Warehouse operations are often challenging without the right equipment. Depending on the size of the warehouse, it may be vital to have one or more forklifts to get work done. When it is time to buy a new forklift, it’s important to check out the features to see which one is the right option. Today’s forklifts take advantage of newer technology to provide numerous benefits for warehouse owners. Some of the tech being used in forklifts today includes the following.Â
Internet Connectivity
Does everything need to be connected to the internet? Probably not, but when it comes to forklifts, it can be a great idea. An internet connection on the forklifts at Connell Material Handling can help with real-time tracking to see how the forklift is being used, where it’s used the most, and overall performance. An internet connection can also help with data analytics to improve productivity and allow for alerts when maintenance may be needed to help keep the forklift in excellent shape and prevent it from breaking down.Â
Automation and Driverless Options
What if workers weren’t needed to operate the forklifts? This can help to improve productivity and remove the need for manual labor to handle repetitive tasks. Driverless forklifts are powered using AI, which allows them to use sensors to navigate the warehouse and get work done quickly. This can be used for stacking pallets, moving them to a new location in the warehouse, and more.Â
Advanced Safety Features
Forklifts can be dangerous to use, as there are numerous risks associated with them. However, today’s forklifts do have advanced safety features that can be used to keep workers safe. The most common safety features in use today are proximity sensors and collision avoidance systems that are designed to prevent accidents and protect workers. Forklifts can also include speed controls, stability systems, and even AR-based navigation to help improve visibility in tight spaces so workers are able to easily navigate the workplace.Â
Energy-Efficient Models
Many warehouses are working on energy efficiency to help with cutting costs without sacrificing productivity, and the tech now available in forklifts can help. The latest options have lithium-ion batteries that charge faster and last longer, so there is no need to wait hours to start using the forklift again. They also may have settings to help them operate more efficiently so the battery lasts as long as possible during the day, improving productivity in the warehouse.Â
Integration With Warehouse Systems
Keeping control over the inventory in a warehouse requires management to know where everything is located. One way to do this is through a forklift that can work with the latest warehouse systems. As inventory is moved, the systems can be updated with the latest location to make it easier to accurately track all items in the workplace. This can help to optimize the routes in the warehouse or to reduce repetitive tasks that can waste time.Â
If it’s time to buy a forklift for your warehouse or upgrade an older model, consider the tech that could help helpful in managing the workload, improve energy efficiency, and a lot more. With the new tech-driven forklifts available today, it may be possible to get a forklift that has everything you need to make the entire warehouse operate more efficiently. Check out the options available today to learn more.Â