Computers and tablets – which solution for forklift trucks?

20 Aug 2023 - Marek Gaweł

Year by year, the supply of warehouse space in Poland is growing. The proper selection of automatic identification devices constitutes a prerequisite for the maintenance of operation continuity. Changing working environment (indoors, outdoors) causes a lot of strain on the equipment.

Here is an overview of dedicated forklift solutions. Find the best one regardless of whether it is a vehicle-mounted computer, handheld computer, or tablet.

Traditional solution – vehicle-mounted computers

A fully professional solution dedicated only to forklifts are vehicle-mounted computers. The devices are prepared to operate in the most extreme environments – warehouse, unloading ramp, indoor and outdoor as well as in freezer environments. The housing design provides dust and water resistance to IP66 level and sealed communication and power connectors. Depending on the software used by the end user, the Windows or the Android platform can be chosen.

What does the market offer?

Honeywell Thor VM1A – computer with an integrated keyboard, 8’’ (diagonal) display, the Android system.

kolektor danych, terminal mobilny, terminal kodów kreskowych, wózek widłowy — *Honeywell Thor VM1A*

The Windows-based Honeywell Thor VM3 or the Android-based Thor VM3A. Computers with 12’’ (diagonal) display, functional keys, and optionally available keyboard. This is a much more profitable solution for the user who uses software which displays much more information necessary for the operator’s work.

Zebra VM8300 – integrated keyboard, 8’’ (diagonal) display, the Android system.

Zebra VC80X with a 10.4’’ (diagonal) display, the Android operating system and optional, external QWERTY keyboard.

Modern solutions – rugged tablets

Professional business tablets prepared for operation in the harshest conditions. Their greatest advantage is mobility. The user can work both stationary and in the field. Additionally, they have an internal battery which ensures continuous operation. An integrated bar code reader on selected models makes greater flexibility of operations possible. Mounting on forklift trucks is possible since the devices pass shock and vibration tests.

What does the market offer?

The android-based Honeywell RT10A or the Windows 10-based RT10W. Integrated bar code reader and USB-A and USB-C ports.

Zebra L10 is a versatile rugged tablet platform for any application. Windows or Android. Optionally available, integrated bar code reader. The Intel Core i7 processor available for the most demanding users.

Cost-effective solution – handheld data terminal

Traditional, handheld data terminals are still the most popular solution on the market. It provides a relatively high flexibility with acceptable costs of the whole investment. The multitude of available configurations allows us to adjust the device to almost all user requirements. Optionally available, integrated modules for scanning bar codes even from a distance of a few metres. Noticeable disadvantages of this solution are a small screen and only one operating system – Android.

What does the market offer?

Honeywell CN80 is a flagship Honeywell’s solution. 4.2” (diagonal) display. Ultradurable, robust housing resistant to a fall onto hard surface from the height of even 3 m, WLAN and WWAN communication.

The Zebra MC9300 is one of the most popular advanced data terminals available on the market dedicated to working in warehouse environments. The integrated pistol grip makes the device exceptionally comfortable to use. The optionally available long-range scanning module makes it possible to read bar codes from up to several meters. 4.3” (diagonal) touch screen.

Mounts – a key element in ensuring equipment safety

A mounting kit is an essential element of each of the above solutions for a forklift truck. Not only do such accessories guarantee a safe storage place, but they also extend the life of the device itself. It partially results from the fact that they absorb all and any vibrations that occur during drive. The market leader in universal solutions is American RAM-Mounts. The number of available components makes mounting in any conditions possible: to the frame of the forklift truck, directly to the flat surface, to glass etc.

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Marek Gaweł

Product manager in the field of automatic identification devices in the Product Development Department. He has several years of experience in the industry. Marek is a graduate from the University of Economics in Katowice. He is passionate about football and he likes riding a bike. He is interested in the history of his hometown Bytom.