Why Rugged Tablets are the Best Solution for Your Forklift Trucks

Forklift trucks require extremely durable and reliable computers that are cost-efficient, operate even when there is inconsistent Wi-Fi, and also promote safe and ergonomic operation.  Traditional vehicle-mounted computers serve a single purpose, can take weeks or months to be repaired and often use operating systems that are being phased out resulting in reduced productivity and increased warehouse costs.

In this Q&A, our experts discuss these challenges and explain the difference that vehicle-mounted rugged tablets are making in warehouses, distribution centres and on plant floors in nearly all industries right now.

Q: What big challenges are warehouse and distribution centre operators dealing with when it comes to mobile technology for their forklift trucks?

The warehouse is one of the most rugged environments where mobile technology is being deployed and used. On forklift trucks, along with a lot of stopping and starting, there are also extreme temperature fluctuations to deal with (i.e., when forklift trucks go in and out of the building or cold storage freezers). Finally, anytime you install a computer on a forklift truck of any kind, there are safety and ergonomic issues to consider. Companies need flexible solutions that can handle these requirements.

Another key driving factor right now is the end of life (EOL) of the existing operating system – Windows CE or Windows Mobile. Microsoft has announced the end of its support for those operating systems which many existing forklift mounted units are running on.  Companies must have a plan for what to do with the hardware. Even though the hardware itself may still function, they’re worried about the lifespan and how they will support the operating system beyond next year.

Q: How do issues like operator safety, Wi-Fi performance, and existing solutions impact the use and type of mounted devices on forklifts in the warehouse environment?

We’ve seen increased attention to preventing accidents and other safety-related issues inside of warehouses. To help safeguard against operator distraction, companies need compact devices that can be mounted overhead or out of the driver’s line of sight. These requirements are pushing companies to think beyond traditional VMUs (vehicle-mounted units), which are bigger and not removable and also require a high upfront investment. The trade-off with fixed VMUs is that they’re limited in terms of their ability to expand into new roles or applications. For example, some are simple green screen terminal emulators that support specific functions like order picking and processing. They’re also not removable or portable, so the user needs to sit in the forklift truck to use it.

And in terms of safety and to prevent accidents due to distracted driving, best practice is to use a solution that locks down the computer and/or keyboard when the vehicle is moving. This reduces distraction-induced accidents by preventing the driver from operating the computer while the forklift is in motion.

Q: What are some better options that companies should consider right now?

Companies want solutions that can scale and provide an improved return on investment (ROI), when used for more than just a single purpose. With a Panasonic TOUGHBOOK tablet solution, they can invest in a stable, highly-scalable, easy-to-support platform across the entire enterprise. Many are rethinking their original VMU approach and installing rugged tablets that serve multiple purposes, like the TOUGHBOOK G1 tablet with optional integrated barcode and RFID scanning.

We’re also seeing a lot of companies revamping their supply chain or warehouse management software right now. This is pushing more of them to consider devices that can be used not only with forklift or warehouse management applications, but also for online training, email or other purposes. With warehouse activities impacting the entire organisation—and with the velocity of orders picking up thanks to the growth in e-commerce—companies need powerful devices that can capture, process and share more data without the need for extensive user training.

Q: How should the use of Wi-Fi factor into a company’s decision to invest in a specific type of mobile device to use on the forklift trucks?

Warehouses are tricky Wi-Fi environments often requiring a big investment in infrastructure to get good but often not ubiquitous coverage. These big, metal buildings are a challenge.  Companies should test the connectivity performance of devices in the warehouse before purchasing them.  Having a forklift truck-mounted device that can maintain a Wi-Fi connection is more critical now than ever because these devices are providing real-time updates or changes to task workflows. Panasonic TOUGHBOOK mobile tablets help solve this problem by incorporating well engineered, high performing Wi-Fi modules designed to optimise connectivity. 

To look at it another way, some companies are dealing with limited bandwidth and the struggle to maintain connectivity by investing in antennas that are attached to the forklift trucks. The problem is that this adds a whole new layer of complexity, installation fees, hardware to buy, and technology to support. When companies replace their VMUs with a Panasonic tablet, those antennas often become unnecessary. Also, from a safety perspective, even though the antennas are generally installed in out-of-the-way positions at the top of the forklift, there are times when the cabling or the antenna themselves can get in the way (i.e., by interfering with the driver’s sight line). Our solution offers a cleaner installation that maximises connectivity usually not requiring an external antenna.

Q: What types of companies are using rugged tablets on their forklifts and how are these solutions helping them be more efficient, safe, and productive?

Forklift trucks are used in many different industries, with manufacturers of finished goods being particularly big users of these vehicles. Not only are these organisations making goods, but they’re also buying parts, ingredients, raw materials, and machinery—all of which are part of the extended supply chain. Retailers are also in need of mobile solutions, given the millions of square feet of warehousing and distribution space that they rely on.

Q: How does Panasonic help ensure a smooth transition over to vehicle-mounted rugged tablets?

When it comes to the options that companies need when putting tablets on forklifts, they include vehicle mounts, keyboards, printers, scanners and other pieces of hardware. All of these products have to fit on a forklift and in a way that doesn’t obstruct the user’s vision and is easily usable. Our ProServices solution engineers determine the most ergonomic and safe place to install all of that equipment on the forklift truck (along with the wiring, power, etc.). That’s not a simple thing to do, so you definitely want to have some expertise on the ground whenever you’re retrofitting a fleet of forklifts or other types of warehouse vehicles with mobile technology.

Panasonic is focused on providing technology and expertise to help companies realise operational and efficiency gains in the warehouse.  The TOUGHBOOK product line is especially suited for this environment.  Panasonic has offered vehicle mounting solutions for years that include integrated hardware, software, mounting component kits and installation services. So we take on the logistics and headaches of deploying new VMUs, relieving in-house resources to focus on other priorities.