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Safety and Productivity Solutions: Voicing It Out At Americold
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
- Functional Applications - Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Applicable Industries
- Food & Beverage
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
Use Cases
- Inventory Management
- Predictive Maintenance
- Warehouse Automation
Services
- System Integration
- Training
The Challenge
Americold’s Arndell Park cold and frozen storage Distribution Centre (DC) faced challenges with their traditional paper-based picking systems. While effective, these systems were not the most efficient or accurate. The need for a more advanced solution became apparent as the demand for cold storage and transportation services increased. The management recognized the necessity to improve standards, practices, and technology to meet these demands. The cold storage environment posed additional challenges, such as the need for equipment and processes that could function in colder temperatures and accommodate the needs of pickers who frequently move in and out of cold storage areas.
About The Customer
Americold is a global leader in temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics for the food industry. Headquartered in Atlanta, USA, the company operates over 185 temperature-controlled warehouses across the United States, Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina, and Canada. Americold offers comprehensive warehousing, transportation, and logistics solutions, boasting the largest global cold storage network with a total capacity of over one billion cubic feet. In Australia, Americold’s network of cold storage warehouses plays a crucial role in the national supply chain, connecting food producers, processors, distributors, and retailers to the end consumer. The company is committed to constantly improving its standards, practices, and technology to meet the increasing demand for cold storage and transportation services.
The Solution
Americold implemented the Honeywell Vocollect Voice picking system at their Arndell Park DC to address the inefficiencies of their previous paper-based and label-pick systems. This advanced voice technology allows operators to work hands-free, enhancing both productivity and safety. The system enables real-time, two-way data flow between workers and the Warehouse Management System (WMS), facilitating accurate decision-making and efficient operations. Operators use wireless headsets to receive and confirm picking instructions, eliminating the need to look away from their tasks or handle paper pick slips. This hands-free, eyes-free solution is particularly beneficial in the cold storage environment, where users frequently move in and out of chilled areas and need to keep their hands free for other tasks.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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