Craig Group Foodservice invests in a voice system

Scottish foodservice supplier Craig Group Foodservice has invested £150,000 in a real-time voice-controlled warehouse management system.

The Logicman Warehouse Management System, developed by VoiteQ, has been installed at Craig Group Foodservice's main base at East Tullos, Aberdeen.

The system allows for a fully automated stock control system, with picking and replenishment without the need for hand-held devices or paper and pen, letting staff carry out jobs with both hands free.

Staff wear a radio communication device and headset called a 'talkman' allowing them to speak to the system's central computer and receive information on products and where they can be found.

By reading product codes on pallets and boxes, or even individual items, the system can tell staff if they have the correct item, before updating the central database with how many it has in stock after a pick or replenishment run has taken place.

VoiteQ CEO David Stanhope said: "The system is capable of recognising voice patterns and sounds in any language or dialect, meaning that it is ideal for any business with a local and international workforce."

Ronald McDonald, managing director of Craig Group Foodservice, said: "Adding this new system will ensure that our stock system is kept completely up-to-date while giving our staff all the information they need to carry out their work as quickly, competently and safely as possible."