The Co-operative Group is expanding the use of voice recognition technology in its warehouses to cover 1200 users across six locations serving more than 4,400 stores.

The retailer has been using the system from supplier Zetes since 2006 and has so far installed the system in four sites.

The voice project also included an overhaul of the Co-op’s warehouse management system and a move to wireless networking. Warehouse workers use the voice system to speed up picking of goods in a complex environment with a high number of product lines stored.

Picking errors have been reduced by up to 70 per cent at the sites using voice technology, and the Co-op says that it is ahead of schedule on its expected three to four year return on investment.

“Voice technology allows us to ensure our customers receive a timely and accurate service, and that’s what is most important to the business,” said Tim Edwards, Co-op’s retail logistics business projects manager.