Autumn 2009

A business unit focusing on voice-directed supply-chain solutions has been set up by Aldata, the retail industry software specialist. Heading it is experienced logistics software specialist Richard Hyne, who says the Aldata approach will be based on what he calls second-generation solutions.

This term, he explains, describes systems that avoid elevating the importance of voice instructions over conventional data capture and scanning methods, and instead combine the various technologies in a way that focuses on achieving overall benefits for the user-company at an affordable price.

Already Aldata has had some success in attracting users to its voice solutions. One is Poundstretcher, whose parent company Instore has chosen this supplier to help reduce costs and increase efficiency in its 350,000 sq ft warehouse by installing a PDA-based voice directed warehousing system.

The new system will include 60 MC3090 PDAs from Motorola, which will be used by 60 Poundstretcher operatives across three shifts, integrating in real time with the company's existing warehouse management system, Aldata G.O.L.D Stock.

 

According to Fran Gledhill, the IT change manager at Poundstretcher: 'We know from trials that this technology will enable us to cut costs.'

Another recent user of Aldata's voice solution is Neolog, a subsidiary of the French Post Office (La Poste) which delivers 270 million documents and around 12 million sorted parcels a year. It has introduced voice as part of a programme to improve performance in anticipation of postal deregulation in 2011.