by Dan Livingston, on February 7, 2025 at 9:05 AM
It’s 10 am. Do you know where your forklifts are?
A forklift telematics system provides real-time information about who’s using your equipment and where. It can also generate behavior reports, alert you to upcoming maintenance requirements and more.
If you’re already drowning in data, don’t worry. You can choose what alerts and reports you want to receive. You can also simplify compliance with automatic lockout following a collision and mandatory pre-shift safety checks.
Here are four common problems forklift telematics can help you avoid:
4 Common Problems Forklift Telematics Can Help You Avoid
PROBLEM #1: Safety and Security
Unauthorized and improper use of your equipment can lead to fines and legal nightmares.
TELEMATICS SOLUTION:
A forklift telematics system can help prevent incidents and unauthorized use through:
- PIN numbers or RFID cards/fobs required to access equipment
- Real-time GPS location
- Recording who uses equipment and when
- Driver behavior analysis
- Alerting the operator when the forklift is overloaded
- Audible and visual proximity warnings
PROBLEM #2: Compliance
Improper lockout/tagout is one of the most common OSHA violations year after year. A missing or inadequate operator certification is one of the most common OSHA citations specific to forklifts. Telematics can help you prevent both of these issues.
TELEMATICS SOLUTION:
A telematics system can notify you when an operator’s license nears expiration. It can also lockout equipment immediately following a collision. You can also receive alerts for proximity warnings.
PROBLEM #3: Unplanned Downtime
When forklift operators forget to report error codes or equipment issues, it can lead to unplanned repairs and expensive downtime. Or you may have several forklifts that suddenly need maintenance during peak season.
TELEMATICS SOLUTION:
A telematics program can transmit error codes directly to your forklift technicians or forklift service provider. It can also create a service forecast so you can plan ahead and avoid having equipment offline when you need it most.
You can also add mandatory pre-start safety checklists to all your vehicles. Unlike a paper checklist, the on-screen checklist can’t be skipped. Questions are randomized and operator answers are recorded. No more illegible scrawls!
PROBLEM #4: Tedious Fleet Management Tasks
TELEMATICS SOLUTION:
Taking the time to record key hours on each of your forklifts may not be as serious as the three problems above, but it’s time-consuming and tedious. A telematics system puts the key hours for every truck in your fleet at your fingertips.
Schedule recurring reports or pull info on-demand. In a few clicks you can uncover which forklifts:
- Are used more than others
- Consume the most fuel
- Have more mechanical issues
- Need maintenance soon
MidCo can help you set up whatever reports you need and customize alerts and notifications.
GemOne: Forklift Telematics for All Makes and Models
We offer three different forklift telematics systems. GemOne can connect to all forklift makes and models — including existing telematics trackers from other providers and rental software.
GemOne is simple to use and easy to implement. The Android-based system can be accessed anytime, anywhere from any internet-capable device.
The hardware is robust and IP67 certified for industrial use (resistant to dust, sand, and water). Each 7” color touchscreen can connect via WiFi or a cellular network.
Run a Safer, Secure Fleet with Forklift Telematics
Questions? We’re here to help.
We take pride in providing world-class customer service at Mid Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling. Let us know what problems you’re trying to solve and we’ll provide options that meet your needs and budget.
Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137
Related Reading:
5 Benefits of Telematics for Fleet Management
3 Ridiculous Reasons You're Not Using Telematics
Telematics: Turn Forklift Analytics Into Action and Savings
