Forklifts and powered industrial trucks (PITs) represent a costly investment because they require a large initial capital expenditure and cost thousands to keep running. While they are an indispensable piece of equipment for the enterprises, which rely on them, forklifts can often be a huge liability. This is because they can inflict astounding amounts of damage to warehouse product, Interior infrastructure and plant equipment while operating. In fact, OSHA found that USD $135,000,000 immediate costs are incurred due to forklift accidents.
On a daily basis, company facilities represent the most common type of casualty – but the ever-looming risk is the forklift’s potential to cause human injury. Unlike cars, forklifts need to be driven down narrow alleyways – in reverse – throughout the course of the day. “It’s a tough job and there’s no room for error”, explained Will Van Ness, VP of Fleet Management for Raleigh, NC based HCO Innovations, LLC. “Forklifts can maim and even kill people in the event of an unfortunate accident”.
Forklifts are a major cause of serious injury and death in U.S. workplaces where 1 person is killed in a forklift-related accident every 3 days, on average. Unfortunately, this type of forklift fatality is
all too common. OSHA statistics indicate that 34,900 serious injuries occur each year, with 42 percent of the forklift fatalities stemming from the operators being crushed by a tipping vehicle. They are powerful, heavy, and inherently unstable pieces of equipment, which pose risks to both drivers and pedestrians walking on areas in which they are used.
If you’ve ever worked in a warehouse or managed a PIT fleet, you’re well aware of the extremely difficult task of balancing throughput, safety and regulation compliance. The good news…finally a robustly smart system, engineered to withstand the toughest environmental applications, intuitive enough for easy usage of the online reporting engine by any staff member and versatile enough to be installed on any powered vehicle, has arrived from the shores of Australia.
Now, with the introduction of Speedshield Fleet Online, these age-old standards are seamlessly merging with present-day technology and predictive analytics. Safety, compliance and efficiency aren’t singular pools on a Venn-diagram or bullets on a list – they are ecosystems that impact and are impacted by everything that takes place within an PIT operation. Designed with this in mind, Speedshield Fleet Online allows companies to gather data, ranging from operational compliance to asset management, and leverage predictive analytics in order to create even higher standards of safety, compliance management and efficiency.
Safety, Compliance Management And Efficiency From The Top
“What makes Speedshield Fleet Online such an effective tool for our clients from a management perspective is that it can immediately answer questions about the safety, compliance management productivity and the overall health of their entire fleet…globally”, explained Will Van Ness.
“Speedshield Fleet Online allows clients to manage risks, operating safety and OSHA requirements from the top down. Are their operators speeding? Are they wearing their seatbelts? Are they overloading their equipment or simply misusing it?”
Get the reports that you need at any level with your organization, from as broad as the entire enterprise, or as narrow as the division, site or even department. Every vehicle within your enterprise that’s operating on Speedshield Fleet Online is visible to the top corporate account holder. So you don’t have to wonder what’s going on and you don’t have to track down division or site managers and ask them for their reports – Speedshield Fleet Online provides the data you need instantly and delivers it directly to you.
Think of it like checking the weather. Instead of calling someone to look up the weather report, don’t you usually check you weather app or just glance outside the window in order to see if you need an umbrella? That’s the ease with which Speedshield Fleet Online operates – allowing you to see what’s happening from within your PIT fleet.
Eye-Opening Statistics
Did you know that approximately 60% of your entire PIT fleet’s maintenance costs are caused by just 8% of your PIT drivers? This statistic is not simply derived from driver abuse, but instead by drivers operating the PITs beyond their engineered tolerances. The term is Operationally Induced Events or rather OIEs – which is fancy for ‘operating the equipment to failure’ and is manifested by the following: over heating, over speeding, impacting (collisions), under-spec’d equipment, over loading or intentionally operating to failure, as explained by David Tod Geaslin of The Geaslin Group.
So, let’s do the math. If your annual MRO (maintenance, repair & operations) budget is $1 million dollars and you have 100 PIT drivers, $600,000 of the cost is being incurred by just 8 drivers! The challenge you face is identifying these 8 drivers before potential damage or serious injuries occur. Speedshield can provide this visibility within days after installation via the proximity driver access control feature. Gone are the days of not knowing who was on your PIT at all times.
Speedshield Fleet Online can also help you know ahead of time which PITs are due for preventative maintenance for true just-in-time (JIT) servicing – the most efficient method for PM management. This is accomplished by simply entering service hour intervals for various critical components into the Speedshield online portal.
Tired of hearing complaints from staff that the Shipping Department keeps taking the Receiving Department’s PIT? Speedshield Fleet Online even makes it possible to manage individual pieces of equipment. Imagine the time saved if you are able to reassign an operator to a different truck or restrict his or her access to equipment from your own computer wherever you may be in the world. Since one of the most important aspects of safety and efficiency in any warehouse is proactivity, Speedshield Fleet Online can help you and your operation act swiftly and decisively in taking steps to cut costs and create an even more productive work environment.
Affordable On Any Budget
National leasing providers now understand the importance of robust telemetry systems and are eager to provide lease financing for Speedshield Fleet Online – making them exceptionally affordable on any size PIT fleet. As far as ballpark investment goes, plan on around $2 per day for a comprehensive system with most bells and whistles including installation, set-up and ongoing support.
If you have any questions as to whether Speedshield Fleet Online is right for your enterprise, or if you are interested in learning about how your site can operate more efficiently, feel free to contact the material handling experts at HCO Innovations at 1-888-755-9566 or through their contact portal on their website.
1. What is forklift telemetry?
Forklift telemetry is a system that utilizes sensors, data collection, and wireless communication technologies to gather and transmit real-time information about forklift operations. It allows fleet managers to monitor various aspects of forklift performance, such as usage, maintenance needs, operator behavior, and productivity metrics.
2. How can forklift telemetry benefit my PIT fleet?
Forklift telemetry offers several advantages for PIT (Powered Industrial Truck) fleets. It enables improved visibility and control over fleet operations, leading to enhanced safety, increased productivity, and optimized maintenance strategies. With real-time data insights, fleet managers can identify areas for improvement, allocate resources efficiently, and make data-driven decisions to maximize the fleet's performance.
3. Is forklift telemetry expensive to implement?
No, forklift telemetry solutions come in a range of options, including cost-effective ones suitable for businesses of all sizes. While high-end comprehensive systems may have higher upfront costs, there are also affordable alternatives that provide essential telemetry functionalities. Additionally, the potential cost savings and operational efficiencies gained from implementing forklift telemetry usually offset the initial investment in the long run.
4. Can forklift telemetry help prevent accidents?
Yes, forklift telemetry plays a crucial role in preventing accidents in PIT fleets. Real-time monitoring allows fleet managers to identify risky behaviors, such as speeding, harsh braking, or improper use of equipment. By monitoring operator behavior, managers can provide timely feedback and targeted training to improve safety practices. Telemetry data can also assist in identifying potential maintenance issues or equipment malfunctions that may contribute to accidents and proactively address them.
5. Will forklift telemetry replace the need for physical inspections?
No, forklift telemetry does not replace the need for regular physical inspections. While telemetry systems provide valuable data, physical inspections are still necessary to assess factors that may not be captured by sensors or to identify any external damage or abnormalities. The combination of forklift telemetry and routine inspections offers a comprehensive approach to fleet management, ensuring both operational efficiency and safety.
6. Can I integrate forklift telemetry with other fleet management systems?
Yes, most forklift telemetry solutions are designed to integrate with other fleet management systems. By integrating telemetry data with existing systems such as maintenance management or asset tracking software, fleet managers can streamline operations, automate data analysis, and gain deeper insights into the overall fleet performance. This integration enables a holistic approach to fleet management and facilitates better decision-making.
7. Is forklift telemetry suitable for both small and large PIT fleets?
Absolutely! Forklift telemetry solutions are scalable and can be tailored to meet the needs of both small and large PIT fleets. Whether you have a small fleet with a few forklifts or a large fleet with numerous PIT vehicles, there are telemetry options available to suit your specific requirements. Implementing forklift telemetry can benefit any PIT fleet, regardless of its size.
Smart Warehouse Solutions: Enhancing Efficiency and Performance with IoT Integration.
In today's ever-evolving business world, companies are constantly striving to improve efficiency and performance across all areas of their operations. This includes finding ways to optimize their warehouse operations, as it plays a crucial role in the overall supply chain management process. HCO Innovations, a leading management consulting firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializes in providing smart warehouse solutions that enhance efficiency and performance through the integration of IoT technology.
The Power of IoT in Warehouse Optimization
The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized various industries, and the warehouse management sector is no exception. IoT refers to the network of interconnected devices that can collect and exchange data with each other without human intervention. In the context of warehouse optimization, IoT technology can be used to create a connected ecosystem of sensors, devices, and data analytics platforms that provide real-time insights and enable more informed decision-making.
By integrating IoT devices and solutions into their warehouse operations, companies can achieve a number of benefits:
- Real-time visibility: IoT devices, such as smart sensors and RFID tags, can provide real-time visibility into the location and status of inventory, allowing warehouse managers to track and manage their inventory more effectively.
- Optimized inventory management: With IoT-enabled inventory management systems, companies can automate inventory tracking and replenishment processes, reducing errors and minimizing stockouts or overstocking situations.
- Improved operational efficiency: IoT devices can monitor and optimize warehouse processes, such as picking, packing, and shipping, by providing insights into the most efficient routes, optimizing workflows, and reducing manual work.
- Enhanced safety and security: IoT technology can be used to implement advanced security measures, including surveillance cameras, access control systems, and environmental sensors, ensuring the safety of both employees and inventory.
These are just a few examples of how IoT integration can enhance warehouse efficiency and performance. By leveraging the power of IoT, companies can transform their warehouses into smart, connected spaces that improve productivity, reduce costs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
HCO Innovations: Your Partner in Smart Warehouse Solutions
As a leading management consulting firm, HCO Innovations specializes in providing tailored smart warehouse solutions that help companies optimize their warehouse operations and achieve significant cost reductions. With over a decade of experience and expertise in warehouse optimization and forklift fleet management, HCO Innovations has successfully helped clients across various industries, including distribution, manufacturing, and food processing, improve their operational efficiency.
HCO Innovations takes a collaborative approach to warehouse optimization, combining advanced cost-tracking software with a "boots on the ground" methodology. Their team of experts works closely with clients to assess their warehouse layout, perform safety assessments, and identify areas for improvement. By analyzing data from IoT sensors and other sources, HCO Innovations is able to develop actionable insights and implement strategies to enhance warehouse efficiency.
One of the key strengths of HCO Innovations is their ability to provide turnkey maintenance solutions for forklift fleets. Forklifts play a critical role in warehouse operations, and their efficient and safe operation is essential for smooth warehouse functioning. HCO Innovations offers comprehensive maintenance programs that include regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and repair services, ensuring that forklifts perform optimally and minimizing costly downtime.
By partnering with HCO Innovations, companies can experience a significant return on investment. Not only do they benefit from reduced material handling costs and streamlined warehouse operations, but they also gain a competitive advantage by delivering faster order fulfillment and improved customer satisfaction.
For companies looking to enhance their warehouse efficiency and performance through IoT integration, HCO Innovations is the trusted partner that can provide the smart warehouse solutions necessary to achieve these goals. With their comprehensive services, industry expertise, and commitment to delivering exceptional results, HCO Innovations is well-equipped to help companies unlock the full potential of their warehouse operations.
If you're ready to take your warehouse to the next level with smart IoT integration, contact HCO Innovations today for a consultation. Visit hcoinnovations.com to learn more about their services and how they can help your business succeed.
