Advanced Logistics System: Up to 17,000 full cases of wine and spirits ship every night from the Louisville DC. In addition, between 8,000 and 15,000 bottles make up repacked cases containing mixed SKUs. Repacking is a very labor-intensive activity that used to be completed with paper lists. Now, voice systems operating on rugged Motorola mobile computers direct split-case picking and repacking. The Motorola computers, including the new MC9000 model, incorporate the Jennifer voice software from Lucas Systems

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That’s the spirit!

Voice picking has nearly doubled productivity at Southern Wine & Spirits’ distribution center in Kentucky. Accuracy has also improved dramatically. Let’s raise a glass to them!

WHAT WOULD THE KENTUCKY DERBY BE WITHOUT MINT JULEPS?
Or the Bourbon Trail without its namesake? While Kentuckians take pride in sharing their superb whiskey brands with the world, Southern Wine & Spirits also makes sure that bourbons and other beverages of choice are readily available throughout the Blue Grass State.

Southern Wine & Spirits (SWS) is the nation’s largest wine and liquor distributor, with operations in 27 states. The company is known for listening to its customers and for taking a leading position in distribution. Eleven of its distribution centers now also listen in another way. They use voice-based logistics systems to select orders. SWS’s Kentucky facility is the latest to adopt this cutting-edge technology.

Operating from a 217,000-square-foot building in Louisville, SWS distributes liquor, wine, and other beverages to retailers, restaurants, bars and clubs across the commonwealth. Since moving to voice for its split-case bottle picking, it has increased speed, accuracy and flexibility, while improving its allocation of labor.

Hear, there and everywhere

Up to 17,000 full cases of wine and spirits ship every night from the Louisville DC. In addition, between 8,000 and 15,000 bottles make up repacked cases containing mixed SKUs. Repacking is a very labor-intensive activity that used to be completed with paper lists. Now, voice systems operating on rugged Motorola mobile computers direct split-case picking and repacking. The Motorola computers, including the new MC9000 model, incorporate the Jennifer voice software from Lucas Systems (www.lucasware.com). Picking instructions are relayed through a headset connected to the Motorola computer, which is worn on a belt pack.