Transform Forklifts from Potential Liabilities into Smart, Safety-First Assets

a forklift and a factory drawing

According to the Industrial Truck Association, the average injury-related incident costs $38,000 in direct expenses, with indirect losses reaching $150,000. It also reports that 70% of forklift accidents can be prevented with proper training and safety measures.

Powerfleet, a leader in IoT-enabled fleet management, tackles these challenges with advanced telematics solutions designed for forklifts. By using real-time monitoring, automated controls, and data-driven insights, Powerfleet significantly reduces accidents, ensures regulatory compliance, and promotes a culture of proactive safety.

At the heart of Powerfleet’s offerings is the Forklift Gateway (VAC), a wireless device that securely mounts on industrial vehicles like forklifts and tow tractors. This gateway serves as a central hub, gathering data from onboard sensors and optional add-ons such as GPS, impact detectors, speed monitors, load sensors, and pedestrian proximity alerts.

  • It enforces operator authentication via wireless access control to prevent unauthorized use.
  • Operators must complete digital safety checklists, documenting defects like brake issues or hydraulic leaks.
  • Non-compliant vehicles are automatically locked out of service, eliminating “pencil whipping” and ensuring immediate repairs.
  • The Speed Manager feature dynamically adjusts forklift velocity based on context.
  • Pedestrian proximity detection further bolsters safety by alerting operators to nearby workers via audible alarms or visual indicators.
  • And overload protection prevents tip-overs—the number-one killer of forklift operators

For added reassurance, an integrated seatbelt interlock guarantees the vehicle won’t start unless the seatbelt is fastened, ensuring complete compliance. Real-time event capture enhances Powerfleet’s safety approach. Combined with the Event-Triggered DVR system that records footage seconds before, during, and after incidents like impacts or sudden stops, anonymized clips become valuable tools for operator coaching.

Integrated into Powerfleet’s SaaS-based Unity platform, this data offers fleet managers a unified dashboard to monitor vehicle health, fuel efficiency, and safety metrics. Predictive analytics identify potential failures—such as worn tires or low battery levels—allowing proactive maintenance that prevents breakdowns and downtime.

Companies report over 50% reductions in damage to equipment, products, and facilities after implementation, leading to savings of tens of thousands of dollars for large fleets. Additionally, the improved OSHA compliance provides audit-ready documentation, protecting against citations for inadequate inspections.

And Powerfleet not only reduces accident rates but also enhances productivity, helping operators stay focused on tasks instead of manual logs—while maximizing equipment ROI.

As warehouses move toward automation, investing in telematics clearly delivers benefits: safer workplaces, lower costs, and empowered teams. For organizations focusing on human capital, Powerfleet is more than just technology—it is a commitment to zero incidents.

We Give Forklift Computing a Lift

Forklift-eblast-image-top-5ac4cb8c29c27For almost 20 years, Glacier Computer has been the industry leader in Forklift Computing.

Thanks to our knowledgeable staff our brand has become synonymous with high-quality products and fast, competent service.

To continue this tradition, Glacier Computer is expanding its products and services to keep your business ahead of the curve with the best data mobility solution for your “rugged” environment.

No matter what the environment.

forklif-graphic-3-5ac4e35661e58

Glacier Computer, founded in 2000, is shipping our 5th generation forklift computer, the Kodiak.

With over 30,000 VMT’s shipped since our inception, we are well versed in the challenges and opportunities of forklift computing.

Call or email us to request a demo today, or visit Glacier Computer.com

We’re at Modex 2018 April 9th – 12th in Atlanta. Visit us at Booth B2122 and say Hello!

Find Glacier on Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – YouTube – Google+

10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Forklift Computer

forklift - Mounting the right computer on a forklift doesn’t need to be a daunting task.

Yes, there are myriad options from rugged all-in-one vehicle-mount units to a wide array of industrial tablet computers.

Yes, making the right selection for your environment and application will play a significant role in user-acceptance, deployment success, and ultimately the ROI management expects from a capital purchase of this size.

And while there is no one-size-fits-all “remedy” you can find the best solution for your operation if you know what questions to ask.

Glacier has deployed more than 30,000 rugged computers over the past 17 years in every sort of operating environment and we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions to ask before you invest in devices for your fleet of fork trucks, carts, or hostlers.

Continue reading