Issue 1 2012 > The World of Logistics: Crown Increases Operational Efficiency Through the Use of New Technology
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The World of Logistics: Crown Increases Operational Efficiency
Through the Use of New Technology
Crown continues to expand its Logistics business with new technologies and continuous equipment upgrades in order to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy.
With the goal of maintaining accurate inventory levels, ensuring its clients' assets are allocated as effectively as possible in the warehouse as well as improving picking accuracy, Crown Logistics has recently adopted two state-of-the-art technologies – the Pick by Voice System and the Digital Allocation System – both of which reinforce Crown's quality services and world class performance.
Pick by Voice is a system that uses speech recognition, voice direction software and verbal prompts to transmit instructions to operators in the warehouse. Subsequently, the operators respond back to the instrument via headsets, by speaking pre-defined commands and reading confirmation codes which are printed at the respective location or on the actual product.
The Digital Allocation System or 'Pick to Light' system is a solution that uses light display modules to direct operators and automatically updates inventory levels in the system. When orders are placed, corresponding light display modules are illuminated with the required quantity at the correct location, which direct operators to retrieve an item.
Crown Logistics has proudly adopted the 'Pick by Voice' system and the Digital Allocation System for two leading cosmetic brands in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The results were very positive; with these two systems in place, as measured by the established key performance indicators (KPIs), Crown Logistics was able to improve allocation accuracy from 99.97% to 99.99%. Allocation and picking productivity also increased by 100%.
Moreover, as a dedicated 'Green Logistics' supporter, these technologies have enabled a paperless working environment, where traditional paper-based picking lists have been removed. By adopting these two new systems, Crown Logistics is now able to further enhance their performance, and ultimately provide its clients with even better and greener services.