On-the-move forklift operators and others stand to benefit from new communicators and software in distribution centre and warehouse environments.

For instance, the new SRX wireless headset and voice software from Vocollect Inc with the CK3 mobile computer from Intermec Inc provides a rugged solution for mobile workers.

"Combining the CK3 and SRX wireless headset adds another level of flexibility and performance for our customers," sys Tim Eusterman, senior director of industry marketing at Intermec in Everett, Washington. "Whether you wear the CK3 or mount it on a forklift or pallet jack, going wireless for voice applications changes the game for productivity, ergonomics and safety. And realising all these benefits from a single mobile computing infrastructure improves efficiency and reduces operating costs."

Tom Murray, vice president of product management and marketing at Pittsburgh-based Vocollect, notes, "Our ability to offer the Intermec CK3 device with both wireless and wired headsets provides a variety of options for companies seeking to heighten business performance through voice. Now Intermec customers have another configuration to gain the many workflow productivity and accuracy benefits of voice."

Connections exist without cables or clips.

"Globally speaking, untethered instant access to data on command is a tremendous advantage to workers in a demanding mobile environment," according to Susan Muttart, manager of public relations with Vocollect. "Wherever workers happen to be standing ─ either on the lift or away from it ─ or if they are seated, they can instantly speak and retrieve whatever information they need in order to complete their task. This hands-free and eyes-free process also dramatically improves worker safety."

Meanwhile, Reddwerks Corp of Austin, Texas, a supplier to retailers and distribution centres in North America, is introducing warehouse performance management (WPM) software.

The enterprise software supplier's new WPM technology can supplant warehouse management and warehouse controls, the company says, and can position a user to handle higher volumes of direct-to-consumer orders stemming from Internet-based transactions.

Further, Reddwerks' technology can manage radio-frequency-directed full-palette picking via forklift. "The software directs the movement and position of the forklift drivers based on where the most efficient picking pattern might be," says Vanessa McMillan with the Reddwerks marketing department. The system "not only boosts productivity - picking speed and throughput - but also has the side benefit" of keeping forklifts from colliding.