RF Wireless SBS Technology
Basic Lift Truck Data Improves Safety
A leading manufacturer of high-precision magnetic steel laminations for motors, transformers and generators in the automotive and energy markets had just ordered a new fleet of 7 brand new lift trucks. Renewing their fleet every 3-5 years this time around they were determined to assume control over their fleet. In the past they would introduce the vehicles into the operation and would quickly realize how little they knew over usage and safety compliance. On top of that they had no idea what type of damage the vehicles were incurring over time and were often left with the servicing dealer breaking the news on damage that had they deployed a proactive system could have been avoided altogether.
Understanding that a vehicle deployed with no system to monitor put the company at risk. Risk in terms of safety compliance as ultimately it was OSHA auditing them on the percentage of pre-shift safety checks completed. Risk in terms of avoidable damage as without any understanding of who is operating what vehicle and when there was no accountability and therefore ineffective damage control and prevention. And most importantly risk in terms of operator safety and the ability to step up accident prevention.
The Problem with Paper and SkidWeigh Technologies Safety Solution
Presently most companies require their operators to fill out a generic forklift safety questionnaire. Upon completion they are to date it, sign it and submit for record. Although this form of record is compliant it is not without its faults that could leave companies and individuals at fault. Th first such problem with paper is the physicality and its ability to get overlooked, misplaced and lost. From the operation floor to the file folder where they are being kept are many hands and placement stations that could see that record go missing. In addition, the daily routine of paper becomes more of a compliance issue than an actual inspection with recourse for action. One of the biggest complaints from stakeholders that we hear is that the operators are just checking the boxes without actually checking the functionality of the equipment. Th only thing that is compliant is the date on the paper – but what about the liability that could result? Does management actually have time to review past safety records for areas of correction?
Again, the same liabilities could be levied at the company. Fortunately, IVDT through SkidWeigh technology offers a bullet proof process that covers off just such vulnerabilities in a number of its onboard systems from the Defender series to the SkidWeigh Plus systems.
The pre-shift safety check automatically starts every shift without fail requiring the operator to answer the specific question regarding the machine. Once complete the system stores the results chronologically either on the onboard or sends it to the network via a base station for those units on an 900 MHz RF communication platform.
Th best part is no record can be missed and or lost and the system ultimately logs everything recorded.
Also unique to SkidWeigh’s automatic safety check system is its stopwatch on the safety check. Starting when the first question is prompted on the LCD screen and ending when the last question is ‘PASSED’ or “FAILED’ this function tells stakeholders the actual time it took to perform the safety providing information on the level of due diligence.
Never lost and with integrity the SkidWeigh safety check is OSHA and ministry compliant and available for not just forklifts but all industrial vehicles where operational safety is required. Scrubbers, lift tables, skyjacks and compact construction equipment alike.
Live Data as it Happens When it Happens
IVDT has always been a proponentand manufacturer of self-contained network technology that provides no security risk whatsoever. Aside from hosting costs other technologies require third party admin support that just drove cost and provided a layered delay. IVDT’s wireless systems utilize an SBS base station that provides the end user with all the event details and notification in real-time without any third-party hosting. Effectively the data belongs solely to the end user.
The system is incredibly simple to set up with the assignment of an DHCP or static IP which provides a live updated LAN webpage portal. This allows operations or safety management to log in to any computer terminal on their network and access valuable fleet information as it is happening. It also provides to them the ability to compile data and reports based on specific queries such as vehicle number, operator ID or specific event. For events that are deemed critical or of specific importance the SBS allows the end user to set automatic email sends when that set event has occurred such as overload or failed safety. This automatic function alerts specific personal that need to know – when they need to know. The SBS’s stand-alone technology requires no ongoing support from dealers and or third-party support. It simply operates in the background providing critical vehicle information as it happens.