AccuSpeech FAQs.
Everything you need to know about voice-enabled warehouse automation.
Voice Recognition
Is Voice Training Required for Each User?
No. AccuSpeech is a user independent voice solution and can be used immediately by your existing team without the need to record or
manage voice training files. As a user independent voice solution it is also easy to learn for new and seasonal team members.
How well does your voice recognition work in a noisy environment?
AccuSpeech’s advanced voice recognition is optimized to perform in noisy environments typical for distribution center and mobile inspection
applications. In addition, during implementation, we customize the implementation to ensure optimal voice recognition.
What if users have a cold or an accent, does it effect your voice system recognition capabilities?
No. AccuSpeech is Speaker Independent, modern voice recognition technology that is designed to work well with a variety of voice input
situations.
Explain user dependent and user independent voice recognition and how AccuSpeech works.
Many server based voice picking solutions require user training and they keep user profiles on the server. These are speaker dependent
solutions. With a speaker dependent, or user dependent solution, a custom configuration is needed for each user. Each user must create a
voice profile and each profile must be saved and stored for use, loaded on a users device and then changed for each new person using the
device. With a user independent or speaker independent solution, one configuration is used for all users. A device based solution that is
speaker independent, combined with today’s state-of-the art speech recognition technology, eliminates the need for the older user dependent
model. AccuSpeech is user independent, with no server requirement or hours long training of the system to properly recognize a particular
voice.
What language support is available?
AccuSpeech supports thirty-six languages including Australian English, British English, Chinese, French, Greek, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese,
and Thai. If the language you need is not supported here please contact us and we’ll tell you what is supported. Multiple languages can be
deployed on the same mobile device.
Voice Applications
Is Voice Just for Picking?
Although voice picking is a popular first application to voice enable, any workflow can be voice automated with AccuSpeech’s. A device-based
voice solution such as AccuSpeech allows for rapid application development and makes it ideal for many applications in the distribution
center. Voice enabled workflow is suitable for all types of picking as well as workflows such as cycle count, replenishment, shipping, receiving,
put-a-way, cross docking and more. Voice automation can also be used outside the four walls to streamline workflows such as transportation
and logistics, Enterprise Asset Management and field services applications.
Are there other benefits that I'll receive from voice enabling existing workflows?
With AccuSpeech, workflow automation can be customize for your particular application (on the client) eliminates manual user interaction on
the mobile device and reduces user looks at the screens and hence impacts worker productivity significantly.
Can I use Voice for applications outside the four walls?
Yes! Voice can be used to streamline processes such as transportation and logistics or any process that would benefit from hands-free, eyes-
free operations, such as Enterprise Asset Management mobile inspection, maintenance and repair workflows. Any application that can benefit
from freeing the user’s hands, reducing the interactions necessary by the user and reducing the need for users to visually look at screens to
continue workflow could be a candidate for voice enabling. Applications that can be improved through automation in addition to reduced user
interactions and looks will benefit from adding voice.
Are any customers using AccuSpeech in conjunction with other voice solutions?
Yes. There are customers with legacy voice picking (Vocollect, Voxware, Lucas) that have installed AccuSpeech for other applications, or
completely replaced the older server based applications with the AccuSpeech device based, serverless approach.
Mobile Devices
Can I use my existing handhelds with the AccuSpeech solution?
Voice capable devices (has a mic and can process audio input) with Windows, CE5, CE6 , CE7 and Android (4.1 or newer) operating
systems. We recommend using a headset.
Can I use Android devices with your solution?
Yes, devices with Android version 4.1 or higher.
Does each worker need their own device?
Devices are not user dependent. Many of our customers run multiple shifts with users sharing devices. That said, we highly recommend each
user has their own headset.
What type of maintenance is required?
Maintenance for existing devices is the same as prior to installing AccuSpeech; no additional maintenance is required. A typical customer will
have an RF device and scanner combination, and add a headset. Most customer’s prefer to assign a headset to each user for hygiene
purposes. Maintenance of headset may include replacement of the foam ear piece, foam wind cover over the MIC and connector cables (if
using a wired headset).
What if we don't already use handheld mobile computers or intelligent scanners in the warehouse?
We have a network of experienced partners and relationships with handheld scanning leaders such as Zebra and Honeywell among others. If
you are still picking off paper you would need to deploy the mobile devices and then add our voice solution. Please ask us for partner referral
information.
Technology
What equipment is needed to implement voice enabled workflows?
AccuSpeech will work with commonly deployed voice-capable devices running Windows, CE5, CE6 , CE7 and Android (4.1 or newer)
operating systems. These devices should be equipped with an audio codex for audio in and out capabilities. A wired or wireless headset
(Bluetooth 4.0 and HFP 1.6 support) is also required. We recommend using a headset for all voice related applications. DC team members
may share mobile computing devices and headsets and individuals may prefer to work with their own headset.
Do I need a voice server or middleware to connect to my WMS?
No, AccuSpeech is client based solution that works entirely on the mobile device.
Are changes required to the WMS Server software to use AccuSpeech?
Since AccuSpeech is a device-based voice solution, everything is loaded on the device and no middleware or changes are needed to the
WMS/ERP or other backend system.
What if I am using a proprietary WMS?
Since AccuSpeech runs 100% on the mobile devices, you can voice-enable workflow for any backend system. AccuSpeech can be integrated
with an in-house developed WMS as well as popular Warehouse Management Systems such as IBM DView, JDA (including Red Prairie), JD
Edwards (Oracle), Manhattan Associates, HighJump, LogPro, Robocom, SAP and more.
Can I use my existing RF or wireless network?
Yes. We recommend a review of the network to ensure there are no dead spots that might interfere with communications between the handheld
and the WMS host.
Does AccuSpeech use the wireless or RF network to transmit the voice commands?
No. AccuSpeech is a client-based solution which translates the voice command into digital data at the device. Data from the device utilizes the
existing network in exactly the same manner as before installing our solution.
What type of network and network bandwidth is needed to use AccuSpeech?
No special requirements are needed. The network needs to support the bandwidth and the number of devices used and should support the
applications needs with minimal lag time to update the information on the screen. The network should provide adequate coverage to ensure
there are no Wi-Fi signal dead spots.
Usability
How much time should be allowed for user training?
Since the application that has been voice enabled is the same workflow that has been used in the past, after the first few days of getting used
to the voice system, it becomes second nature. The key to a successful implementation is to ensure the users are trained to know the responses
for each input filed and screen. AccuSpeech supports streamlining workflow by automating input and function keys on the mobile device.
Streamlined workflow typically shortens the steps required for users and contributes to fast learning curve.
How long does it take users to fully acclimate to your system?
A new user may take a few minutes to a few days to learn all the voice commands. Certain application screens may only be needed for special
situations. As the user becomes comfortable using a voice directed system, performance will typically continue to improve for several weeks.
How does your system confirm to the picker what he or she has picked?
The type of feedback can be customized to your work requirements. There are many effective methods, for instance, we can provide audio
feedback: a beep/tone, or speaking back a work such as ‘completed’ or ‘continue’.
How easy is it to deploy AccuSpeech to our existing mobile handheld workforce?
After the customized voice interface is built, the AccuSpeech runtime license is loaded on the handheld device. Next, two small files are
loaded from the AccuSpeech Studio and connected to the AccuSpeech runtime which enables a fully functional, voice enabled device.
ROI
What type of productivity improvement can I expect by voice enabling my applications?
While each voice implementation is unique, our customers have seen on average productivity improvements from 7% to 50%+ for each
application, within the first year of implementation.
What can I expect in terms of error reduction?
Each implementation is unique. Automating keystrokes and reducing manual entry (fat fingers) can significantly reduce errors and deliver
double digit improvements in accuracy. With AccuSpeech you can design the workflow to provide text-to-speech feedback; being able to
actually hear the error spoken instead of just a beep also eliminates a large percentage of errors.
We've looked at voice solutions in the past and they were cost prohibitive, what's different about AccuSpeech?
If you looked at voice solutions that were server based and required a significant capital outlay to implement, then you looked at a legacy voice
solution that may have been created up to 20 years ago. The AccuSpeech voice solution architecture deploys on the mobile devices, without
any changes to the WMS server and with no middleware required.
How can I estimate the ROI for adding voice?
We provide an ROI calculator that assists with quantifying an investment in voice automation.
Zero infrastructure.
Deployed in weeks.
No servers. No middleware. No backend changes. Plug In.
Automate. Done.
