Finnish Wholesaler Tuko Logistics Deploys Hands-Free Inventory Management
KERAVA, Finland -- Tuko Logistics, a leading Finnish wholesaler of groceries and other household products, yesterday completed an upgrade of one of its warehouse systems to a voice-directed, hands-free solution.
"The improvement in collection speed is a fairly important factor in managing the cost structure in an ever more competitive environment," said Peter Klenberg, who handles IT and business development for Tuko. "As a bonus, we save a great deal in costs by eliminating the enormous volume of paper and stickers we were consuming on a daily basis."
Inventory handlers in the Kerava warehouse are equipped with a Talkman terminal device, including a wireless headset. Instead of reading printouts, the inventory handlers receive voice instructions to guide them through the optimal route to collect the required goods in the nearly 625,000 square foot warehouse. The new system allows Tuko to eliminate most paper lists and stickers, and the hands-free component lets inventory handlers use both hands in actual work and in maneuvering their warehouse forklifts. This has resulted not only in a major increase in productivity and much fewer collection errors, but also in improved safety for inventory handlers, according to IMI.
Tuko's warehouse in Kerava, Finland, serves 1,000 retail outlets representing Wihuri Oy, Stockmann Oyj, and the Spar-chain, all with stores across the country.
"The improvement in collection speed is a fairly important factor in managing the cost structure in an ever more competitive environment," said Peter Klenberg, who handles IT and business development for Tuko. "As a bonus, we save a great deal in costs by eliminating the enormous volume of paper and stickers we were consuming on a daily basis."
Inventory handlers in the Kerava warehouse are equipped with a Talkman terminal device, including a wireless headset. Instead of reading printouts, the inventory handlers receive voice instructions to guide them through the optimal route to collect the required goods in the nearly 625,000 square foot warehouse. The new system allows Tuko to eliminate most paper lists and stickers, and the hands-free component lets inventory handlers use both hands in actual work and in maneuvering their warehouse forklifts. This has resulted not only in a major increase in productivity and much fewer collection errors, but also in improved safety for inventory handlers, according to IMI.
Tuko's warehouse in Kerava, Finland, serves 1,000 retail outlets representing Wihuri Oy, Stockmann Oyj, and the Spar-chain, all with stores across the country.