Case Study: DELI XL Equips Its Frozen Warehouse With Voice-Directed Technology

Belgian company Deli XL, a subsidiary of the Bidvest Group Ltd. is a total supplier for the foodservice market. With a wide range of dry, fresh and frozen foods, Deli XL is aimed at large-scale kitchens of institutions and the hotel and restaurant industry. The multi-temperature service strategy (combined delivery of products at both room temperature as well as positive and negative temperatures) allows Deli XL to guarantee distribution quality, simplification and service. In order to even further meet its expectations, Deli XL has equipped its frozen warehouse (with temperatures to -20°C) with voice-directed technology.

Deli XL Belgium is currently the undisputed leader in the field of food distribution to organisations and institutions such as schools, rest homes, prisons and transport cafes. Its multi-temperature concept, a strategy that is implemented right down to the company's vehicles, is largely responsible for this position. The logistics department prepares orders for shipping on the basis of a list and labels: dry foods are prepared during the day, while the ultra fresh foods such as meat and fish are prepared overnight. Frozen food products are loaded at the very end. So as not to interrupt the various stages of refrigeration, everything is transported in lorries that are divided into different temperature compartments.

In order to improve the order picking process, Deli XL decided to switch to the voice-directed system with the help of Psion Teklogix. Scanning was initially also an option, but on closer consideration there were too many different barcodes involved and pick-to-voice was given preference.