A crucial component of digitalization and automation is the comprehensive mapping of process and information flows throughout the entire supply chain. This necessitates the implementation of intelligent IT solutions that collaborate seamlessly across various sectors. For example, integrating voice technology into enterprise warehouse management systems offers undeniable advantages. Yet, many organizations using SAP face initial challenges with integration and configuration that can stall projects before they fully launch.

Ehrhardt + Partner Group (EPG) offers a range of solutions in warehousing and logistics, with LYDIA Voice being a key offering. LYDIA Voice, a hands-free, eyes-free voice recognition solution for warehousing and logistics, integrates with SAP and uses speaker-independent technology, eliminating the need for user-specific voice training. This advanced technology, evolved from speaker-dependent systems in the late '90s, enables intuitive interaction akin to consumer voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home. LYDIA Voice streamlines warehouse operations and distribution center activities by allowing hands-free, eyes-free execution of tasks, checklists, and inspections, boosting efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Its seamless integration and lack of required voice training provide significant advantages and rapid returns on investment for customers.

Ryan Absil, Director of Professional Services at EPG emphasizes, “LYDIA Voice is one of our key offerings, primarily enhancing execution within warehouse settings and DC operations. Additionally, LYDIA is utilized across various deployments and applications, such as checklists and inspections, where hands-free functionality is essential, independent of any SAP customer environment. While it stands as a pivotal product, its capabilities extend into other areas of our portfolio, enriching our other solutions with its recognition technology and enabling operations to be both hands-free and eyes-free.”

Case in Point – CONA (Coke One North America)

CONA Services, the Atlanta-based company, which provides IT services to several North American Coca-Cola bottlers, decided to explore new voice-directed workflow solutions due to the discontinuation of support for their existing system. Their existing system had a complex architecture that necessitated hosting software on local servers at each site, which was both support-intensive and prone to voice recognition errors that frustrated users. The organization sought a new system with a simpler architecture that integrated smoothly with SAP, was not dependent on a continuous network connection, and could function effectively even in challenging network conditions. This new system also needed to maintain functionality independently of network reliability, particularly in areas with weak WiFi signals.

The LYDIA Voice solution was successfully implemented by CONA Services across over 120 North American locations, meeting their operational needs and garnering positive user feedback. This voice solution integrated seamlessly with SAP without needing middleware, facilitating quick deployments. Its neural network voice recognition works effectively in noisy environments and supports over 50 languages, eliminating the need for voice template training and offering significant hardware flexibility due to its device independence. LYDIA Voice also featured a Dialogue Designer for creating custom voice-directed workflows, allowing CONA to tailor solutions independently which enhanced real-time labor productivity tracking through user-directed commands linked to backend systems.

The implementation not only boosted operational efficiency and service availability but also significantly reduced paper-based processes, leading to positive feedback from users.

Voice-Driven Workflows Within the SAP Ecosystem

LYDIA Voice integration typically involves SAP environments that are running Warehouse Management (WM) or Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), with the solution being integrated within the Internet Transaction Server (ITS), SAP’s build-in web server. This is part of the general framework of SAP, allowing LYDIA Voice to be easily enabled within the SAP environment, like flipping a switch. SAP provides some default voice functionality, which is leveraged, but additional features are added to enhance the solution and ensure a more foolproof and improved user experience.

The development of this solution is conducted entirely within SAP, resulting in a streamlined architecture where the customer's SAP team can utilize their existing knowledge to develop voice-driven workflows and applications.

Absil explains, “In terms of competition, there are typically two or three other voice providers in the market that regularly pose competition. However, LYDIA is the only voice solution on the market with a native SAP integration and distinguishes itself through its advanced voice recognition capabilities and engine. A notable feature specifically integrated within the SAP solution is "Look Ahead," which presents information to the user during SAP transactions, thus reducing response times and enhancing efficiency. These innovations are key ways LYDIA differentiates itself from competitors.”

Ideal customers for LYDIA Voice include operations that handle individual and case picking. The solution is particularly effective in environments where traditional RF guns or paper methods are used, as it enhances productivity and reduces errors by guiding users audibly through tasks.

Absil highlights, “Our primary customers typically include individual and case pickers, such as the food and beverage industry, where items need to be handled individually or in cases. However, our voice solution and recognizers are versatile enough to be used in other areas like field services and inspections as well. Specifically, within distribution centers and warehouse settings, our technology serves those who handle small and large case volumes effectively. Using an RF gun in a warehouse can be cumbersome; it is a bulky device that you constantly must pick up and set down. Sometimes, distractions can cause you to lose track of your location. In contrast, a voice solution is like wearing headphones that guide you through tasks—like using Google Maps. It tells you where to go without needing to look at a device. If you forget your next step, you can simply ask for the information to be repeated. Thus, for those using RF guns or even traditional paper methods, adopting a voice solution improves productivity, worker safety and satisfaction, plus offers a better return on investment, saving money over the long term.”

What Does This Mean for SAPinsiders

As companies consider deploying voice solutions, the advice is to focus on the integration capabilities and the potential for smooth implementation and significant productivity gains. The success stories of companies like CONA (Coke ONE North America) highlight the transformative impact of integrating LYDIA Voice with SAP, showcasing substantial improvements in operational efficiency.

Prioritize Compatibility with SAP for Voice Solutions: Evaluate and select voice technology solutions that demonstrate proven compatibility with SAP systems and initiate pilot projects to test the integration capabilities and identify any potential issues early in the deployment process.

Implement and Monitor Voice-Enabled Systems: Deploy voice solutions like LYDIA Voice across key operational areas to improve productivity and accuracy. Set up metrics and KPIs to monitor the impact of voice technology on operational efficiency, error rates, and output quality and use feedback from employees to fine-tune the system, adjusting workflows and voice commands to maximize ease of use and effectiveness.

Capitalize on Hands-Free and Eyes-Free Technology: Implement hands-free and eyes-free voice command systems in environments where safety and efficiency are paramount, such as in warehouses and grocery stores. Train staff on the benefits and usage of voice technology to enhance buy-in and optimize user interaction with the new systems. Regularly assess the impact of voice technology on workplace safety and operational speed, adjusting protocols and equipment as needed to improve performance.

Expand the Use of Voice Technology Across Different Domains: Explore the use of voice technology in non-traditional areas such as customer service, mobile applications, and field services. Educate stakeholders on the versatile applications of voice technology beyond the warehouse, showcasing its benefits in everyday scenarios like vehicle navigation and smart home management.

Take advantage of the 'LYDIA Voice Prove It' program offered by EPG: The 'LYDIA Voice Prove It' program offers customers a scaled-down, reduced-cost trial to experience LYDIA Voice's full integration with their SAP systems before full deployment. This trial implementation lets customers directly observe and benefit from LYDIA's hands-free, eyes-free voice capabilities integrated into their warehouse and logistics operations. It enables validating the promised efficiency, accuracy, and safety gains of the speaker-independent voice technology. The 'Prove It' trial provides an accessible way for SAP insiders to see LYDIA Voice's tangible operational value prior to larger investment.