Pick-by-Voice in the Warehouse: More Efficient Order Picking with Voice Control

Pick-by-Voice, also known as voice picking, is a paperless picking method in which employees receive their work instructions exclusively via voice. It is based on a mobile voice system connected to the warehouse management system (WMS). The system transmits picking orders in real time and guides the entire work process through an interactive voice dialogue.

Unlike paper-based picking lists or mobile data collection devices, employees do not need to read lists or operate a scanner. Instead, the system guides them step by step through the order. The storage location, item, and quantity to be picked are announced and then confirmed via voice. This results in smooth workflows without media breaks.

Today’s systems are significantly more powerful than the first voice solutions, which were tested as early as the 1970s. Modern speech recognition works reliably even in demanding warehouse environments and often supports multiple languages as well as individual voice profiles. This facilitates use in internationally diverse teams and shortens the training period for new employees.

Picking is one of the most time- and labor-intensive processes in intralogistics. At the same time, demands for speed, delivery quality, and flexibility are constantly increasing. Companies are therefore faced with the challenge of making their warehouse processes more efficient and minimizing sources of error. A proven approach is voice-guided picking using Pick-by-Voice.

The process replaces traditional pick lists or handheld scanners with a voice-guided dialogue between employees and the warehouse management system. Employees receive their work instructions via a headset and confirm each step verbally. This keeps both hands free and allows them to focus their attention on the merchandise and the warehouse area at all times. This makes it easier to navigate, reduces interruptions in the workflow, and improves ergonomics.

Pick-by-Voice offers significant advantages, particularly with high order volumes, short delivery times, and complex product range structures. The technology has therefore become established in many industries—from e-commerce and the food industry to automotive and spare parts logistics.

Pick-by-Voice Compared to Other Picking Methods

Today, companies can choose between various picking methods. Which solution is best depends on warehouse size, product structure, order volume, and the degree of automation.

Pick-by-Voice really shines in environments where many picking orders with varying routes are processed and employees need both hands to retrieve goods.

The picking process begins with an order in the warehouse management system. This order is automatically transferred to the pick-by-voice system and assigned to the responsible employee. The picker receives the initial instructions—such as the storage location or the number of items to be picked—via the headset.

Upon reaching the storage location, the employee retrieves the goods and confirms the step verbally. The system immediately verifies the input and transmits the confirmation in real time to the warehouse management system. The next storage location is then automatically announced. This voice dialogue repeats until the order is fully completed.

Since both hands remain free and there is no need to operate a scanner or display, employees can focus entirely on the actual picking task. This reduces search times, speeds up workflows, and contributes to consistently high process quality.

Optimizing Logistics Processes with Voice Control

Anyone looking to optimize logistics processes with voice control should consider more than just the technology. The key factor is how well voice systems are integrated into the existing warehouse infrastructure.

Key questions include:

• Which processes are suitable for voice control? 
• Where are delays or errors currently occurring? 
• Which warehouse areas benefit from having hands-free operation? 
• How will the system be integrated with warehouse management and material flow? 
• How can employees be effectively integrated? 

Voice control is particularly effective when combined with well-designed warehouse processes, suitable racking systems, and clear material flows.

Pick-by-Voice delivers its greatest benefits in warehouses with complex picking processes and high throughput. The more picking operations performed daily, the greater the potential savings due to shorter distances, lower error rates, and more efficient workflows.

Implementation is particularly worthwhile when

• a large number of customer orders are processed daily,
• there is a wide variety of items,
• picking errors result in high follow-up costs,
• many new employees are hired seasonally,
• ergonomic working conditions need to be improved,
• a warehouse management system is already in place.

Today, pick-by-voice is often an integral part of a networked intralogistics system. Modern voice systems can be integrated into warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP systems, and other automation solutions.

Depending on the application, pick-by-voice can be combined with the following technologies, for example:

• Barcode scanning
• RFID
• Pick-by-Light
• Pick-by-Vision
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)
• Conveyor Technology

This integration enables seamless material flows and transparent control of the entire order-picking process.

An order is created in the warehouse management system and automatically transmitted to the voice system. The employee receives instructions via the headset to navigate to a specific storage location.

Upon reaching the storage location, the system announces the quantity to be picked. The goods are retrieved, and the operation is confirmed via voice command. The next instruction then follows automatically. This process repeats until all items in the order have been fully picked.

Since there is no need to handle paper lists or operate scanners, employees can focus entirely on the goods and ensuring a safe flow of materials.