Fleet Telematics vs. Proximity Detection: What's the Best Solution for Your Warehouse?

Fleet Telematics vs. Proximity Detection: What's the Best Solution for Your Warehouse?

This article will discuss the importance of pedestrian safety in warehouses, as well as the general need for safety protocols in your facility. It will discuss the differences between using pedestrian detection systems, impact systems, and telematics, and how each different form of proximity detection system can benefit your facility. While there are vast differences between them, each solution can be a game-changer for your facility's safety.

Pedestrian Forklift Safety

Proximity detection systems and fleet telematics both use technology to assist with pedestrian safety in forklift operations. The other primary forms of pedestrian safety include:

  • OSHA PIT Compliance: Following OSHA's guidelines on safety, including training and hazard awareness.
  • Proper Training and Certifications: Forklift operators are required to have proper training and certifications before using these vehicles.
  • Understanding Hazards: Training also includes understanding the hazards associated with forklift use.
  • Completing Pre-Operational Checklists: Ensuring the safety of a forklift before beginning operation is essential to any use.

Common Forklift Hazards

Before jumping into the world of impact detection solutions versus telematics, it is important to understand some of the main hazards seen in forklift operations. This can help illustrate why a proximity detection system can be so helpful. Here are some of the most common forklift hazards:

  • Blind spots
  • Improper maintenance
  • Improperly secured loads
  • Inappropriate speeds
  • Overhead obstructions

These hazards and more are excellent reasons to bring technological systems into your workplace to provide additional safety to your workers and your facility as a whole.

Key OSHA Rules For Forklifts

As we get ready to discuss how fleet telematics can impact pedestrian safety in your workplace, here are just a few key rules that OSHA has put in place for forklift operations. These guidelines are meant to assist in keeping everyone safe in your workplace; however, adding other types of precautionary measures to your site can never hurt.


Key OSHA rules for forklifts include:

  • Establish a visual communication system
  • Inspect machine conditions before use
  • Implement a floor marking system to keep workers safe
  • Change and store batteries properly
  • Operate safely
  • Watch for pedestrians
  • Maintain a safe distance from edges or platforms
  • Maintain visibility of your work area
  • Wear a seatbelt at all times

Pedestrian Detection Systems

When it comes to pedestrian forklift safety, one system that you can add to the equation is pedestrian detection, specifically focused on collision avoidance. ELOKON's ELOprotect is a proximity detection system with special scanners on both the back and front, meant to help detect any unexpected barriers, objects, or people who might be in the way. If the sensors detect anything hazardous, they will alert the operator. ELOprotect also includes automatic speed reduction programming to prevent collisions, as well as "comfort" activation, so the sensors will not falsely detect cross-aisle traffic or end-of-aisle walls.  

Impact Detection Solutions

Additionally, if collisions are a serious concern in your facility and fleet telematics alone isn't enough, you could also use ELOshield alongside ELOprotect. ELOshield is a proximity detection program that uses detection sensors and ultra-wideband technology to prevent any and all types of collisions. This includes handling pedestrian safety, as well as preventing damage to equipment, storage, or other forklifts. ELOshield has two different sensor zones: the warning zone and the protection zone. When objects cross into either zone, the operator will be notified. The protection zone is in place because some objects may be moving too fast to fully avoid a collision; at the very least, sensors can help trigger means of protecting the driver from any harm.  

Fleet Management

On the other side of proximity detection systems is fleet management and telematics. ELOKON's ELOfleet is a cloud-based management system that streamlines access control, fleet performance data, and safety checklists. It also incorporates a type of proximity detection system specially created through telematics. ELOfleet is excellent for large facilities that use a greater number of forklifts. With web-based software and easy access through your smartphone, telematics is a great way to maintain your facility's safety.

What Are Telematics?

So, what actually is fleet telematics, and how does it work? Telematics is a combination of the words "telecommunication" and "informatics." It is essentially a way of monitoring vehicles like cars, trucks, and forklifts through on-board diagnostics (OBD) and GPS technology. Think of it like a smart computer sitting inside your forklift, able to collect data about its performance, maintenance needs, driving habits, and more. Some forms of telematics are able to incorporate impact detection solutions, typically on a slightly lesser scale than a traditional, standalone proximity detection program.

Proximity Detection Systems vs. Telematics

So, will a proximity detection system or telematics be better for your facility and pedestrian forklift safety? Both systems have great benefits; it all just depends on what your facility needs. Let's break down some of the basic differences between systems.


Impact Prevention:

  • Individual programming for each forklift
  • Various potential systems (ELOshield and ELOprotect)
  • Likely more beneficial for smaller fleets

Telematics:

  • Centralizes a larger hub
  • Beneficial for larger fleets
  • Assistance in more traditional maintenance and forklift upkeep

Both systems are excellent in their own right, but one system might be more beneficial for your specific facility's needs. If you have any questions or feel unsure about which system might benefit you more, contact our team at ELOKON for assistance.

Finding The Right Solution With ELOKON

Pedestrian detection systems and impact prevention solutions are essential safety tools for any warehouse facility that uses forklifts. Whether these safety tools come in the form of fleet telematics or more individualized safety systems depends entirely on your company and its needs. If you need any assistance or advice in selecting your system, our team of professionals at ELOKON is committed to offering top services in workplace safety and forklift technologies. Reach out to our team today to start setting up the best fleet telematics and impact prevention solutions.

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