Crown's QuickPick system is an example of disruptive technology

Crown general manager - technology business development Scott Andersen recently spoke on the topic of forklift automation at Deloitte's Disruptive Technologies global training conference in Montreal, Canada.  
 
Andersen's presentation reviewed the current state of forklift automation and the considerations fleet and warehouse managers need to address before adopting the technology. One important consideration covered in the presentation was the idea that autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles should be treated like a solution that will impact warehouse processes and systems currently in place - rather than just a forklift.
 
"Forklift technology has made notable advancements, such as easily upgradable on-board software, and is currently being successfully applied to specific warehouse applications in order to meet today's demands as well as to anticipate future needs," said Andersen. "Continued technology innovations coupled with other materials handling technologies will enable forklift investments to dynamically respond to changing circumstances within warehouse and distribution environments without compromising initial investment costs."
 
Crown understands its customers are adapting to a world of changing expectations. Business leaders are seeking lower costs, faster throughputs and better information so they can make more informed and anticipatory decisions faster. Meeting these expectations requires a combination of greater transparency into operations, improved management, increased productivity and continued focus on safety and compliance. Technology, when successfully integrated into operations, has the potential to help customers achieve all of those objectives.

Titled Discovering Disruptive Technologies in Logistics and Distribution, the conference focused on the innovations that are changing the way business is done.