Why your forklift fleet deserves a turnkey mounting solution
Why your forklift fleet deserves a turnkey mounting solution
The stalwarts of any distribution operation, forklift trucks serve multiple purposes in today’s fast- paced warehouse and distribution centres. To ensure that those vehicles and their drivers stay efficient and productive in today’s “want it now” e-commerce distribution world, more companies are using tablets. They enable inventory tracking; assist with cross-docking and put-away; maximise material movement; and reduce the number of empty forklifts driving around the facility.
However, the same technology that helps companies replace their manual, paper-and-pencil inventory management methods also presents new challenges for firms that want to attach a mobile computing device to their forklift. How to create a safe, secure, and ergonomic experience for drivers?
Choosing the right device
Managing the middle piece, where the technology has to be securely mounted to the actual vehicle, can be difficult. The IT team that’s ordering the technology will ensures it connects with the infrastructure in the warehouse or distribution centre, but they are often not so familiar with the equipment mounting and operator training that is required to make the investment worthwhile.
The challenges don’t end there. In the fast-paced fulfilment environment, the technology itself has to be easy to use and include all of the adaptations that users want, for example, will keyboards and scanners be required? Without these peripherals, the technology itself quickly becomes a burden versus an efficiency-booster. There also has to be a place on the vehicle for those extras - something that IT purchasing departments don’t always fully appreciate when placing orders for tablets.
Flexibility is key
Another important consideration is labour turnover. If it’s high, it means you need solutions that can quickly adapt to any worker’s experience, size, weight, and preferences. A 5-foot-tall forklift operator who weighs 110 pounds versus a 6-foot-tall operator weighing 250 pounds will need their onboard computers placed in different ergonomic positions. No matter what type of technology is put on the vehicle, it needs to be ergonomically suitable for any operator with some simple adjustments.
A device-agnostic approach to mounting can be a smart move. As the mounts are vehicle-specific and clamp onto the forklift, the installation process is easier and requires no drilling (in most cases). Standard VESA and AMPS fittings on mounting plates mean that most vehicle docks can be attached with ease. This ensures longer lifespans for the mounts, which can continue to be used even as companies upgrade their technology.
Using an isolated power supply, also ensures that there’s always enough power for the device—and that the power is evenly distributed. At Gamber-Johnson, we have developed a 15-foot wiring harness to enable fast, efficient installation and it also helps to complete the entire mounting solution.
By providing the docking stations, power supplies, and mounts, it provides a one-stop-shop to bring mounted technology up to today’s standards and to update older, bulkier vehicle-mounted devices in favour of lighter tablets that require docking stations.
Questions to consider
When choosing a turnkey vehicle mounting solution for a lift truck fleet, companies should ask themselves these four important questions:
- Which specific devices are being mounted?
Identifying your device ensures that you get the right dock or cradle to support your specific need and desired connectivity.
- Which vehicle model is the device being mounted to?
This is important because it allows you to select the best possible mounting solution for mounting and installation of your device.
- What is the vehicle’s voltage?
Knowing the voltage or power requirement of your forklift vehicle ensures that you can get the appropriate power supply for your specific need.
- What accessories need to be mounted?
Barcode scanners, keyboards, printers, cup holders or other peripherals may need to be mounted. This makes a big difference to the ultimate solution.
This simple Q&A goes a long way in making sure companies get the best turnkey vehicle mounts for their specific applications. It also helps IT departments more readily determine what type of equipment and technology they need to be buying for their fulfilment operations.
To find out more about TOUGHBOOK forklift solutions, visit our new microsite.
Read more insights…
blog
A Culture of Continuous Innovation from the TOUGHBOOK CF-31 to the TOUGHBOOK 40
In a busy first half of 2024, the TOUGHBOOK G2, 33, and 40 rugged mobile devices have all received major updates. It’s a good time therefore to pause and revisit Panasonic’s DNA of continuous improvement that improves functionality for the end user.
blog
Keeping Our Ambulances Connected: The Tech Behind NHS’ Life-Saving Upgrades
Under the nationwide Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP), Ambulance Services Trust in England and Wales are implementing a major technology upgrade to enhance efficiency and patient safety. Every trust will deploy Panasonic TOUGHBOOK devices in their rapid response vehicles and ambulances.
article
Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 40mk2 – Revolutionising the Rugged Device Market with AI
The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 40mk2’s AI-enabled Intel® processor and enhanced connectivity brings AI processing at the edge to the market-leading rugged notebook, vastly improving efficiency for mobile field service workers.
blog
Keeping the Defence Sector Connected: Meet the TOUGHBOOK 40 TACTICAL
The TOUGHBOOK 40 TACTICAL revolutionises military vehicle operations with its specialised module, military interfaces, and shock-proof mount. It offers exceptional in-vehicle connectivity, stemming from our latest collaboration with roda computer GmbH in the defence sector.
Sorry there was an error...
The files you selected could not be downloaded as they do not exist.
You selected items.
Continue to select additional items or download selected items together as a zip file.
You selected 1 item.
Continue to select additional items or download the selected item directly.
Share page
Share this link via:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Xing
Facebook
Or copy link: