Introduces integrated multi-level voice-directed working to enhance manufacturing productivity and performance

Introduces integrated multi-level voice-directed working to enhance manufacturing productivity and performance

Morrisons is currently implementing a wireless IT infrastructure solution across five of its manufacturing facilities.

Morrisons is the UK’s fourth largest supermarket chain and this refresh of the company’s manufacturing and warehouse estate includes the integration of truck mounted terminals with voice directed picking, which enables Morrisons’ to benefit from handsfree working at multiple levels and improves efficiency and accuracy. In addition to improving health and safety levels, this investment will also help to improve forklift truck operator efficiency by up to 30%.

Competitive pitch winner

As part of the project, Morrisons undertook a five-way evaluation of leading truck-mounted terminals before selecting the IND FTF 2475, which is manufactured in Germany by IND, part of the Zetes Group.

During testing, IND scored most highly by users for the following features: flexible mounting options, function key design and on-screen keyboard, scan sensitivity, screen size combined with overall compactness and small footprint, plus all-round build quality. In addition, IND’s ability to be customised according to individual user requirements and locally supported were also key factors in the decision-making process.

The implementation phase for this project, which began earlier in the summer, involves integrating more than 130 IND FTF 2475 forklift truck-mounted terminals with Zetes voice directed work solution, 3iV.

Good systems and user fit

Gary Barr, IT director at Morrisons, said: “Our operators preferred the IND terminals because they are robust, user-friendly and fully customisable. Integrated with the voice technology we have already implemented, Zetes has created a highly automated and efficient manufacturing operation that supports safer, handsfree working. Once again they have proved their value as our supply chain technology partner by providing a solution to further optimise performance.”

James Hannay, senior Northern Regional vice president for Zetes, said: “After having successfully installed the voice solution in Morrison’s distribution centres, we are very pleased to be supporting their manufacturing optimisation. Zetes’ wide range of solutions which cover the entire supply chain, mean customers like Morrisons can have access to the widest range of data capture technologies from a single point of contact.”