Latest Lifting Africa Nov-Dec 2023

FORKLIFTS

Vehicle telematics helps businesses to become more efficient and digitally mature Telematics is technology that combines GPS systems and onboard vehicle diagnostics to record and transmit vehicle data such as utilisation of the machine and operator, speed on impact, location, forklift functionality and operation.

This helps companies in the material handling industry to have sight of the functionality of machinery, boost their productivity and future-proof the business.

Those running warehouses often have little idea how operators handle forklifts. Handling is critical and can lead to abuse of machinery and accidents. A big appeal of telematics is that the activity of operators can be monitored on a daily basis to gain insights into efficiencies and remove any roadblocks. Telematics saves time and paperwork for managers. Hour meters reporting can be used to see exactly how long machines

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Lifting Africa - Nov/Dec 2023

are being used; to set service intervals proactively; and ensure fewer maintenance issues and less machine downtime.

Telematics features include onscreen safety checklists which make pre-start checks mandatory, with operator lockout if there’s a critical issue. Questions are asked and answers are captured on screen. This ensures operators have inspected the machine and determined that it is safe to use. If questions are answered inadequately, the machine will not run. Being able to set up lockout thresholds is also a sure-fire way to ensure safety at all times. This

feature will be able to either limp or stop a machine from working after an impact. Warehouse managers decide what these impact level thresholds are based on their specific needs. Unreported impacts are costly to business, both in terms of product and equipment damage and machine downtime.

With telematics solutions, you can receive instant notifications of impacts so you can identify which operators and areas are most prone to incidents. GPS tracking can also pinpoint where the impact occurred.

Stephen Mostert, National Technical Manager for CFAO Equipment SA,