IoT-Enabling Fork Lift Trucks Provides Real-Time Monitoring of Mission Critical Warehouse Logistics

Challenge:

The customer – a national leader in warehouse logistics was having problems tracking damages that occurred from their fork lift trucks. Since all fork lift trucks have the same key, the responsible driver couldn’t be identified and damages could not be assessed in a timely manner.

The customer tried different methods to correct the problem, such as providing general training for their drivers. However, none of these solutions were effective and the customer felt that a wireless tracking system would solve the problem. Could Lantronix provide a wireless solution that would alert supervisors when damages occur and log fork lift usage data?

Key Requirements:

	Must work in industrial environments
	Ease-of-integration into enterprise WLAN networks was critical
	Remotely communicate using wireless technology
	Highest levels of encryption and security to ensure data assets are protected

The Solution: Lantronix PremierWave EN Wi-Fi Networking System on Module

The customer’s engineers felt the PremierWave EN embedded wireless system on module was the most logical solution. The PremierWave EN’s 802.11 a/b/g/n feature enables remote communication allowing the supervisors to be alerted when damages occur and transmits fork lift usage data in real-time.

PremierWave EN reduced the complexity of Radio Frequency (RF) design and networking; allowing the customer to minimize engineering risk, shorten development time, and reduce development cost.

Implementing the PremierWave EN solved the customer’s problem entirely by enabling wireless communication for the fork lift tracking system. This allowed supervisors to be alerted when damages occur, as well as providing usage data logs. In the event of a collision, the driver is known and the supervisor can assess the damages immediately. As an additional benefit, the usage data logs allowed management to optimize the activities of the fork lift fleet.

PremierWave EN Application – Wireless Fork Lift Tracking

Results:

	Enabled wireless connectivity which alerts supervisors in real-time when an accident occurs
	Provided real-time fork lift usage data allowing the fleet to be optimized
	Risk reduction – the solution simplified RF design and networking, allowing the customer to minimize engineering risk
	Rapid deployment – the ease of set-up and configuration significantly reduced development time
	Improved reliability and extended transmission range with dual band (2.4/5 GHz) 802.11 a/b/g/n

About the Lantronix PremierWave EN

PremierWave EN is a high performance industrial ready ARM 9 system on module suitable for M2M applications. It is offered as a small removable module with integrated flash, RAM and dual band 802.11 a/b/g/n capabilities. The PremierWave EN is an ideal solution for embedded applications that require simple development, ease of use and a proven robust high performing solution with network connectivity. Developers can save time and reduce the complexity of developing subsystems with high speed memory, Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking that can be easily integrated into real products.

PremierWave EN Key Benefits:

	Powerful applications customization platform with 32-bit ARM9 Processor
	Robust set of interfaces that include Ethernet, Serial, USB, I2C, and SPI
	Small form factor measuring 55mm x 30mm
	Adds Wi-Fi® to devices with the highest enterprise-grade security and authentication protocols

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For more information on the Lantronix PremierWave EN.