inventory and deliver it
anticipated. “I was pleasantly surprised,” says
deployed incrementally within the DC.
directly to the consumer. Order volume has
Keith Bigger, Inventory/QC Manager, NBG
Avoiding server-based technology that could
increased, as well as order frequency, and voice
Home, “I thought there was going to be more
be a single-point-of-failure was very important
automation has helped ensure picking for
pushback from our associates, but the team
to us,” adds Napper. The AccuSpeechMobile
eCommerce is optimized.
was very open to the solution and embraced
voice solution does not require a server, so
using it.”
deploying it on mobile scanners was ideal for
Voice Helps with Personnel Turnover
the project.
The operational complexity has increased as
A Very Positive Experience
business from major retailers has shifted to
“Voice is very much a product that can help
Workflow Automation
smaller batches with LTL or parcel shipping.
you,” says Napper. “First, you have to know your
Automating workflows was another important
Handling the increased volume and complexity
business and the challenges you face, the
benefit. “We liked the fact that we could
with the same personnel has been a business
cultural diversity of the people that work for you
program it, and we could take steps out of the
requirement. In this competitive market
and the surrounding workforce. Once you know
process,” comments Napper. “From an
executing last mile delivery efficiently is critical.
the environment and challenges, you can
operator standpoint, streamlining a ten-step
Another area where voice automation for DC
choose how to use voice to alleviate as many of
process into a two-step process is a big win
processes has brought benefits for NBG Home
these challenges as possible, the key is knowing
for us, which improves productivity and
is with the transient workforce. Workforce staffing
your people and your systems, and what you
accuracy as well,” he adds.
has been a challenge in this market where DC
need to make that work together. We generate
32
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 33
Success story
V OICE technology
thousands of transactions a week in our eCommerce business and it’s extremely rare to have a ship error,” says Napper; “AccuSpeechMobile’s voice solution was ideal for these processes.” Working with AccuSpeechMobile has been a very positive experience. “The best of any I’ve had with vendors,” says Napper. “They have always been there when we needed help,” adds Bigger. “The times when I had issues and communicated with AccuSpeechMobile, they were very responsive, very accommodating and did everything they could to help us out in times of need.”
Extensibility NBG Home has trained the in-house team with the AccuSpeechMobile voice solution and can add voice to any process that they feel would benefit from voice automation. All major workflows are automated with voice now, and in the future Napper envisions voice improving processes beyond the warehouse floor. “Processes that are repeatable and can benefit from streamlining and reducing manual entries, such as bill of lading creation, are under consideration for voice automation,” says Napper. “I’m always looking for the next thing out there,” Napper continues, “Voice has been a good fit for NBG Home, delivering benefits now and offering extensibility for the future.” n
Speech To Productivity Voice Automate Picking & Many More Work昀ows
Want Proof?
Ask about the AccuSpeechMobile Onsite Proof of Concept
SpeakToMe POC Give us a day and we’ll travel to your loca琀on and show you with your applica琀on. To learn more visit: www.accuspeechmobile.com/speak-to-me-poc info@accuspeechmobile.com
www.accuspeechmobile.com | 01.949.435.1001
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
33
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 34
V OICE technology
Opinion
The only constant is change By Alex Reneman, CEO, Mountain Leverage.
he logistics industry, like most, is
T
Mountain Leverage has certainly seemed to hit
constantly dealing with change.
the mark. As one customer with a medical
Driven by rising workforce costs,
voice application said, “I feel that the level of
changing regulation, and the
customer service Mountain Leverage provides
increasingly strict need for
goes above and beyond what a lot of other
accuracy, Warehousing operations are always
companies provide. It's nice to know that if I
searching for best practices in order to
have a question or issue with something, the
streamline, automate, and improve efficiency
support team at Mountain Leverage is always
while staying current with new industry norms
very quick to respond and help resolve things.
and emerging technologies.
Thank you for many years of your commitment to excellent customer service.”
Mountain Leverage, and our European division, Voice Beyond, have been at the
Emerging Applications
forefront of voice picking solutions for
As voice applications continue to diversify into
warehousing since the early 2000’s. Founded
new workflows, this type of customer feedback
within the mountains of West Virginia, the
is imperative to the company’s growing
company has grown to service customers
portfolio. Finding new applications in
around the world by applying traditional
Healthcare, Maintenance & Inspection, and
craftsmanship values to high technology
Voice Directed work, Mountain Leverage is
systems. Mountain Leverage has seen the
seeing an upward trend in expanding voice
consistency of change over the years.
operations. Previously uncharted workflows are continuously adopting voice technology to
Alex Reneman: “By being an active partner with our customers, staying informed of our market and constantly looking to the future, Mountain Leverage brings much more value than just the systems we deliver.”
Through our core concepts and value-based
streamline processes. A prime example is
business practices, Mountain Leverage has
found in food inspection as perishables, such
been on the cutting edge of voice
as fruits and vegetables, are being inspected
applications, becoming a leader in our field.
on the loading dock, increasing the overall
length of tenure is decreasing as the millennial
Investing in experienced and knowledgeable
efficiency of inbound loads while ensuring
workforce creates a stronghold in
employees who are willing to grow and
higher product quality and delivering real-time
manufacturing and logistics operations.
advance the field of voice-enabled solutions
information to buyers, stores, and suppliers
has allowed Mountain Leverage to develop a
alike.
This change in the workforce brings with it not
highly regarded, world-class customer experience.
only new bodies but a totally new approach to Other emerging voice workflows include
operations: systems must now be
semiconductor inspection and vehicle
multidisciplinary, allowing cross-trained
As founder and CEO, my primary function is
servicing applications. Real-time data capture
workers to easily learn and effectively operate
to establish and encourage an environment
and immediate reporting are becoming the
essential resources throughout the workplace.
conducive to growth within the company, its
norm, and the ability to gain advantages in
Fortunately, the generation currently entering
employees, partnerships, and field. Mountain
performance and accuracy demonstrated by
the workforce is well used to communicating
Leverage is a company of leaders, both in the
deploying voice inside the warehouse has
with computers using voice thanks to Siri,
industry and as individuals. Each person on
become a pivotal shift across the industry.
Alexa, Google, and other mainstream AI
the team takes ownership of how the
applications. New technology has allowed
company is presented and the entire
Workforce Challenges
voice systems to become free of the old
customer experience. By continuously
In addition to new and changing workflow
constraint of having to train a user’s voice to
seeking feedback from our customers,
demands, Mountain Leverage continues to see
the system before they could effectively deploy
employees, and the market at large, the best
fluctuation in its customers’ workforce. The cost
its capabilities. The best systems are now
outcomes can be identified and realized.
of labour is rising, regulation is increasing, and
“training optional” allowing new users to “pick it
34
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 Voice p20-35.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 35
Opinion
V OICE technology
up and go,” while still providing the capability
demand application for mobile systems
throughout the US. As a partner, Mountain
to train words, if needed, for complex
management.
Leverage has experienced first hand how
utterances or unusual accents.
growing up with immediate access to VoiceSupervisor, currently available free on the
information has allowed this generation to
Robotics- the next big thing in automation
iOS and Google Play app stores, allows all
become more active researchers and fast
Seeing the technological advances in today’s
users of Vocollect voice systems (regardless of
learners as new technology emerges.
manufacturing and warehousing operations
their original supplier) to access and manage
leaves one wondering what could be next. The
their voice system right from their mobile
It is inevitable that as new technology is
ability of upcoming generations to quickly
device. No longer does a supervisor have to
developed, the manufacturing, logistics, and
adapt to new tech makes it even more evident
walk back to the office and log into a dusty PC
warehousing operations around the world will
that robotics will most certainly be the next big
to monitor a user's dialog or assign a task to a
continue to adapt and grow according to the
thing in automation. However, unlike the
user; now, they can monitor, manage, and
demands of the consumer. In today’s society
futuristic conspiracy theories wherein humans
message workers directly from their phones.
of immediate gratification, the speed,
are replaced by robots, human capabilities will
efficiency, and accuracy with which we
most likely still be necessary to achieve the
Change is the one constant that can be relied
operate will continue to grow; being on the
highest outcomes in work.
upon throughout the industry but sometimes
front end by anticipating and preparing for that
it’s not just about reacting to change, it’s about
growth is where Mountain Leverage shines- by
Mountain Leverage has been building systems
creating it. Mountain Leverage and Voice
being an active partner with our customers,
with the capability to combine voice direction
Beyond actively support and celebrate change
staying informed of our market and constantly
and robotic automation to ensure both human
in both tech and the new incoming workforce
looking to the future, Mountain Leverage brings
and artificial resources are performing at peak
as a community partner with New Force West
much more value than just the systems we
levels. The merging of voice and robotics with
Virginia. This program, located in the coal
deliver.
today’s requirement for immediate access has
fields of Southern West Virginia, provides
resulted in Mountain Leverage continuing to
software development training and
grow with the market by building an on-
employment matching with tech companies
Make change, don’t fear it. n
Warehousing operations are always searching for best practices in order to streamline, automate and improve efficiency while staying current with new industry norms and emerging technologies.
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
35
MLIT Oct'19 WMS p36-41.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 36
Warehouse Management
n
Systems
Automation – future-proofing your business with a WMS Over the next two years, 66% of organisations expect supply chains to become increasingly complex, not least in response to growing consumer concerns, according to Automation in Intralogistics research undertaken by Sapio Research, on behalf of Jungheinrich UK.
For those planning to implement automation, semi-automation, or indeed optimise their manual processes, one of the most important products to have in place is a robust Warehouse Management System (WMS). Why? Because businesses need to be able to manage existing core logistics
Steve Richmond, director-logistics systems, Jungheinrich UK
processes, along with future proofing business software platforms so that as the company expands, it can respond to change and add automation such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), other types of automation or more complex customer-driven picking strategies. Additionally, recent innovations within the warehouse have seen an increased demand for voice technology and wearable devices. To ensure that businesses are able to introduce the latest technology they must be able to expand the capabilities of their legacy WMS.
Flexibility The initial design and specification of the WMS will determine how flexible a facility will be going forward. For example, if you currently operate a manual warehouse and employ conventional order picking technology, could your WMS adapt if you were suddenly faced with an upsurge of online orders, which brought about a dramatic shift in your typical order profile, such as during peak sales periods like Black Friday or Christmas? Order processing profiles and picking requirements may change significantly. For example, a facility may suddenly be required to shift from a bulk or unit load-based operation by a customer-driven need to fulfil single item picks at a much higher frequency.
A
utomation will play a key role in enabling organisations to meet the evolving intralogistics complexity and it is firmly on the UK business agenda: within two years, the majority of organisations plan to have automated at least 50% of supply chain operations. Additionally, as organisations embrace 24x7 warehousing in response to customer led demands for unprecedented levels of immediacy, visibility and sustainability, intralogistics operations are increasingly taking centre stage. With automation now a focus for many businesses as they aim to drive productivity, increase efficiency, improve accuracy and reduce costs, Steve Richmond, director logistics systems at Jungheinrich UK, looks at the role of the Warehouse Management System (WMS) in today’s supply chain and why it has to be able to adapt to the evolving needs of a business. 36
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 WMS p36-41.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 37
Warehouse Management
n
Systems
Jungheinrich’s WMS is designed in such a way that it is highly configurable to the needs of each user. In its standard form, the WMS supports an extensive variety of functions as well as centralised master data management. It controls and optimises a range of processes such as incoming and outgoing goods management and order picking.
But what if the WMS couldn’t accommodate
4. Investigate fully Enterprise Resource
this change?
Planning (ERP) systems that boast extensive WMS functionality – in some cases, the WMS can be limited. 5. Ensure that your WMS allows for semi- or fully automated materials handling systems to be introduced in the future.
Within a temperature controlled facility the job of the WMS is, arguably, even more crucial. If, for instance, personnel time within the storage unit is restricted because of the temperature, it is doubly important to make sure workers are as productive as possible. And, with many temperature-controlled sites using multi-depth storage systems, it is essential to choose a WMS that has the functionality to recognise and support such methods.
5 key points For those charged with selecting a ‘future proof’ WMS, here are 5 key points to consider:
Process optimisation More and more businesses are optimising their processes and looking at more flexible solutions so that they can remain competitive. What Jungheinrich is seeing is pre-existing WMS systems working hard to ensure that the functions they provide are scalable and able to work with the latest technology.
The software supports the complete transparency of all processes through its extensive reporting features and analysis options. It can be linked to numerous system environments using standard interfaces and can be redesigned to fit with existing systems. The system also offers a series of special functions and extensions for complex logistics processes or automated warehouse facilities. For instance, route management, hazardous substance storage, multi-client capability and material flow modules can be simply added as required. To meet the ever-evolving environment, the Jungheinrich WMS also undergoes constant development, ensuring it continues to convert incremental gains into significant increases in productivity. Additionally, more than 450 input dialogues are individually configured to administer and manage all internal material flows in the warehouse, ensuring sustainable, scalable and efficient processes regardless of size or industry. It leads users through the work processes and required inputs in a stepby-step manner and ensures a seamless, end-to-end intralogistics operation. n
1. Recognise where the system’s boundaries are – and ensure that they are flexible enough to move with your demands. If you do not have flexibility in your WMS, your ability to adapt your business model is very limited and your chances of moving with the changing demands of your business will be greatly diminished. 2. Select robust software that has an established track record – rather than a system that has been developed uniquely for your use. 3. Try to choose a suite that is feature rich – you may not need many of the built-in functions now but it is reassuring to know that they are there and can be switched on in the future should you require them.
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
37
MLIT Oct'19 WMS p36-41.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 38
Warehouse Management
n
Insight
A few hacks to increase warehouse distribution efficiency By Vikash Kumar Chaudhary, senior SEO Executive, Tatvasoft.
O
perations are the heart of any business and the warehouse industry is no exception. Below are some tips to help you to optimise your existing facility
containers to increased reliability and sharing of information and greater flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions of customer specifications, lean brings about a sea change in the warehouse mindset.
the product might be needed next. In case, if something cannot be tracked or recorded in the transaction, just ensure that the transaction is eliminated right away and placed on a list of movements to fix.
and achieve higher throughput. In addition to this, try recording data that can increase productivity and accuracy, and lower labour costs. Capture real-time information using bar codes and radio frequency identification tags can get products off the dock quickly and reduce human issues typically caused by manual receiving, such as counting and data errors, from the tracking process. Also, automating data collection allows managers to change product locations based on order consistency and picking difficulty.
3. Prioritise fast 1. Keeping things organised One of the common reasons for poor efficiency is having a poorly organised warehouse. That’s why it is extremely important to have a thoroughly thought-out floor plan so that your employees, as well as customers, can navigate with ease. In visual terms, products and packages should be accessed by people without getting into each other’s way or stepping on each other’s toes. In addition to this, you can even think of labelling items clearly on the shelf, destination or point of origin, group packages by their contents. On and all, the layout should make sense to your employees, so they’ll be able to find the items they need without having to look at a spreadsheet.
2. Adopt lean operation practices If we recall way back from its historical roots, warehouses (known as storage for goods) seem to have evolved at a fanatic pace. With the increasingly globalized marketplace, highlevel inventory management, rapid receiving and shipping dock management, customers crave for nothing more than accurate, flexible pick and pack services. By considering lean warehouse operations, owners can strive for significant, long-term and sustainable benefits such as reduced handling time, reduction in loading/unloading times of trucks and 38
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
Another crucial aspect when organising your warehouse is keeping your priorities in mind. Every element you have chosen must favour your fastest -moving products. Let me reveal one of the deepest secrets of bestsellers. They don’t tend to sit on the shelf for very long. This means make sure your employees can easily retrieve them at all times. Gone are the days when professionals had to go back all the way to the back just to retrieve a product. Moving all the fast-selling products to the front of warehouses can save an adequate amount of time. Besides, they should be kept low to the ground and close to the loading dock. It’s all about focusing on moving better -performing products to the front while keeping the less popular products at the back. I would suggest going over your inventory and rating your products based on how often your employees need to retrieve them. It’s time to change.
4. Automate data collection By tracking and automating everything, you can make sure that everything is put away in the right spot, whether it’s a rack or shelving. Make sure that your professionals scan all the destination locations, put fast-moving items in areas that are easy to access and don't forget to assign the ones close to pick slots where
5. Using inventory management software Collecting data on the shipping containers, products moving in and out of your facility is a common practice in a warehouse. Hence saving time here become inevitable. Using an inventory management software can work wonders. Right from viewing how many products are present on the shelf to when shipments require to go out and when new shipments are due to arrive, any and every information can be achieved with the help of such software synced with your data collection devices, so you won’t have to worry about entering that information twice. Also, these intelligent programs even help in anticipating future outcomes like inventory shortages, delivery delays, and other potential problems. They keep a log of the history of your facility’s operations to help better predict what’s going to happen in the future. n
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 WMS p36-41.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 39
MLIT Oct'19 WMS p36-41.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 40
Warehouse Management
n
Systems
inotec UK delivers warehouse solutions project for high-end appliance manufacturer WMS
W
arehouse signage and floor marking specialist, inotec UK, has recently completed a ÂŁ60,000 project for an electrical appliance manufacturer at its 23,200 sq m national distribution centre in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The contract has seen inotec install 540 sq m of infill walkways, 1800 m of line marking, 600 floortags, 550 multilevel labels and 5500 single location racking labels to improve health and safety, accuracy and productivity
vehicle traffic areas. As the number of pedestrians within the warehouse increased, it became important to implement clearly marked pedestrian walkways around the site. This solution increases health and safety on site by ensuring pedestrians have a designated route to avoid any potential collisions with truck traffic.
on site. The busy facility services both ecommerce and B2B retail customers.
minimum disruption to productivity. The inotec team was able to lay the walkways overnight so that they were dry and ready for use in the morning. In addition to a quick drying time, the UV top coat offers a hardwearing and longer lasting solution for high traffic areas, preventing degradation from pedestrians and trucks.
The complete project saw inotec install 540 sq m of Duraline Rapidshie red infill walkway around the warehouse. Previously, the site only had minimal marked walkways across
For a quick drying time, inotec used Duraline Rapidshield for the walkways which is cured with a clear UV topcoat. This meant there was
In addition to the walkways, inotec replaced existing line marking. These had become worn and needed refreshing for the new storage system being implemented. The new Duraline Rapidshield yellow line marking installed clearly highlights the fixed bin locations making it easier to store and retrieve products. The project also saw inotec lay corresponding bin location numbers within the same area.
Foortags and racking signage For the final element of the project, inotec supplied and installed 600 floortags around product storage bins. The floortags can be RF scanned and each one is unique to the bin in front of it. As the floortags are set slightly
inotec UK has installed 5500 single location racking labels to increase accuracy and productivity.
40
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 WMS p36-41.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:34 Page 41
The floortags installed by inotec UK can be RF scanned from truck height and can withstand heavy traffic.
below floor level, they are able to withstand foot and more importantly truck traffic wear and tear. This prevents them from being scratched or damaged and ensures accurate barcode scanning. Truck operators are able to scan the barcodes from the trucks without having to dismount each time. As well as floortags, inotec supplied multi-level and single location racking labels which integrate with the warehouse’s new storage system. The labelling system allows personnel to easily store and retrieve products. Kevin Wells, warehouse operations manager comments: “Originally we only asked inotec to quote for warehouse line marking, however, each time we discussed the project we realised there were more jobs inotec could do for us that would improve our operation. This led to inotec supplying infill walkways, floortags and warehouse racking labels. “Before we placed any orders with inotec, they arranged for us to visit sites where previously they had
completed similar projects. This allowed us to see for ourselves the quality of their work. We were extremely impressed with their professionalism and workmanship and it was these qualities that won them the initial project. “We put a lot of pressure on inotec by giving them a ridiculously short lead time to deliver the project, but they pulled it out the bag and got everything completed in time. The inotec team managed everything on site and liaised daily with us to let us know which areas they’d be working in and if stock needed moving. This kept the installation process running smoothly and led to minimal disruption. “Steve Towler, inotec’s southern sales manager really understands logistics. His warehouse experience meant that he was able to relate to how we work and advise us accordingly. If he wasn’t visiting on site, he was always on the end of a phone and this allowed us to have a strong working relationship to deliver a great result.” n
www.logisticsit.com
igo WMS s how Ind to discus r cost savings e can deliv warehouse r u o y r fo IGO.co.uk WWW.IND digo.co.uk in @ s indigowm 91 375 6700 1 ) (0 +44
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
41
MLIT Oct'19 MFG p42-44.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:35 Page 42
\\\ Manufacturing \\\
Analysis
Low power IoT service revenues to exceed $2.6 billion by 2024, as operators seek new revenue streams new study from Juniper
and LoRa, will provide stern competition to
as smart traffic monitoring, smart parking and
Research has found that
cellular low power IoT technologies. The low
connected refuse collections, as those which
service revenues from low
investment cost of unlicensed spectrum
will benefit from low cost wireless
power IoT technologies will
networks, enabled by cost-effective network
connectivity.
A
exceed $2.6 billion by 2024;
rising from only $290 million in 2019, a growth of 800% over the next 5 years. Low power IoT technologies include low-priced wireless connections that deliver low bandwidth and power saving features suited to asset monitoring.
Cellular low power IoT technologies to grow 3400% over next 5 years
“
The concept of a smart city has been hindered by the substantial investment required and lack of clarity on securing a return on this investment. These low cost IoT technologies enable stakeholders to secure this return on investment earlier and take full advantage of the smart city proposition.” – Sam Barker, research author.
devices, will drive adoption to exceed 160
“The concept of a smart city has been
million connections by 2024. In response, it
hindered by the substantial investment
The new research, Low Power IoT: Impact
urged low power IoT service providers to offer
required and lack of clarity on securing a
Analysis, Vertical Assessment & Forecasts
existing cellular technologies, such as 4G and
return on this investment,” remarked research
2019-2024, found that the number of cellular
5G, in tandem with low power IoT alternatives
author Sam Barker, “These low cost IoT
low power IoT connections will reach 156
to maximise the capabilities of IoT networks.
technologies enable stakeholders to secure
million by 2024; growing from 4 million in 2019. It argues that decreasing costs of these connections, including LTE-M and NB-IoT, will attract new IoT network users who require low
this return on investment earlier and take full advantage of the smart city proposition.”
Smart cities sector to reach 50 million low power IoT connections by 2024
Juniper Research provides research and
cost solutions.
analytical services to the global hi-tech The research identified smart cities as a
communications sector; providing
However, the research found that networks
sector primed for disruption by low power IoT
consultancy, analyst reports and industry
using an unlicensed spectrum, such as Sigfox
technologies. It highlighted use cases such
commentary. n
42
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 MFG p42-44.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:35 Page 43
Analysis
\\\ Manufacturing \\\
50% of businesses are looking to expand mainframe capabilities in AI, Blockchain and more Ensono, the hybrid IT services provider, in collaboration with Wipro Ltd, the global information technology, consulting and business process services company, has launched jointly commissioned research conducted by Forrester Consulting to understand the future of mainframe in enterprises.
he study, involving 153 IT decision
T
integrated security and massive parallelisation."
increase its use in the next two years versus
technology and strategy at Ensono. "Everything
research provides two very apt strategies for
just 5% planning to decrease or remove
that made mainframe great in the past –
enterprises that allow them to take full
mainframe activity.
security, reliability, versatility, performance – is
advantage of mainframes – the first being to
still true today, and the latest generation of
refactor applications to take advantage of
The research found that while mainframes
mainframe technology will now run the same
cloud; and the second, to modernise
continue to be considered a critical piece of
cutting-edge applications and services as
mainframes by adopting DevOps. The
infrastructure for the modern business, it was
cloud infrastructure. Mainframe modernisation
research also shows that more than a quarter
surprisingly found to be an important element
is giving enterprises not only the ability to
of firms see mainframes running emerging
of modern technologies like AI and Blockchain.
continue to run their legacy applications, but
workloads like blockchain and containerised
Enterprises are now taking a hybrid approach
also allows them to embrace new technologies
applications. We believe modern mainframes
to their infrastructure, migrating some
such as containerised microservices,
will have a significant role to play in the hybrid
applications to the cloud while maintaining
blockchain and mobile applications.
future of infrastructure. We are confident that
makers at director level or above
Kiran Desai, senior vice president and global head, cloud and infrastructure services, Wipro
across the US and Europe, found
"We believe this research challenges popular
Limited, said: "Mainframe modernisation is
that 50% of organisations will
opinion that mainframe is for legacy," said
central to a long-term holistic hybrid IT strategy
continue with mainframe and
Brian Klingbeil, executive vice president,
for enterprises leveraging mainframes. This
certain business-critical applications onpremises and on mainframes.
Ensono's decades of hosting and managed"Organisations don't modernise in a vacuum.
mainframe experience, coupled with Wipro's
The research supports what we see in our work
deep expertise in mainframe applications
While traditional applications and workloads
with clients where many larger organisations are
support, cloud migrations and DevOps will
(ERP (48%), finance and accounting (45%), HR
settling on a hybrid best-of-breed approach,
help deliver improved services with increased
management (44%) and ECM (43%)) remain
allowing their IT decision makers to use the
efficiencies to clients." n
the mainstay of the mainframe, 25% of those
infrastructure that best suits their project.”
surveyed stated that mobile sites and applications were being put into the mainframe; 27% were running new blockchain initiatives and containerised applications.
Integrated security and massive parallelisation Forrester Consulting comments: "Mainframes have long hosted mission-critical business as applications like finance and accounting applications and enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications. This remains a constant today with more than 40% of companies with mainframes still running these workloads from the mainframe. However, more than a quarter of firms see the mainframe as a place to run emerging workloads like blockchain and containerised applications. These benefit from
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
43
MLIT Oct'19 MFG p42-44.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:35 Page 44
\\\ Manufacturing \\\
Analysis
Higher levels of automation expand revenue potential for analytical instrumentation manufacturers Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academics emerge major adopters of analytical equipment, finds Frost & Sullivan.
he rise of the Industrial Internet of
T
instrumentation. It covers the geographic
Things (IIoT) has given a
regions of North America, Europe, Asia-
store and retrieve data in a common format
significant boost to the global
Pacific, and Rest-of-World.
for complex analytical processes.
along with customer demand for efficient
“The market will be bolstered by the strong
analysers, are prompting analytical equipment
demand from Asia-Pacific, particularly, India
manufacturers to offer new solutions that
and China,” noted Balasundar. “Analytical
simplify the analytical process, improve
equipment manufacturers providing training,
automation, store data, and enable access to
awareness, and application knowledge will
analytical instrumentation market, making it more automated, data
• Develop a common data platform that can
• Simplify the user interface and functionality
Expansion
centric, and production oriented. This trend,
of the equipment to make them easy-to-use for laboratory technicians. • Offer predefined templates and method documentation solutions. • Provide a simple push and play operation for operators with inadequate training or skills.
this data for common use cases. Driven by clients’ high throughput and efficiency needs, the total market is expected to grow from US$19.58 billion in 2018 to $20.81 in 2019.
Increasing use “Analytical equipment, including liquid
“
Analytical equipment, including liquid chromatographs and mass spectrometers, will be increasingly used as diagnostic equipment due to the sensitivity and efficiency requirements of diagnostic applications.” – Janani Balasundar, research analyst measurement & instrumentation, Frost & Sullivan.
chromatographs and mass spectrometers, will be increasingly used as diagnostic equipment
experience considerable expansion in the
Outlook of Global Analytical Instrumentation
due to the sensitivity and efficiency
emerging markets.” For additional revenue
Market, 2019 is part of Frost & Sullivan’s
requirements of diagnostic applications,” said
opportunities in the global market,
global Test & Measurement Growth
Janani Balasundar, research analyst
instrumentation manufacturers will look to:
Partnership Service program. n
measurement & instrumentation, Frost & Sullivan. “Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, academics, and food testing will be the primary end users of analytical instrumentation. However, there will be a dip in demand for gas chromatographs and gas analysers due to the slowdown in the chemicals & petrochemicals and oil & gas markets because of fluctuating oil prices and resource scarcity.” Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, Outlook of Global Analytical Instrumentation Market, 2019, is segmented by the product sectors of chromatography, molecular analysis spectroscopy, elemental analysis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), analytical microscopes, gas analyzers, liquid analysers, and analytical x-ray
44
IT
MANUFACTURING
&LOGISTICS
October 2019
www.logisticsit.com
MLIT Oct'19 ADC p45.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:41 Page 45
Analysis
AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE MOBILE COMPUTING
AI augmentation to create $2.9 trillion of business value in 2021 n 2021, artificial intelligence (AI)
I
augmentation will create US$2.9 trillion of business value and 6.2 billion hours of worker productivity globally, according to Gartner, Inc.
Gartner defines augmented intelligence as a human-centered partnership model of people and AI working together to enhance cognitive performance. This includes learning, decision making and new experiences. “Augmented intelligence is all about people taking advantage of AI,” said Svetlana Sicular, research vice president at Gartner. “As AI technology evolves, the combined human and AI capabilities that augmented intelligence allows will deliver the greatest benefits to enterprises.” support/augmentation will surpass all other
the Gartner AI business value forecast.
Business value of augmented intelligence
types of AI initiatives to account for 44% of
Augmented intelligence reduces mistakes
the global AI-derived business value.
while delivering customer convenience and
Gartner’s AI business value forecast
what was previously available to the select
the largest type of AI by business value-add
Augmented intelligence enhances customer experience
with the fewest early barriers to adoption (see
Customer experience is the primary source
human touch and common sense to
Figure 1). By 2030, decision
of AI-derived business value, according to
manage the risks of decision automation,”
highlights decision support/augmentation as
personalization at scale, democratising few. “The goal is to be more efficient with automation, while complementing it with a
said Sicular. “The excitement about AI tools, services and algorithms misses a crucial point: The goal of AI should be to empower humans to be better, smarter and happier, not to create a ‘machine world’ for its own sake,” said Ms. Sicular. “Augmented intelligence is a design approach to winning with AI, and it assists machines and people alike to perform at their best.” Gartner clients can read more in the report: ‘Leverage Augmented Intelligence to Win With AI’. n
Figure 1: Worldwide Business Value by AI Type (Millions of Dollars). Source: Gartner (August 2019).
www.logisticsit.com
IT
MANUFACTURING
October 2019
&LOGISTICS
45
IT
MANUFACTURING
OCTOBER 2019
&LOGISTICS
To subscribe to either print or digital version please scan and e-mail this form to info@LogisticsIT.com - or go on-line at http://www.logisticsit.com/subscribe Do you wish to continue to receive Manufacturing and Logistics IT Magazine : yes ❑ no ❑ Print ❑ or Digital ❑
Section 1
Your Details
Please complete in all cases
Name .............................................................................................................................................................................................. Company ...................................................................................................................................................................................... Job title.......................................................................................................................................................................................... Address ........................................................................................................................................................................................ .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Tel: ........................................................................................ Fax: .............................................................................................. E-mail: ............................................................................................................................................................................................
Section 2 Job Function
(Tick one box only)
Corporate management ❑
IT management
❑
Purchasing
❑
Operations / Production ❑
Sales / Marketing ❑
Consultant
❑
Warehousing / Inventory ❑
Other , please specify .................................................................................................................... ❑
Section 3 Business Function Manufacturer / Producer ❑ Transport / Logistics ❑
Food / Drink ❑
Utilities ❑
(Tick all boxes that apply)
Retail ❑
Warehouse / Distribution ❑
Consultant / Education ❑
Finance ❑
Agriculture / Construction ❑
Other , please specify ...................................................................................... ❑
Signature .................................................................................... Date ...................................................... Only signed and dated forms can be accepted
FREE SUBSCRIPTION -FREE INFORMATION SERVICE
FREE SUBSCRIPTION -FREE INFORMATION SERVICE
MLIT Oct'19 reply p46-48.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:41 Page 46
MLIT Oct'19 reply p46-48.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:41 Page 47
Are any of these titles relevant for your business? Visit the sites - sign up to the weekly E-newsletters and let the news come to you!
www.RetailTechnologyReview.com
www.IT-Reseller.com
www.LogisticsIT.com
www.TransportDistributionEurope.com
www.YourLogisticsTV.com
www.LogisticsHandling.com
www.YourTechTV.com
MLIT Oct'19 reply p46-48.qxp_IBC publications 11/10/2019 11:41 Page 48