Abstract
Increased Productivity through Improved Ergonomics Boosts Sales
Intense R&D in ergonomics by forklift manufacturers to improve operator performance is a leading factor in boosting acceptance and growth of forklifts. Ergonomically designed, high-performance forklifts are widely appreciated not only for their superior driver comfort but also for improved safety and efficiency. The new designs, based on a careful consideration of human factors, are expected to enable operators to work for a minimum of eight hours without injuries or fatigue. Seats, tires, controls configuration, and steering in forklift trucks are being improved for a high degree of maneuverability. Only companies that adopt or initiate such technological developments are expected to dominate the market.
This Frost & Sullivan research service examines the North American forklift market and discusses the benefits offered by new-technology forklifts while also strictly complying with regulatory procedures and industry standards. This compliance has inspired greater acceptance of the upgraded forklift versions. It offers revenue forecasts and key drivers and restraints affecting growth. This study also provides industry challenges and various strategies to help overcome them.
Technologically Advanced Options Inspire Greater Product Uptake
End users of forklifts are likely to have greater choice with market participants vying with each other to provide sophisticated products that have dual-fuel systems, customized speed control, superior cold-weather starting systems, and automatic altitude adjustments. The dual fuel technology is so popular –– partly because fuel prices vary across regions –– that manufacturers have started replacing existing systems with dual fuel ones such as gasoline and liquefied petroleum. Since these systems enable use of alternate fuels, an efficient engine starting system was developed to take advantage of this option.
The feature of customized speed control includes multiple ground and lift height speed settings. Another important addition is the on-board self-diagnostics that uses sensors to monitor engine and component operations. A special creep home mode facility can be used to warn of potential snags so that the operator can drive the forklift safely. "All these technological upgrades for a diverse user profile have worked well and led to higher demand for the forklifts in general and these upgraded versions in particular," says the analyst.
Web-based Fleet Management Systems Strengthen Operational Efficiency of End Users
A desire to reduce overall operating costs by enhancing operational efficiency is driving end usersf need for real-time information, accurate expense data, and reports to analyze fleet utilization. Nissan Forklift Corporationfs Fleetraxx, an Internet-based fleet management program for dealer network and end users, carries out all these functions with precision. The easy availability of real-time data enables users to set utilization parameters, relocate equipment, and schedule preventative maintenance. This helps them increase operational efficiencies while reducing overheads.
"The reduced operational cost with increased efficiency is an obvious advantage, and has forced potential users and even existing users to choose forklifts over other material handling systems," notes the analyst. Moreover, the introduction of sensor technology in averting accidents and innovative web-based fleet management system is timely as intense competition in the forklift market has been compelling companies to focus on providing better customer relations and services. This creative approach of using the Internet for marketing services has appealed to end users and has helped increase revenue for the forklift market.
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