Innovative Pick-by-Vision project increases warehouse efficiency for Sennheiser

Pick-by-Vision

A smart glasses-based ‘Pick-by-Vision’ project for Sennheiser has been deemed successful after speeding up the cart process by 15-18% compared with other data-reading devices. In conjunction with Arvato SCM Solutions and technology partner Picavi, Sennheiser – one of the world’s leading manufacturers of headphones, microphones and wireless transmission systems – first implemented the innovative order picking solution at its logistics centre in Gütersloh, Germany, in 2016. Since then, the partners have further improved the solution by investing in new glasses, updating the software and incorporating a ring scanner.

Ever since the launch of the initial project in 2016, Picavi has been continuously developing the Pick-by-Vision system in terms of both technology and IT functionalities, including with a new generation of smart glasses, software updates, graphically optimized user interfaces and incorporation of additional scanning devices. Arvato further developed the Pick-by-Vision solution taking account of the ongoing technological developments in combination with the valuable experiences from the initial phase.

“In October 2017, we first invested in the new generation of smart glasses, optimized the process and then integrated supplemental ring scanners,” states Ken Taylor, who is responsible for innovations in the Hightech & Entertainment business unit at Arvato SCM Solutions. The order picking, in particular the scanning process of articles, was identified as requiring the highest level of accuracy from employees, but was sometimes difficult to maintain. This was solved by incorporating the scanners, which are located on the picker’s finger. This significantly accelerated the barcode-reading process.

Faster cart process

“Compared with the other data-reading devices we use, we are 15 to 18% faster in the cart process with the Pick-by-Vision solution, including the ring scanners,” says Thomas Becker, Executive Vice President Hightech & Entertainment at Arvato SCM Solutions. “We are very pleased to have achieved a clear added value for the warehouse process chain with this optimization. In doing so, we are also following our innovation strategy: we continuously monitor digital solutions and technologies and check their potential value. Using and developing such solutions and generating efficiency advantages in the next step is an important part of our innovation culture,” continues Ken Taylor. Arvato is currently testing for additional implementation options within logistics.