The key to achieving maximum forklift efficiency

Are your forklifts running as effectively and efficiently as they should? If you answered “yes”, then well done. And if you answered “no”? It isn’t ideal, but you should be commended on recognising the issue. It’s an important first step.

But, how did you reach that conclusion? If it wasn’t based on data evidence /telematics, it’s impossible to know exactly where your performance really lies.

Versatile telematics systems do this for you. Intelligent systems measure and record operations – allowing you to assess and optimise your activities. Telematics could be THE key to achieving the best possible total cost of ownership (TCO).

Optimising operations

Telematics make it possible to run a fleet where your forklifts are used in the right places, in the right ways… while keeping costs to an absolute minimum.

As well as safeguarding operators and colleagues, these sophisticated systems reveal answers to crucial questions such as:

How is my fleet’s capacity being utilised?
How are my drivers treating equipment and loads?
Are my trucks safe enough to operate?

Real-time insights like these are possible through wireless registration and communication. Truck data is continuously gathered and transmitted to the system using wireless data transfer, typically via mobile phones, Wi-Fi and the internet.

Telematics allow you to optimise operations and reduce your TCO. Some of the benefits include:

1. Initial control

Software takes operators through the essential checks that determine whether a truck can be used safely. Importantly, truck will be not be released into operation until the check has been properly completed and ensures that everything is in good working order.

2. Error-code recording

This provides insight into the malfunctions occurring, so that adequate countermeasures can be taken.

3. Deployment analysis

This allows you to determine your optimal fleet size and mixture by recording how much a truck is driving, lifting and tilting. For example, if data shows that a forklift is used mainly for horizontal transport, you might consider replacing it with a powered pallet truck.

4. Event tracing

Using adjustable shock sensors, systems accurately trace events, as well as their severity.When combined with GPS integration (see #9), event tracing confirms what happened, who was operating and where.This allows you to eliminate bottlenecks in the operation, as well as analyse and address any individual driving behaviour.

5. Time registration and measurement

An ideal tool for comparing fleets, time intervals are fully adjustable, whether you need to analyse operations by the hour, the day, the month or even season. It is a particularly effective way of recording peak times – allowing you to adjust your fleet deployment.

6. Operational reports and cost overviews

Measuring means more insight and information can be used for management purposes.

7. Truck allocation to qualified drivers

Using IPAF certification and immobilisers, this prevents misuse by unauthorised operators. In addition, it underlines the importance of safe driving behaviour.

8. Automatic shutdown

When no driver is present, this switches the forklift off after a pre-set time – preventing unwanting idling and the risk of misuse, while saving energy, too.

9. GPS integration

This functionality records truck location. By giving a clear picture of the routes travelled, you can identify and eliminate bottlenecks, as well as locate spots where accidents occur more than average.

The high price of forklift damage

Too often, the signs of equipment over-loading or mistreatment are ‘found’ after the fact. It may be a scrape, a dent or a serious malfunction…

Without the data to confirm what happened, chances are you’ll never determine the cause. Regardless of what damage has occurred, one thing’s for sure: there will always be an impact on your bottom line… and it’s not just repairs, either.

Think about how this unplanned downtime will affect your operation’s capabilities or your commercial reputation. In such a competitive marketplace, missed deadlines are never an option.

Did you know?

Forklift damage can add as much as 5% to the cost of a typical five-year lease. Across an entire fleet, that can quickly mount up to thousands in unplanned costs that could have been prevented.

Conclusion

While telematics are necessary for huge fleets of forklifts, smaller operations can reap benefits from them, too. By discussing your goals with a reputable supplier, you can be sure to find the telematics solution that’s right for you.