Most WMS packages can easily provide the above capabilities, especially when picking is directed by RF or Voice Directed technologies.
Going Multi-Modal Enhances Shipping Capacity
Long before the current business downturn began customer orders were getting smaller while order frequency was increasing. To better manage this dynamic, more adaptable multiple data collection technologies are emerging that enable pickers to pick orders and collect data while using a single PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) device. This capability is referred to as “multi-modal”.
For example, let’s say that in a voice directed picking application, the operator must record a lot number for tracking purposes (a common requirement in many consumer goods operations). Voice will direct the pickers to the location and tell them what to pick. Then, they scan the lot number because that’s more accurate and faster than speaking a lengthy number. With multi-modal, these technologies, along with RFID, are on one device and system, thereby eliminating the need to manually switch from the voice application to the scanning application. The time saved will net an increase in shipping capacity.
For more insight into this developing technology see Dan Gilmore’s recent interview with Mark Wheeler of Motorola.
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