The family-run dental specialist Vita Zahnfabrik has recently implemented the Pick-by-Voice solution "LYDIA Voice" from the software provider Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG). This emerges from a press release by the IT specialist. According to the report, Vita Zahnfabrik has already been using voice-controlled picking for 20 years, but previously relied on an outdated system that no longer met the requirements of the Bad Säckingen-based company. Therefore, the dental provider switched to LYDIA Voice. Among approximately six million artificial teeth on an area of 4,500 square meters, the hands-free, eyes-free concept ensures smooth picking of up to 6,000 positions per day, according to the provider.
The switch to the new system was embedded in a larger SAP transition. To configure interfaces and fine-tune details, the introduction was
accompanied by EPG experts on-site.
Focused Working
"The competent advice and hands-on mentality were very valuable for the smooth introduction," says Robert Lauber, Logistics Manager at Vita Zahnfabrik. During this time, picking could continue in the warehouse without interruption, and high customer service was consistently ensured, according to EPG. From the IT provider's perspective, the project was characterized by two special features: the verification steps in the picking process and the very small-scale products.
"Many companies believe that Pick-by-Voice is not suitable for small articles - in this case, artificial dental prostheses. But that is not the case. Especially here, the hands-free principle brings many advantages and enables focused work," explains Nikolas von Merzljak, Sales Manager LYDIA Voice at EPG.
The system can also map the
special processes at Vita effortlessly. "The voice dialogue can be flexibly adjusted," von Merzljak continues. To this end, EPG and Vita defined voice commands and then adapted the dialogue. For example, not only the storage location but also the correct item is confirmed using a product code consisting of numbers and letters. In addition, a permanent inventory in the form of a residual quantity count was integrated into the dialogue, as well as a volume calculation via the higher-level system. The employee receives a voice notification when a shipping box is theoretically full and must confirm this - or manually check again.
"Our employees got to grips with the new voice system immediately, and the acceptance within our team is very high," reports Lauber.
The Vita
team particularly appreciates the improved wearing comfort of the headsets in picking. Regarding improved system availability, he adds: "There are hardly any failures like there used to be. And if there are, they are due to network or server issues, not LYDIA Voice." A total of 15 Bluetooth headsets were introduced at the site, along with mobile "VOXTER" voice computers that employees wear on their belts. Lauber is overall satisfied:
"Since introducing LYDIA Voice, we have seen significant efficiency increases. This is particularly remarkable, as we, as an innovative provider of premium products, were already operating at a very high level before. A voice system was already in use, and the processes were continuously optimized. The improvements are therefore clearly due to the change of provider."
