Voice-directed warehousing (VDW) refers to the use of the voice direction and speech recognition software in warehouses and distribution centers.
[2] Voice-directed warehousing is typically used instead of paper- or mobile computer-based systems that require workers to read instructions and scan barcodes or key-enter information to confirm their tasks.
By freeing a worker's hands and eyes, voice directed systems typically improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
[3] Whilst VDW was originally used in picking orders, now all warehouse functions such as goods receiving, put-away, replenishment, shipping, and returns processing can be coordinated by voice systems.
[5] The first solutions were based on dedicated and rugged voice appliances, mobile computing devices that ran the speech recognition software and that communicated with a server over a wireless network.