States Logistics has introduced voice-directed picking to make it easier for warehouse employees to learn and perform high-volume order fulfilment. The US third-party logistics provider deployed LYDIA Voice with EPG and ASW Global Consulting.
The project addressed a workforce challenge common in busy distribution operations: large orders and many pick lines had made existing paper- and scanner-based work more demanding, while changing labour availability increased the effort required to train new starters.
Training during live operations
States Logistics did not close the warehouse for a major system change. A small group of employees began using the voice solution, with further teams added progressively during normal operations. Almost all employees were working with voice after the first week, according to the company.
The system provides spoken instructions through the existing Infor WMS environment. Employees can keep their hands available for cartons and their eyes on the warehouse, reducing the need to alternate constantly between physical handling and device operation. The company also reported no significant speech-recognition problems in noisy areas, even when radios were running and several people were picking in the same zone.
Workplace and performance effects
Following the rollout, case-picking productivity increased and picking accuracy improved by 68%. States Logistics also reduced training times and overtime hours, while employee satisfaction improved. These outcomes suggest that voice technology can support both operational performance and the practical onboarding of warehouse workers.
The ability to adjust workflows without changing the underlying WMS gives teams further flexibility as tasks and customer requirements evolve. For employers managing fluctuating volumes, a phased digital rollout can provide a way to improve skills development and workplace usability without disrupting service.