Warehousing insights

• Smart lift trucks enhance warehouse efficiency by leveraging real-time monitoring, data analytics integration and operator assist technologies, which lead to improved productivity and optimized workforce allocation.
• Equipped with security features like speed control, cameras, sensors and proximity detection, smart lift trucks help reinforce best practices, enhance operator training and ensure smooth interaction between workers and machinery.

In today’s ever-changing warehouse environment, utilizing equipment that propels a plant forward is essential. Smart lift trucks can play a key role in keeping a warehouse moving forward efficiently by leveraging data. Thanks to technology integration, the forklift is evolving with connected technologies that allow data to be transmitted and utilized more effectively.

Smart lift trucks can reinforce best practices and training with security functions such as speed control, cameras and sensors.

These advanced lift trucks can utilize real-time monitoring, operator assist technologies, data analytics integration and management systems — all leading to enhanced efficiency and productivity within a variety of warehouses.

Figure 1: Data from tether integration, like Raymond’s iWarehouse Integrated Tether System shows how operators use the lift trucks and identify opportunities for more training and best practices. Courtesy: The Raymond Corporation

In addition to improved security functions, smart lift trucks also can be equipped with innovative technology that simplifies workforce management and training by providing data and metrics on operator connection histories, behaviors and system involvements.

Smart lift truck benefits in the warehouse

In an industry of constantly evolving technology, the smart lift truck offers a competitive edge to warehouse operations and their operators. The technology reinforces best practices, and operator security and confidence, and it helps optimize workforce allocation.

The smart lift truck enhances lift operator training and best practices with audible and visual notifications. Travel speeds are limited to 1 mph and lift capabilities are disabled when a connection is not detected, enhancing operator security and confidence.

Figure 2: Proximity detection technology can alert workers of potential collisions helping ensure smooth interaction between workers and machinery. Courtesy: The Raymond Corporation

Warehouse floors often become congested with multiple activities happening simultaneously. Proximity detection can help improve efficiency and coordination by alerting workers of potential collisions, helping ensure smooth interaction between workers and machinery. Proximity notification systems alert pedestrians and lift truck operators when objects are detected within a defined distance of a properly equipped lift truck, to minimize interaction with objects, truck control is activated.

Using the smart lift truck as a data source

General connected technologies pull data that moves an organization forward with scalable, flexible and intelligent solutions. Data from the tether integration shows how operators use the lift trucks and identify opportunities for more training and best practices. Access to this information allows for necessary changes and adjustments that help to keep the warehouse competitive throughout the years.

Smart lift trucks represent a significant advancement in warehouse technology, offering a competitive edge through their integration of connected technologies and data utilization. These lift trucks not only enhance efficiency and productivity but can also reinforce best practices and operator security with advanced features such as real-time monitoring, operator assist technologies and proximity detection systems.

Figure 3: Proximity detection technology can alert workers of potential collisions helping ensure smooth interaction between workers and machinery. Courtesy: The Raymond Corporation

By simplifying workforce management and providing valuable data insights, smart lift trucks enable continuous improvement in training and operational practices. The ongoing evolution of these technologies ensures warehouses can maintain their competitive edge, making smart lift trucks an essential component for future-proofing warehouse operations.

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