Next implements wearable computer

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: Next implements wearable computer.

Next, one of the UKs leading retailers, has chosen to implement Vocollect Voice technology from VoiteQ on an LXE HX2 voice ready mulitimodal wearable computer at their new, purpose built, 1m sq ft distribution centre in Dearne Valley. This is the first time the HX2 hand-free computer and Vocollect VVH client have been deployed as a combination, following Vocollects recent certification of Vocollect Voice for the device.

The Dearne Valley distribution centre has been built to supply the chains 480 UK and Eire stores. At this new site the operators will use HX2 wearable computers from LXE which have been voice-enabled by placing Vocollects Voice Client firmware on the units. VoiteQ then worked with Nexts in-house development team to create a direct interface between the voice solution and Nexts WMS.

Vocollect Voice Technology from VoiteQ on an LXE HX2 hardware device allowed Next to combine their preferred RF hardware device with their preferred voice picking technology. Operatives can now work completely hands and eyes free by receiving picking commands from the WMS via a plug-in headset and the HX2 multimodal wearable computer.

VoiteQs CEO, David Stanhope comments, This project has allowed us to further enhance our range of voice solutions, not only working with Nexts in-house team to create a direct interface, but also in partnership with LXE to voice enable the HX2. We believe that together, we have fulfilled our aim of providing Next with their preferred solution.

We are delighted to have Next join our ever growing family of UK retailers benefiting from the improved accuracy and productivity offered by Vocollect Voice, said Anton du Preez, Business Development Manager at Vocollect EMEA and South Africa.

The HX2 rugged multimodal wearable computer is a small, light-weight data collection computer designed to be worn on an operators arm or waist so that both hands are free to more effectively and efficiently perform warehouse inventory moves, including piece picking to carts, containers or conveyors; case picking; parcel moves; and broken case activities.

Steve Binder, Managing Director, UK Operations at LXE concludes, We are pleased that we have been able to implement the first Vocollect Voice enabled HX2 multimodal solution, especially for such a leading UK retailer as Next. VoiteQs experience of voice solutions proved invaluable in creating a solution which met Nexts needs, in addition to ensuring the first Vocollect Voice enabled project with HX2s went smoothly.