Connecting Intralogistics Employees with an Efficient Fleet

Loading, unloading, relocating, managing, and picking – an organized warehouse structure is crucial for the smooth operation in production and storage halls and significant for the economic success of a company. Jürgen Effner, Managing Director of TOPREGAL GmbH, explains the advantages of linking employees with an efficient fleet.

„The connection of professional employees with an efficient fleet helps to optimize logistics processes and make them maximally productive,” explains Jürgen Effner, Managing Director of TOPREGAL GmbH. “Switching or upgrading the fleet with modern electric hub devices and industrial trucks can not only relieve employees of everyday challenges but also ensure a pleasant and healthy working environment.”

Fast and Safe Handling

Processes such as loading and unloading trucks, picking activities, and goods management require an organized and adaptable storage system. It is essential to adhere to processing times without endangering personnel or causing damage to goods. However, in tight storage areas, high-traffic aisles, and ramp areas, even trained employees can reach their limits during maneuvering. “Industrial trucks with a small turning radius, such as the electric forklift GSE15/5 from SolidHub, ensure fast processing of goods even in confined spaces,” explains Effner. “Thanks to the comprehensive overview provided by the curved rear mirror, the acoustic reverse warning, and the horn, the safety of warehouse staff is increased in the hectic hustle and bustle. Furthermore, adequate marking of traffic routes in ramp, storage, and operational areas is necessary to avoid collisions.” With the powerful Li-Ion battery, the forklift is ready for use again after a charging time of 1.3 hours, either via the integrated charger at any standard 230-V socket or using a high-power fast charger. The use of the electric forklift requires possession of a forklift license and annual training in its use according to § 4 DGUV V1.

Gentle Movement of Goods

Moving pallets or goods of all kinds in the warehouse and on the sales floor or transporting them to customers via truck – the activities of employees are diverse, and the distances covered and the weight of the loads are considerable. A common aid is the pallet truck, which should be a fixed part of the inventory in any efficient warehouse, production, workshop, or on the company premises. “With manual pallet trucks, lifting goods and transporting particularly high and heavy loads is very labor-intensive and exhausting for employees,” reports Effner. “More gentle and faster in transport are fully electric pallet trucks, such as the HWE1500-2 from SolidHub.” With the push of a button on the handle, Euro pallets, mesh boxes, and goods of all kinds are lifted gently and moved smoothly forward and backward. With a small turning radius, it can be maneuvered easily in small spaces, between tight storage shelves, when loading trucks, or in freight elevators. With a lifting capacity of up to 1,500 kilograms, the electric pallet truck is also practical for transport in trucks or vans and facilitates the delivery of goods to customers. Warehouse staff only need comprehensive training to operate it and must be of legal age.

Space- and Cost-Saving Alternative for Many Applications

To manage various warehouse tasks and operate different storage systems tailored to the respective goods, such as high-bay warehouses or floor storage, it usually requires the use of several industrial trucks. This can become a decisive cost and space factor, especially for small businesses. “A cost-effective and space-saving solution is the electric forklift HE1200/3 from SolidHub, as it combines the features of a forklift with those of a pallet truck. Moreover, it can be charged at any standard 230-V socket without a high-power connection,” says Effner. “Not only does it facilitate all common transport and forklift tasks for small businesses like workshops or retail with a maximum load of 1,200 kilograms and a lifting height of 86 to 3,000 millimeters, but thanks to its small turning radius, it can also be used particularly flexibly in small storage and production facilities.”

Occasional Use in Cold Stores

As a true all-rounder, the high-lift pallet truck with the waterproof control unit is also suitable for harsher working conditions such as cold, moisture, and dust, and can even be used occasionally in cold stores. Employees must be trained before operation but do not require a forklift license. “Switching the fleet to electrically powered industrial trucks not only leads to a long-term reduction in CO₂ emissions for the entire company but also brings a number of other advantages: The vehicles are quiet, energy-saving, and emission-free, thus protecting the health and nerves of employees in the long run,” concludes Effner.
Photo: © TOPREGAL