DALLAS — For forklifts and other warehouse trucks utilizing vehicle-mounted computers (VMC), ShockWatch – the global leader in developing and manufacturing damage prevention products – uses the onboard computer to deliver its new FleetControl™ Manager. ShockWatch’s latest innovation enables an enterprise to optimize its VMC investment by integrating with and utilizing the power of the computer’s processing, touch screen, AC power supply and wireless communications capabilities.
Using the VMC touch screen, FleetControl Manager enables operators to gain access and operate the lift, complete the pre-shift OSHA safety checklist and send and receive messages with others in the warehouse, including warehouse managers. With a thorough understanding of the warehouse environment, ShockWatch has designed FleetControl Manager’s graphical user interface (GUI) on the VMC to eliminate the need for a separate display unit that requires additional space on a forklift dashboard and may restrict operator view. Additionally, the GUI features large on-screen buttons and easy-to-read text, providing a user-friendly functionality that enables operators to keep their work gloves and safety glasses on.
“FleetControl Manager comes with all of the standards customers expect from ShockWatch’s Equipment Monitors product line,” said Clint Branch, ShockWatch VP of Engineering. “The new system offers equipment location services, general usage monitoring and real-time impact detection and recording through a triaxial accelerometer – adjustable through the associated enterprise software, EquipCommand™ – all of which help ensure that fleets operate in the safest and most productive manner.”
FleetControl Manager works with almost any lift truck with a VMC to help ensure that only trained and certified operators gain access to lifts. FleetControl Manager can use existing company personnel identification systems, including ID badges or employee numbers, further maximizing customer investment in those systems.
Through the EquipCommand software, FleetControl Manager enables management to set impact, utilization and maintenance thresholds from a central location, receiving alerts only when action is warranted. Alerts, as well as notifications of events such as impacts and required maintenance, can be sent to the manager’s desktop computer or to a text-enabled cell phone. In addition, FleetControl Manager – like all ShockWatch products and services – can help dramatically reduce damage-related costs caused by forklifts.
As with all ShockWatch Equipment Monitors, ShockWatch’s hosted software service, Remote Data Management (RDM), is available with FleetControl Manager. This service allows customers to focus on their core business, while ShockWatch hosts and manages their database, tracks that each equipment monitor is functioning properly and manages customer-defined event notifications and reports.
“By adding FleetControl Manager to your warehouse equipment, you can increase operator accountability and improve driving behavior without supervisory presence – something a VMC alone cannot provide,” said R.C. Greenberg, equipment monitor product manager at ShockWatch. “Employee safety should be the top concern of every manager inside a warehouse environment. Accident liability can be a costly matter. With ShockWatch onboard, you have the ability to improve safety, ensure OSHA compliance and reduce forklift–induced, damage-related costs – all with one product.”
