Increase in picking performance at Würth Austria by 15%

Würth Austria wanted to optimize its picking process for the fast-moving items in its central warehouse, which required frequent and accurate picking for orders. The previous method of picking involved paper lists, which were inefficient, prone to errors, and increased the company’s paper and toner waste. The company tested several picking methods, such as pick-by-vision, but found them unsatisfactory or not fully developed. "Pick-by-Vision is not yet fully developed and did not convince us in the practical test,” Logistics Manager Josef Preyer said. The company needed a reliable, ergonomic, and sustainable solution that would improve the quality and productivity of its logistics operations. Preyer said the company had successfully deployed voice-picking operations at their other locations in Germany, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, so they began searching for a suitable solution.

The Solution

Würth Austria consulted with LNConsult, a logistics and digitalization company and a long-standing IT partner. They are working for Würth Austria since 2017 and were already involved in the implementation of a shuttle warehouse. "The chemistry is right in the collaboration with LNConsult, which was also demonstrated again with the introduction of pick-by-voice in the small parts warehouse,” Preyer said. LNConsult recommended Honeywell as a voice-automated picking solution provider. The solution consists of the Honeywell SRX3 cordless headset and the Talkman A720X mobile voice device, which integrate seamlessly with Würth’s SAP-based ERP system via WLAN. The solution enables the pickers to receive voice commands from the ERP system, which direct them to the storage location and the quantity of items to be picked. 

After just three months, Würth reported the solution was live and replaced previous paper-based picking operations. "The implementation during ongoing operations was meticulously planned and ran smoothly,” Preyer said. The SRX3 Wireless Headset features the next generation in Bluetooth® wireless headset technology — raising the standard in mobile workforce ergonomics, productivity, and accuracy while enabling voice-directed workflow efficiencies. Superior speech-recognition technology and flexible configurations that empower mobile workforces to excel in a variety of industrial applications as well as demanding warehouse, distribution, and fulfillment environments. The Talkman A720X mobile device is designed to deliver transformative benefits. 

Built to be easy to wear and use, the A720X can withstand the extremes of industrial environments and perform exceptionally in cold storage facilities and hot warehouses. These rugged, ergonomic devices are part of an integrated voice solution that includes noise-canceling headsets, directional microphones, and robust speech-recognition software. This advanced "text-to-speech” and "speech-to-text” software enables your workers and data management system to communicate with each other. The comprehensive Honeywell Voice solution now allows Würth’s pickers to wear the headsets as they move through the facility. The A720X receives picking orders from Würth’s ERP system and feeds the information directly into the SRX3 headset, eliminating the need for pickers to read orders from paper printouts. Furthermore, voice commands instruct the pickers where to go in the facility and how many products to pick from each area. Pickers confirm the items by reading the check digits on the shelf locations; that information is then sent back for confirmation to the ERP system before the next pick-order is assigned. The solution allows the pickers to work hands-free and eyes-up, enhancing their productivity and the safety on the warehouse floor.