Choosing the Right Computer for Forklift and Fleet Management

Introduction: Supply Chain and Logistics Automation Trends

Automation is a growing trend that is transforming operations in many industries. Supply chain and logistics are one of those industries that are the most susceptible to changes. The need for 24/7 real-time track and trace solutions from dispatch to delivery forces logistics companies to adopt new technologies and modernize facilities and equipment.

Forklift and Fleet Management Automation It is calculated that forklift and fleet management automation increases productivity by 25%. Modern warehouse vehicles are equipped with RFID tags and readers to identify load, sensors to monitor speed, and detect load weight to optimize the warehouse operations' efficiency and flexibility. All the information about product location, placement, and order priority displays on a vehicle computer. This computer usually features Wi-Fi or 4G capabilities for real-time communications and data exchange. Technologies simplify warehouse management and speed up warehouse operations.	Forklift and fleet management automation increases productivity by 25%
Some Tips on Choosing the Right Computer for Forklift and Fleet Management READ MORE

Here are several key factors to keep in mind when searching for the forklift or truck computer:

Ruggedness — The device must be rugged enough to handle any industrial environment from extreme cold to dry heat, potential drop, and intense vibration from the moving vehicle. Industrial-grade computers have a high IP rating indicating water and dust resistance, fanless thermal solution, and industrial-grade internal components to withstand harsh operating conditions.

Mounting solution — In the warehouse and supply chain environment, the ability to mount mobile devices and computers to forklifts, trucks, tuggers, and inventory pickers, is essential. Vehicle-mounted computers are compatible with various mount types, including RAM mount. They are designed with vehicle construction in mind; these computers support drill, no-drill, and external keyboard installation methods. The mounting solution for a vehicle must be able to withstand intense vibration and shock.

Ease of service and maintenance — When installing a computer to a forklift or truck, it is essential to consider repairs and the need for software updates. Vehicle-mounted computers with a field-replaceable front panel are one of the solutions to speed up service time. If a screen is broken, which happens very often in the industrial environment, take off the front part and place a new one on a docking station. Modular design saves maintenance time.

A rugged vehicle-
mounted computer for
data collection in warehouse
and logistics applications

Engineered to fit seamlessly into forklifts and other warehouse vehicles with its wide range of power input with power isolation, the Winmate FM10Q will help minimize errors, streamline inventory management, and improve operational efficiencies.

Providing a reliable,
rugged VMC solution for
America's freight railroad network

Working with supply chain logistics IT & Software solution experts, Winmate provides a custom-built FM10 VMC with the latest mobile technology, mounted on the railway company's freight trucks, built to withstand the vibration and hustle of 24 hours operation, providing constant 4G/ LTE connectivity, withstanding a wide operating temperature of extreme heat and cold.