In modern, effective fleet management for forklift trucks, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) operate alongside manned vehicles (human-driven lift trucks – HDLs). Humans are increasingly becoming the conductors who harmonize the interplay of technologies between the storage shelves.
Between the warehouse shelves, rumors are circulating about a future in which machines completely replace humans: Some forklift operators will soon see artificial intelligence controlling their vehicles. However, there are various obstacles to the seamless flow of materials in companies that need to be overcome with future-proof solutions. Automation provides a help in many areas to make underutilized or overcrowded warehouses, rising energy costs or an inefficiently used vehicle fleet fit for the future. Autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and artificial intelligence (AI) have long since found their way into fleet management for forklift trucks. Most fleets consist of both manned forklift trucks and autonomous systems. Effective fleet management must be well orchestrated. At the end of the automation process, there is always the human being who controls the interaction of the technologies in the warehouse as a conductor and harmonizes them like a complex symphony.
Effective fleet management for forklift trucks
Fleet management refers to the central control and optimization of forklift trucks, stackers, platform trucks or route vehicles. This includes various specialized software solutions, such as forklift control systems, telematics, maintenance or AMR management systems. They work together to optimize the efficiency, safety, cost control and maintenance of the fleet. It includes all the necessary technologies and processes for managing the entire life cycle of a vehicle fleet, from selection and procurement to daily operation, maintenance and decommissioning. The aim is to make optimum use of the vehicle fleet and minimize empty runs. An effective fleet management system is relevant for companies that rely on efficient warehouse and material flow logistics: While smaller companies often work with a manageable number of forklifts and other vehicles, larger medium-sized companies through to corporations with extensive vehicle fleets benefit from digital control and analysis. Any industry, from the food and beverage industry to paper, furniture and heavy industry, where thousands of products are moved every day, can make particularly good use of the benefits of intelligent fleet management.
Manned and autonomous vehicles – two worlds, one common task
Manned vehicles have a long tradition in intralogistics: forklift operators often know the specific requirements of the warehouse, react intuitively to unplanned events and are able to respond flexibly to events. On the other hand, autonomous forklift trucks offer consistently high efficiency as they are programmed to drive fixed routes, never giving in to fatigue or going home at the end of the shift. A mixed fleet combines the strengths of man and machine: autonomous vehicles can handle standard processes more efficiently, while human intelligence intervenes where flexibility and decision-making skills are required. The use of technologies with real-time localization and AI-based optimization can ensure a smooth flow of materials. The interaction between the two vehicle types is controlled by an intelligent fleet management system that combines all solutions, such as forklift guidance system software, driver assistance systems, load and maintenance management, in one software.
The role of technology in fleet management
Digitalization provides transparency in intralogistics: Today, data is constantly being collected and analyzed to continuously optimize warehouse and transport processes. At the same time, logistics workflows are becoming increasingly complex. Fleet management for forklift trucks has become intelligent thanks to networking and real-time data. Humans and machines work in a complementary partnership. Centralized management of fleet movements ensures that every resource is in the right place at the right time. This not only reduces costs, but also increases the availability and reliability of forklift trucks. Modern fleet management systems use technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) to control both manned forklift trucks and autonomous vehicles. Real-time location systems (RTLS) play a key role in locating them and tracking their movements. With the help of 2D LiDAR sensors or other technologies, autonomous vehicles can navigate precisely through warehouses and coordinate their position with manned vehicles.
Advantages of a mixed fleet management system:
The role of humans in an automated system
In modern mixed fleet management, people are playing a more central role than ever before. They become the conductors of automated processes, monitor their function and intervene where automation reaches its limits. Their tools are software solutions such as the Warehouse Execution System (WES) from IdentPro. As a pioneer on the market, it networks all forklift trucks in one solution, whether manned or unmanned, controls them and provides continuous information on the status of all movements in the warehouse. It is characterized by its virtual mapping of the entire warehouse, accurate to the second and centimetre.
This allows all goods movements to be recorded, controlled and optimized. To do this, the WMS uses precise LiDAR and IoT sensor technology to collect real-time data on vehicle positions and goods movements. This data is merged into a digital twin of the warehouse, providing complete transparency about the location and condition of each pallet. It provides a platform that controls both manned and autonomous vehicles and combines them in a fleet management system for forklift trucks. The human is behind the control wheels of the software. In the end, it is human intelligence that ensures that the warehouse remains flexible and efficient through its decisions. This is essential, especially for complex tasks or unforeseeable events, in order to exploit the full potential of the technology. This transparency makes the fleet safer and more profitable while increasing the availability of each individual vehicle.
Effective fleet management with the WES from IdentPro:
The future of intelligent warehouse management: where people direct technology
Contrary to some fears, AI does not lift forklift operators out of the saddle of their forklift trucks. After all, the heart of modern fleet management is the cooperation between man and machine. Humans are the conductors who harmonize the individual elements of the system and ensure that technological developments are used optimally. IdentPro helps companies to realize this symbiosis by providing a fleet management system that integrates both manned forklifts and AMRs and positions people as the central decision-makers. The future of intelligent warehouse management combines people and technology – a future in which people direct technology.