Crown has developed InfoLink, a fleet management tool.

Crown Equipment Corp claims it is the first forklift manufacturer to design and build a fleet management system.

The Ohio-based forklift manufacturer has just launched InfoLink, a wireless fleet management tool. Crown told Forkliftaction.com News in a statement that other forklift manufacturers had partnered with third party providers to offer customers fleet management systems.

Crown senior vice president Jim Moran said customers lacked a "convenient, accurate way" to capture data to make informed decisions.

"To deliver the operational cost savings customers desire, we need to develop technology that provides them information to manage their systems as efficiently as possible," he said.

InfoLink comprises an on-board operator interface that wirelessly communicates forklift data to a central server using the networks most warehouses already have.

Through InfoLink, warehouse managers compile data on forklifts' operating hours, control access to forklifts, ensure operators conduct safety inspections, manage planned maintenance programs and track when and where forklifts have collided.

"Customers want to know if their fleet is the right size and if each forklift is being used in the most efficient way," Moran said.

"Comparing data across facilities enables customers to receive information that provides them with a competitive edge."
Moran said Crown's expertise in forklifts and its established dealer network gave it an advantage over other fleet management system providers.

"Our industry experience played a key role in addressing customer and market-specific needs. For example, it helped us identify the most effective placement of a sensor and its sensitivity level for individual applications.

"Providing service support on a national basis can be difficult for pure software providers. Our established dealer network is a value-add for InfoLink customers," he said.

A Crown statement said InfoLink would pay for itself in 14-18 months.