Leading ferry operator improves warehouse efficiency with voice integrated solution from Zetes
Leading ferry operator improves warehouse efficiency with voice integrated solution from Zetes
P&O Ferries has implemented voice directed picking in its Dover warehouse to improve operational efficiency in partnership with Zetes, a pan-European provider of solutions and services for the automatic identification of goods and people.
Introduced in August 2009 for P&O to benefit from significant productivity and accuracy improvements during the busy summer holiday period, the solution uses an interface from Oracle eBiz and replaces P&O’s legacy picking system based on hand held terminals and paper picking.
“As increasing numbers of travellers are seeking more environmentally friendly alternatives to air travel, ferries are a great place for shopping and eating – but ensuring we have the right stock available at all times is key,” said Rob Meredith, head of supply chain at P&O Ferries.
Availability maximises travel differentiator
He continued: “The voice picking system means we are quicker to respond to customer demand, getting the right stock on board in the most efficient and effective method.”
In addition to these benefits, the voice system enables P&O to run a more automated warehouse and a perpetual inventory system, delivering further efficiency benefits during the peak summer months.
“For a travel operator, service and availability are paramount and this solution is a great example of innovation in the sector as P&O is the first ferry company to introduce voice in its warehouses. We are delighted to be working with them,” said Andrew Southgate, regional sales director for Zetes.
Zetes has implemented its 3i Voice solution, which supports 29 warehouse operatives responsible for picking an average of 150 units per hour (up to 114,000 items per week). Since implementing their voice picking solution, P&O Ferries has seen a 20% efficiency improvement and greater efficiencies through sequentially ordered pick routing and quality reporting. Errors have also been reduced, assisting P&O Ferries to achieve its 99.5% accuracy targets.
For the P&O Ferries solution, IT consultancy LG CNS successfully developed an additional interface between Zetes’ 3i Voice and P&O’s legacy Oracle eBiz system.
