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Tag: Topsystem

Live Translation for Pick by Voice

Posted on by David Priestman

After the introduction of parallel speech recognition and output last year, the voice experts at EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) will showcase another groundbreaking innovation at LogiMAT 2025: LYDIA Live Translation. In the next evolution of the multilingual approach, the innovative Pick-by-Voice solution will not only support the regular picking dialogue but also act as an intuitive translation assistant for free-flowing conversations between employees. With support for over 40 languages, workers can choose their native language and immediately start working productively without language barriers or extensive training. Visitors can exclusively discover in Hall 4 how this world-first innovation is becoming a real game-changer in times of skilled labour shortages and fluctuating availability of seasonal workers – boosting productivity, motivation, and efficient onboarding for employees.

Whether in logistics, industry, production, or maintenance – multinational teams have long been the standard in intralogistics. However, many employees in warehouses do not always speak the same language. The result: communication problems that can affect the efficiency and quality of work. In picking, a lack of language skills also leads to longer onboarding times, more coordination effort, and a high error rate. With the introduction of Multi-Language Recognition, LYDIA Voice already addressed this problem comprehensively. The multilingual capability of the Pick-by-Voice solution recognizes a wide variety of languages flexibly and provides voice instructions in over 60 selectable output languages. With the Live Translation feature, the picking pioneers take a decisive step further: The system acts as a translation assistant in free dialogue with over 40 languages – a unique added value that no other voice system offers.

The success story behind the innovation

The pivotal impetus for developing the Live Translation feature came from close collaboration with Rossmann, Europe’s largest drugstore chain and a long-standing LYDIA Voice partner. This partnership began with initial discussions between Rossmann’s Logistics Director, Henrik van Duuren, and EPG’s Managing Director of Voice Solutions, Tim Just, at the LogiMAT trade fair in March 2024. During these conversations, Mr. van Duuren proposed the idea of enabling multilingual communication in daily warehouse operations. EPG then committed to acting as the technology partner to bring this project to life in collaboration with Rossmann. The result is a practical solution that significantly improves day-to-day operations in multinational and fast-changing teams without requiring any changes to existing infrastructure or hardware.

With LYDIA Live Translation, EPG directly addresses current trends and challenges in the global industry. The feature allows employees to communicate in their preferred language while the system translates and delivers input in real time. For Rossmann, this innovation is particularly valuable in fostering interpersonal connections. Employees who speak different native languages can now communicate seamlessly, leading to a noticeable improvement in collaboration. Clear instructions and communication in one’s native language not only enhance efficiency but also ensure even higher quality in the workplace.

An Anniversary of Excellence: 25 Years of LYDIA Voice

LogiMAT 2025 also provides the perfect setting for a special anniversary: LYDIA Voice celebrates 25 years of innovation and success. Since its introduction in 2000, the solution has been available in the world of voice-guided picking and set standards for efficiency, precision, and ergonomics. At their booth, the company will demonstrate how LYDIA Voice has evolved over a quarter of a century from an innovative niche product into the world’s leading pick-by-voice solution in intralogistics. “25 years of LYDIA Voice represent 25 years of innovation, progress, and customer focus,” emphasizes Just. “From a visionary idea to the globally leading pick-by-voice solution – this success is the result of close collaboration with our customers and partners who have supported us along the way. Our focus is now on the future: we aim to continue revolutionizing the logistics industry with pioneering technologies in the next 25 years.”

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Dashboard Displays Warehouse Data

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics providers need to process large quantities of warehouse data every day to control their material flow efficiently. The German Fressnapf Group supplies more than 1,800 branches and regional warehouses in eleven European countries from its central warehouse in Krefeld. This requires efficient, forward-looking warehouse management. That’s why Europe’s market leader in pet supplies places its trust in both the LFS warehouse management system and the Timesquare supply chain control tower by EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group). The all-in-one dashboard serves as a cockpit for process monitoring, displays all relevant figures and thus helps to ensure greater flexibility during everyday logistics operations. The leading pet supplies provider was the first Timesquare client to introduce the dashboard in its automatic small parts warehouse at its Krefeld central warehouse back in 2018. In the future, user-friendly dashboards will be used in the entire central warehouse and then also gradually introduced in the regional warehouses.

In 2015, Fressnapf decided to replace its manual small parts warehouse with an automatic one with three aisles and storage spaces for around 80,000 containers. This was due to an increase in customer demand for toys, pet food, dog clothing, care products and other pet accessories. A forwarding system handles picking, carrying the boxes to different picking stations automatically once an order has been placed. In addition to the currently eighteen pick-by-light stations, there are also two pick-to-tote stations. This automatic small parts warehouse is currently being expanded.

Timesquare reduces costs and minimises risks

As its order volumes increased, Fressnapf was finding it increasing more time-consuming to obtain maximum transparency for material flows. “We had to compile the current figures from different menus by hand and analyse them individually. That not only took considerable time; it was also prone to errors,” states Larissa Strippel, Project Manager for Logistics Systems at Fressnapf. Timesquare provides an overview of all relevant key figures. The central dashboard delivers forecasts, status reports, and, importantly, reliable data on the individual warehouse processes in real time. In this way, the control centre receives a continually updated overview and can intervene in picking faster if necessary. “Timesquare enables us to monitor our processes and KPIs in logistics in real time. As a result, we receive active support for everyday logistics operations, create transparency and save time and costs considerably,” explains Strippel. This big data solution enables Fressnapf to reduce costs, minimise risks and increase productivity based on targeted analyses. Timesquare provides information on the order status and commissioning automatically and presents it in a transparent format.

Picking aisles in small parts warehouse feature dashboards

The retail chain started with a dashboard to control material flows in its small parts warehouse control centre back in 2018. The picking aisles in the central warehouse are now also equipped with a control tower. As a result, Fressnapf increases employee autonomy and efficacy significantly since employees can now immediately see which picking point needs them the most. This eliminates unnecessary walking distances and detours. As the dashboard is hosted online, new users and other departments can be easily added at any time.

Timesquare encompasses everything from incoming goods and monitoring various logistics areas through to transport systems, loading gates and shipment. The clearly organised dashboards can be custom-configured to meet the users’ specific needs. Fressnapf has been using the EPG LFS warehouse management system for more than ten years now. It also benefits from the LYDIA Voice pick-by-voice solution, the WCS warehouse control system, the TMS transportation management system, and the WFM workforce management system, which was developed in a joint project between EPG and Fressnapf. The different software solutions can be easily connected to Timesquare thanks to the close integration between the control tower and the EPG ONE suite. The control tower has been further developed in close cooperation with Fressnapf on a continuous basis. This is also why warehouse management has progressed from a static solution to a dynamic one.

Third-party software in new shuttle warehouse can also be integrated

The pet supplies specialist is currently expanding its small parts warehouse. Shipping is also being upgraded to include an efficient shuttle warehouse system. Controlled by a third-party software, the new shuttle warehouse is where the completed shipment boxes are buffered, sequenced and then automatically palletised. This warehouse will also be connected to Timesquare. “At the moment, we are still working with individual shipment conveyors. Our employees have to lift the boxes physically, place them on their intended pallets and then secure the shipment by hand. We’ll make this work step easier by automating the shipment area significantly, thus alleviating our employees. Timesquare will allow them to organise their work themselves and keep track of their successes,” affirms Strippel. In a next step, Fressnapf will be incorporating incoming goods, technical incident handling and the large parts warehouse. A third-party material flow computer is also being integrated into the new shuttle warehouse.

Warehouse and Transport Automation Banquet

Posted on by David Priestman

Global supply chain software provider EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) has announced another major client win for its fast-growing Australian division.

Long-established national food importer Mayers Fine Food is to implement EPG’s state-of-the-art LFS Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS) across its transport and distribution operations, enabling Mayers’ fabled efficiency and customer service to meet the challenges of a fast-changing food and beverage economy, both now and in the future. The double signing underlines EPG’s growing status as the provider of choice for supply chain software across entire company ecosystems.

Automation speed and accuracy

The pairing of the two products will lead to a step change in the speed and efficiency of Mayers’ operations. The WMS will automate and streamline processes at the company’s two DCs in Sydney and Melbourne, while the TMS will enable faster, more accurate and sustainable transport operations across the country, as well as the further bonus of improved communications with drivers, receiving docks and customers. Both systems will be backed up by EPG’s intuitive and easy-to-use analytical dashboard, which offers a broad operational overview as well as precise real-time reports and up-dates to Mayers staff.

Mayers Fine Food is Australia’s leading importer and distributor of food delicacies and specialty products from all around the world. They import over 2000 premium food and beverage products and distribute nationally to supermarkets, retailers, wholesalers, hotels, restaurants, delicatessens, manufacturers, shipping providers and airline caterers. Their product range includes cheese, butter, water and beverages, frozen lines, dry goods, seafood, chocolate, patisserie ingredients, coffee and pasta to name a few.

Single-source unique capability

In 2022, the company’s continuing success in a fast-changing economic landscape led it to address the growing complexity of its distribution and transport operations. After a competitive tender process, EPG’s LFS was selected ahead of WMS rivals because it is best able to demonstrate a broader range of key features capable of addressing critical operational requirements for Mayers. Batch and lot tracking, random weight capture and multiple order handling are just three of the many functionalities which support Mayers’ specific needs.

Meanwhile, EPG engineers and project specialists were able to demonstrate to the Mayers team the unique value of a single-source supply chain software suite. EPG’s TMS interweaves with LFS to allow a seamless product journey from storage to distribution to customer, with the benefits of continuous product and shipment tracking. Route optimisation enables transport managers to oversee the automated selection and allocation of transport routes to suit specific criteria, such as speed, number of stops, fuel miles and carbon emissions. Everything is overseen by EPG’s TIMESQUARE, a control tower dashboard providing access to real-time reports and updates that contribute to a full bird’s-eye view of the transport and distribution state of play.

“We were looking for an automation system that would equip us for the challenges and opportunities of today and the future in the food and beverage industry,” commented John Aerlic, Head of Operations for Mayers Fine Food. “EPG have given us a very satisfying double helping, with warehouse and transport systems that we expect to have a significant positive impact on our service to customers, efficiencies and, ultimately, our bottom line.”

EPG is delighted with the start it has made since opening its Australia office in 2022. “We are excited to be supporting Mayers Fine Food on the next stage in their growth,” said David Archer, Head of Sales, Australia/New Zealand. “We are confident that our solutions have the best answers for customers in Australasia, as they continue to do for our global client base in Europe, the Americas and Asia.”

System integration discussions have now begun, with a smooth implementation process expected by all parties. Further potential efficiency optimization between the partners includes LYDIA Voice picking solution.

The Future is Voice Picking

Posted on by David Priestman

Tim Just, CEO of TopSystem, explains why controlling the networked world of logistics by Voice will be one of the communication channels of the future.

Pick by voice is much more than just an order picking system: the technology represents an important component within the networked logistics world. Indeed, many companies across various industries are already investing massive sums in the expansion and development of their in-house logistics processes. Rightly so: up to 50% of investments are spent on this area alone – and half of this amount on order picking. These are all reasons why logistics remains an important pillar of the digital process chain and one worth investing in.

Pick by voice has already established itself on the market as a highly economic and flexible solution. Despite this, many companies continue to underestimate the potential of voice technology. As requirements for process quality and efficiency in the logistics chain have increased over the years, voice technology has become an important cornerstone of process digitalisation. Voice technology first started gaining traction at the end of the 1990s. Pick by voice quickly established itself as a very popular manual order picking system. With an average error rate of just 0.08%, it is significantly better than other solutions such as conventional order picking lists (0.36%), MDE devices (0.46%) and pick by light (0.4%).

The noticeable increase in picking quality ensures that pick by voice is widely used by warehouse managers, with the technology offering maximum flexibility and easy integration into existing IT
infrastructures. The fact that the voice application can be directly linked up to the overarching warehouse management or ERP system also offers significant advantages. For instance, all downstream processes such as replenishment control and order management can be initiated swiftly. Read the whole article here: https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#46

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