Ingram Micro (IM) is one of the leaders in technology sales and distribution. IM operates 24 distribution centres (DCs) across China supporting the businesses in 10 major cities.
Productivity gained of up to 35%
Return-on-Investment of six months or less
Pick accuracy of up to 99.99%
Optimized pick path through AI algorithm. Reduce movement by 30-70%
BetterMAN is our registered trademark. BetterMAN voice picking system is a comprehensive wearable solution developed by Richvoice. Our solution has incorporated both hardware and software to cater for the needs at a distribution centre (DC) in order to:
Hands-free, eyes-free, refined workflow
Natural human-machine dialogues
Incorporate SOP into voice dialogues between operator and voice picking system
Leverage AI algorithm on pick path and smart batch picking, eliminate 30-70% of walking
Implement check-digit as additional control point during picking
Extend voice picking through ring-scanner, mobile printer and RFID integration
Provide applications beyond picking to cater for various operation setups
Established background platform is capable of generating more than 30 reports. Overcome process bottleneck.
Open-source, support WinCE and Android devices
BetterMAN supports not only picking, but also other applications: Route Optimization,Performance Assessment,Kanban System,Put-To-Store, Sorting,Cycle Counting,Replenishment,Put Away,Receiving,Inspection and any customized workflow.
BetterMAN breaks down the DC processes into multiple modules. Depending on business needs, client normally implement picking, then extend the application to other areas.
Ideal scenario should be a balance between workload and capability
Excessive workload will lead to backlog, delay,lack of resources, bottleneck
Associates end up idling due to lack of workwaste of resources, imbalanced
More natural interaction
Low entry barrier
commonly accepted
BetterMAN supports not only picking, but also other applications: Route Optimization,Performance Assessment,Kanban System,Put-To-Store,Sorting,Cycle Counting,Replenishment,Put Away,Receiving,Inspection and any customized workflow.
BetterMAN breaks down the DC processes into multiple modules. Depending on business needs, client normally implement picking, then extend the application to other areas.
Ideal scenario should be a balance between workload/volume and capability/resources
Excessive workload leads to backlog, delay,
Associates idling due to lack of work
Natural voice dialogue
Low entry barrier
Widely accepted
In general, picking takes up 60% of the DC workload. Through the integration between BetterMAN's Voice Picking System and WMS, tasks can be prioritized and executed using voice communication. The advantage of being hands-free and eyes-free along with the use of check-digits drives productivity and accuracy. Advanced BetterMAN feature of pick path optimization and visualization helps management reduce unnecessary operator movement and improve resource utilization.
DetailsPick-to-Store is common for retailers. It is the most efficient method of fulfilling the outlet demand. Our retail clients realize a productivity gain of at least 35% through voice implementation. Occasionally, this is combined with cross-docking as part of the distribution model.
Details通过百特麦语音盘点系统,可以实现明盘和盲盘,同时循环盘点也会确保企业不用关闭门店就能完成盘点作业。 通过语音盘点系统,员工可以用自然的语音对话与系统进行询问和交互,这大大提高了企业的盘点效率
Details在汽车行业,排序作业是非常重要的备料作业。百特麦语音排序作业通过语音导向完成对工人的指引,对于复杂多变汽车配件以及不能出现任何差错的位置信息,用百特麦语音导向的方式可以很好的完成此项工作。
DetailsEffective use of visualization provides visibility of a DC operation. This tool drives critical business decisions and optimizes resource utilization. Customized reports can be designed based on operational needs and target groups.
DetailsOperators spend close to 70% of their working time on walking. The unique BetterMAN solution leverages on AI to realized optimized pick routing for each task. Based on analysis, the optimized pick path design could potentially reduce up to 40% of walking distance which indirectly drives productivity gain.
DetailsWe support the management in measuring employee performance and providing visualization in real time to keep employees engaged. BetterMAN works on the basis of "gamifying" user experience to motivate and reward employees.
DetailsIn general, picking takes up 60% of the DC workload. Through the integration between BetterMAN's Voice Picking System and WMS, tasks can be prioritized and executed using voice communication. The advantage of being hands-free and eyes-free along with the use of check-digits drives productivity and accuracy. Advanced BetterMAN feature of pick path optimization and visualization helps reduce unnecessary operator movement and improve resource utilization.
DetailsPick-to-Store is common for retailers. It is the most efficient method of fulfilling the outlet demand. Our retail clients realize a productivity gain of at least 35% through voice implementation. Occasionally, this is combined with cross-docking as part of the distribution model.
DetailsBetterMAN supports cycle counting activity, both open and blind count, without interrupting the daily operations.
The natural voice interaction between operator and voice system allows improve cycle count efficiency.
DetailsPick sequencing is crucial for automotive industry. BetterMAN leverages on the input from user to logically align the parts required for assembly. The effective voice execution avoid costly errors and rework.
DetailsEffective use of visualization provides visibility of a DC operation. This tool drives critical business decisions and optimizes resource utilization. Customized reports can be designed based on operational needs and target groups.
DetailsOperators spend close to 70% of their working time on walking. The unique BetterMAN solution leverages on AI to realized optimized pick routing for each task. Based on analysis, the optimized pick path design could potentially reduce up to 40% of walking distance which indirectly drives productivity gain.
DetailsWe support the management in measuring employee performance and providing visualization in real time to keep employees engaged. BetterMAN works on the basis of "gamifying" user experience to motivate and reward employees.
DetailsBetterMAN Voice Picking system works based on the data from an ERP or WMS where an interface is built. The DC associate carries out a task based on the voice command and responds as and when necessary through natural voice dialogues.
A headset is required along with a device at the workplace.
Being hands-free and eyes-free maintains high productivity and pick accuracy.
The system measures performance and provides visualization in real time to allow management to react on any unforeseen circumstances.
BetterMAN Voice could be implemented within the DC to optimize the end-to-end process from receiving through delivery. It can also integrate with barcode scanner, smart eyeware and RFID to complement any operational needs. Meanwhile, the path optimization, performance tracking and visualization are additional features which support the effective management of a DC.
As compared to paper or RF scanner picking, BetterMAN introduces hands-free and eyes-free work processes. The user does not need to read the screen, scan barcode or click button. The smooth voice-operated workflow of listening and responding is the key driver of ROI.
1. Improve productivity: Depending on the current state of the DC, expected productivity gain varies between 35% and 90%. On average the gain of our customer base is 50%.
2. Minimize errors: Although having a high accuracy of 99.9% prior to voice implementation, BetterMAN is expected to reduce error by at least 25%.
3. Ensure safety: Due to hands-free and eyes-free, the associates are more aware of their surrounding, leading to reduced work incidents.
4. Reduce training time: Learning voice system is rather simple and direct. Most of BetterMAN's clients realize that users can operate on their own within the first hour after training and become familiar with the entire system in one to two days.
Hands-free and eyes-free are the key. Our clients who made the transition from RF scanner to voice expect to see productivity and accuracy improvement:
1. Eyes-free: Improve pick accuracy and safety. The operators could avoid "head down" to read information on the handheld terminal while listening to commend through headset.
2. Hands-free: With voice, pick activity becomes convenient and efficient as it is not necessary to hold the RF scanner and operate device during movement. Both hands will be effectively used for picking and moving the goods.
3. Easily operated and trained: The low barrier to learning. Everything is operated through voice commands. Steeper learning curve expected for user switching from paper to RF scanner picking.
4. Flexibility: Possibility to integrate voice-operated workflow with barcode scanning to optimize productivity gain due to operational needs.
The savings derive from voice solutions is not limited to the technology. We have designed an ROI tool to facilitate the needs to build business case. Most investment can be recuperate between six to 12 months.
In 2015, BetterMAN Voice Picking is the pioneer in using Android, well ahead of any conventional voice picking system by five years.
We are the only one in the market which offers both options of speaker-dependant and speaker-independent. This eliminates the challenge of voice recognition errors.
We successfully implemented the largest voice project in China for RT Mart in 2019.
In 2020, we launched the AI individual performance tracking and pick path optimization modules.
In 2021, we became the first to implement voice on smart watch and AR eyeware.
This year, we launch the wearable barcode scanning unit for capturing product serial numbers. We continue to thrive along with new technology.
We have readily developed ports to integrate with cloud-based WMS and ERP and minimize implementation time, not limited to SAP, Oracle, Manhattan, Infor and Infolog. We also support customized server system such as WCS and other Automated Storage Retrieval System (ASRS) and IT system.
Yes, the KPI reporting and data visualization is part of the system features. We understand the importance of data-driven decision when handling exceptions or interruptions. Individual performance tracking could be incorporated into the reward and incentive programme. This can be customized during development stage to cater for individual operational needs. The system can be installed on tablet, smart phone or any devices. The ultimate objective is to support the management with an effective tool to continuously drive improvement.
BetterMAN's Text-to-Speech (TTS) machine offers up to 52 languages. This portion is the voice command from the device. We continue to add new languages in-line with client requests.
Another portion is the language "understood" by the system. The BetterMAN's ASR accepts any language or dialect. The uniqueness of our dual voice recognition stands out among the competitors.
BetterMAN supports the hardware below, but to limited to:
Handheld and Wearables
Vehicle-Mounted Terminal (VMT)
Tablet
Smart phone
Smart watch
Smart eyeware
Operating Systems:Android,Windows CE,Windows 7、8、10、11,IOS
All Bluetooth and wired headsets as well as the BE3 headset developed by us.
In terms of scanning, we support Bluetooth scanners, including innovative products from Zebra and Pro-Glove.
In addition, we support fixed and mobile printers and RFID devices.
As needs arise, we continue to develop and support our clients' end-to-end process in order to remain competitive in the market.
BetterMAN offers the options of speaker-dependant and speaker-independent settings. Subject to user needs, voice template training helps improve voice recognition rate. Voice template training requires between 20 to 30 minutes for a new user.
Otherwise, a new user could just turn on the device and start working by following the voice command. One convenience is that user is able to switch between the options to see which one best fits the user for the best picking experience.
Speaker-independent option is best for temporary workers when there is time constraint on training.
Normally within one hour after training, the associate could start working using BetterMAN. Upon one to two days, the associate will be very familiar with the system.
Productivity is expected to gain while pick errors will significantly reduce. This is the value which BetterMAN brings to your business.