Nacco Materials Handling Group Inc (NMHG) has deployed ID Systems' Wireless Asset Net fleet management system at its primary US parts distribution centre in Danville, Illinois.

Wireless Asset Net improves productivity in a few ways, an NMHG statement says. It "establishes accountability for forklift use, streamlines work flow through automatesd messaging and provides management and control" of forklift use.

Workplace safety and security is improved by the restriction of forklift access to trained and authorised personnel and the provision of electronic vehicle inspection checklists.

Maintenance expenses are also reduced by the system's automatic uploading of vehicle data, reporting of forklift problems in real time and the scheduling of maintenance according to forklift usage.

Pat DeSutter, director of operations at the Danville centre, says Wireless Asset Net helps cut costs.

"Down time and idle capital can be hidden sources of added cost. With ID Systems' wireless technology, we can better identify and address these costs."

ID Systems' executive vice president Peter Fausel says the company is pleased to have NMHG as a partner and customer.

"That NMHG has launched our Wireless Asset Net in its own facility reflects the significant impact our system can make."

NMHG has a strategic partnership with ID systems, where it markets the fleet management system through its network of Hyster and Yale forklift dealers.