Voice-directed applications were once considered risky. But as more systems have come online and their benefits proven, the technology is more accepted, says Jack LeVan, president and chief executive officer of Vocollect. Most current applications are customer-specific, performing case and unit picks of groceries and general merchandise within distribution centers. Still in development are modules that will provide voice-directed receiving, putaway, cycle counts, and shipping. The best sign of voice technology's greater acceptance is Vocollect's sales: up 60% over the past three years, with nearly $30 million in sales in 2002. Voice technology workers use a headset and transmitting belt pack on the warehouse floor. They hear instructions over the headset, perform the task, then speak into the microphone when the task's complete.