Waitrose selects VoiteQ to implement a Vocollect Voice

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: Waitrose selects VoiteQ to implement a Vocollect Voice.

Waitrose, UK supermarket chain, has selected VoiteQ, the UK supplier of Voice-directed warehouse solutions, to implement a Vocollect Voice offering to directly interface with the roll-out of its new warehouse management system (WMS).
 
The deployment will include almost 1,000 Talkman A500 terminals and over 3,000 ruggedised SR20 headsets to accommodate multiple shift patterns. The retailer has taken the move to ensure it has the right technology that meets the demands of its expansion plans over the next few years, as well as taking voice into all environments in the DC to support this growth.

Already recognising the benefits that Voice brings to a business, the retailer had previously installed an alternative Voice solution into its ambient DC operations. In a bid to increase its retail presence from an existing network of 279 branches, Waitrose needed a solution that could rapidly expand the use of Voice across the business into ambient, chilled and frozen environments, a partner that could support the company throughout and that could work closely with its WMS in order maintain the high levels of customer service and quality that Waitrose is built upon.
 
After a rigorous selection process, VoiteQ was chosen to supply and implement the new Voice solution. Taking a consultative approach, VoiteQ assisted Waitrose in trialling various hardware platforms to enable them to make an informed decision on the best devices, headsets and accessories for the business. In addition, VoiteQ's extensive experience in voice-directed work operations, enabled its team of consultants to work in conjunction with Waitrose and the chosen WMS provider to optimise the Voice business process.
 
"We've been impressed at how VoiteQ got to know the business and how they have come on board as a partner, providing choice and testing various scenarios in our DC operations. Their knowledge and close relationship with the WMS will provide us with a smooth and seamless roll-out across all of our distribution centres, starting with the Aylesford site where 176 units will be implemented," said Mark Roe, distribution systems development manager, Waitrose.
 
"We're delighted to add another member of the John Lewis Partnership as one of our customers," commented David Stanhope, CEO of VoiteQ. "We're dedicated to providing exceptional operational improvements by applying the best Voice technology and service. We look forward to building a strong relationship with Waitrose that will bring its partners benefits long into the future."