Retailer WHSmith is using a voice-based technology system to improve accuracy and speed up warehouse processes.

The packaged service ­ supplied by VoiteQ ­ includes a wearable computer with a plug-in headset. The software is integrated to the retailer’s existing warehouse management system (WMS).

Operators receive computer-generated voice instructions from the main WMS platform and can track and trace products from the picking point to the delivery destination.

The introduction of the hands-free devices increased precision and productivity, said WHSmith’s site manager Jim McCafferty.

“Because of the amount of manual work involved at the warehouse, the voice-activated technology proved to be more suitable than the handheld scanners used previously,” he said.