Voice-based ePOD system replaces paper at Aliaxis

Plastic piping systems manufacturer Aliaxis has deployed a voice-based electronic point of delivery (ePOD) for order picking, consolidation and fulfilment at its depot in Lenham, Kent.

Previously it used a paper-based system which included manual paper pick lists and dispatch notes and labels both inside and outside of the warehouse.

The bespoke system was developed by BEC (Systems Integration). Rather than using manual paper pick lists, warehouse operatives now follow instructions received through the voice-recognition wireless headsets and use unique product location identifier codes to accurately pick, consolidate and fulfil orders.

Tom Hamlyn, logistics director at Aliaxis, said: “Due to a previous lack of automation within our facility, both inside the warehouse, outside in the yard and during delivery, there was the potential for order errors to be experienced

“BEC developed the software in direct partnership with our warehouse operatives, meaning that they were able to find out exactly what was happening ‘out on the floor’ and put tailored solutions in place to eradicate any bottlenecks or other occurring issues,” he added.