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physical warehouse assets and builds a CAD or twin model that engineers can manipulate to optimize inventory and efficiency . The realworld data is digitized , enabling automated analysis .
Just as digital twins aim to reduce the transition time between physical and digital worlds to speed up reaction time , vehicle mounts aim to shorten the physical distance between the operator and technology . Furthermore , these tools deliver additional operational improvements by decentralizing the digital interface .
The importance of material handling solutions
Providing workforces with the latest demountable computer technology ensures they have real-time access to key information wherever they go , helping to increase efficiency and minimize downtime . Mounting solutions also play a key role in the process , giving the flexibility to install digital devices on a wide range of material handling equipment .
Two types of mounting solutions to consider are docking stations and cradles . The primary difference is that cradles are specific to the device and do not replicate the ports , while docking stations provides port replication for the devices as well .
Both vehicle docks and cradles provide a safe and reliable solution for mounting rugged computing devices while affording the operator hands-free data access . These features are critical in many applications , including high-intensity material handling , where an unsecured tablet or laptop can launch across the site , leading to injury .
In material handling , many applications can effectively leverage vehicle docks or cradles , including :
■ Forklifts that travel between storage locations to pick the material using barcodes or RFID scanning
■ Specialized function machinery like cranes and hoists that require human operation to transport material safely
■ Vehicles that move material to and from the warehouse or plant
Key considerations when choosing material handling equipment
While the mounting locations are flexible , interfering with the handling equipment is a legitimate concern . When designing a mount location , engineers should consider the operator ’ s way of working and likely movement patterns . For instance , is the device mount within the worker ’ s reach but out of their normal range of motion or line of sight when performing tasks ? Also , does the device mount create potential blind spots ? During regular daily operation , what areas may become hidden with the addition of mounted technology devices ?
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