Imagine warehouse pickers moving freely through aisles, guided by clear voice commands instead of being burdened by paper lists or bulky scanning devices. This isn't science fiction but the reality achieved by Locke Supply, an Oklahoma-based distributor of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC products, through its adoption of voice-picking technology.
The company's success story demonstrates how technological innovation in warehouse logistics can enhance efficiency, empower employees, and ultimately optimize overall business operations.
Challenges: Bottlenecks in Order Fulfillment
The recovery of the real estate market in recent years presented Locke Supply with unprecedented growth opportunities. However, the surge in orders also created significant challenges for its Oklahoma City central distribution center (DC). With over 160 branches across five states serving plumbers, electricians, contractors, and retail customers, the company handles complex orders ranging from small plumbing parts to large appliances like water heaters.
By late 2012, growing order volumes and picking inefficiencies were causing operational decline. "We focused on improving picking accuracy, reducing training time, and lowering employee turnover," said Larry Zeller, CIO of Locke Supply. "While no single event triggered our decision to change systems, we recognized accelerating problems in order accuracy, training, and staff retention."
Solution: Voice Technology Empowers Warehouse
Locke Supply implemented Vocollect's voice-picking solution, which integrates seamlessly with their warehouse management system (WMS). Zeller reported that the solution not only helped achieve productivity goals but also received positive feedback from branch managers who noticed significant accuracy improvements.
Deep Dive: Advantages of Voice Picking
From its single-store origins in 1955, Locke Supply has grown into a major regional distributor with 166 locations. Its DC processes 10,000-12,000 order lines nightly from approximately 27,000 SKUs across a 300,000-square-foot facility.
Before implementing voice technology in 2013, pickers used RF terminals to access picking lists and record activities. Shane Bruner, application support analyst at Locke Supply, explained the challenges: "Workers had to navigate terminal interfaces and input confirmation data. Training took three days, and accuracy hovered around 95% with high turnover rates."
The voice solution changed this paradigm. Workers now wear a small terminal on their belt and a headset, receiving audio instructions and confirming picks verbally. Training time dropped to just three hours, and pickers could focus entirely on their tasks without device manipulation.
Productivity Gains: Measurable Results
The improvements were substantial. Average picking rates nearly doubled from 110 to 200 units per hour, while accuracy exceeded 99%. Additional benefits included longer battery life for equipment, reduced hardware damage, and better visibility into replenishment needs.
Perhaps most significantly, employee retention improved dramatically. Areas that previously relied on 60% temporary workers now operate primarily with full-time staff. "We're moving more orders more accurately than ever before," Zeller noted. "Without this system, our DC operations would be in serious trouble given our current volume."
Locke Supply's experience demonstrates how embracing technological innovation can drive sustainable growth in competitive markets. By implementing voice-picking technology, the company achieved operational excellence while creating a more engaged workforce—a model worth considering for any logistics operation facing similar challenges.