Zetes Puts Voice Into Argos Stores

A new voice-directed put-away solution has been implemented by Zetes in 130 Argos stores.  The system will enhance operational efficiency in the “back-of-store” area by speeding up the put-away process and operating a more flexible, customer-driven stockroom.  

Since introducing the voice solution, Argos has seen significant process improvements through reduced time to the final sale point.   “Previously stores needed to put away products within each cage and then release the products for sale. Now individual items are released for sale as soon as they are put away – ‘on shelf’ literally means ‘on sale,’” said Alan Jeffries, head of store operations at Argos.

Argos began working with Zetes on a proof of concept pilot to validate the business case for the initiative in 25 of its stores, which took place during the peak trading period of 2008. Following this, Zetes was awarded the first phase of the integration contract and was subsequently successful in achieving the project objectives within half the original time forecast – a rate of 15 stores going live each week. As a result of this performance level, Zetes has been appointed to lead a company-wide roll-out to all of Argos’ 740 stores. 

Depending on their size, Argos stores can receive up to two daily deliveries. The company is using voice technology to notify delivery assistants of where to store each product in their “back-of-store” warehouse. Working in this innovative way has been proven to improve Argos’ put-away process efficiency by up to 24 percent. Voice technology also has enabled Argos to introduce line positioning in the stockroom, allowing complete flexibility over the layout with the fastest-selling products to be stored closest to the customer collection points. The technology also means smaller stores have the ability to stock a greater variety of products because items can be shelved anywhere and easily retrieved without the need for delivery assistants to have detailed stockroom knowledge.

The in-store voice solution being rolled out by Zetes for use by the delivery assistants will comprise Zetes’ 3iV application software and supporting management tools,  Vocollect Talkman T5 computers, VoiceClient, and VoiceConsole software. Comprehensive support and maintenance is being provided by Zetes as part of the Zetes Care solution.