Mezzanine, pallet-rack and modular-office supplier AK Material Handling Systems Co of Maple Grove is finding success in using Apple iPad devices on its warehouse forklifts.

In a progressive move for the industry, the warehouse storage equipment specialist adopted electronic technology that provides instantaneous communication for AK and its customers from order input, materials picking and product delivery to billing.

A computer technician assisted in the implementation, which AK estimates costing about USD600 for an iPad and related accessories on each forklift.

A 29 March blog item on the website for Tiger Oak Media's Minnesota Business magazine reports through an interview with AK's Al Boston and Jason Kasanezky. Boston believes AK saves about 20% on warehouse workers and another 20% on consumer-service talent. The estimated savings over about 18 months: more than USD60,000.