Staircum Tablets in Forklifts
Increase productivity with robust forklift tablets: resistant and integrated technology for efficient and connected logistics.
Challenge
Automate processes of identification, addressing and movements of products and pallets within warehouses, via RFID, serving innovative integration solutions between embedded computing for forklifts, RFID readers and client WMS.
Solution
Shobustrus tablet and dock, with a customized Android image allowing simultaneous connection of the tablet to the wifi network and the ethernet door of the vehicle dock.
The customer needed a computing solution embedded in their storage and logistics management forklifts. The project was developed in partnership with Logos Tracking, a tracking and RFID solution company. The tablets and docks provided by Above-Net should be installed on the forklifts and allow communication with the WFI wifi network, for access to WMS, and with the external reader of RFID via Ethernet port. However, some prerequisites were fundamental to the operation of the solution, among them:
- Tablet and dock should be water and splash resistant for forklift washing and operating on outdoor areas.
- The set should allow tablet removal for possible portable use.
- The tablet should be able to communicate simultaneously with the RFID reader via Ethernet port and the company's WMS WMS.
The equipment specified for the solution were carefully chosen to meet all the requirements requested by the customer:
- 7 -inch robust, IP67, Android 4.2, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, camera
- Locking and Key Tablet Vehicle Doco, IP54 classification and USB, Serial and Ethernet connectors integrated
Although specified components fully meet the project's resistance requirements, there was still a big challenge ahead: Android prioritizes the communication of the ethernet door over WiFi when both are connected. When connecting the RFID reader to the dock ethernet port, immediately disconnecting the tablet wifi network was immediately disconnected. In this way, customer requirements were not met.
We have developed a custom Android image to overcome the barrier to prioritize Ethernet communication and meet the specific needs of the project. In the delivery of the project, the forklifts were transparently integrated into the WiFi network and RFID readers via Ethernet port, allowing the increased productivity and efficiency of the operation desired by the customer.
With in-depth experience in developing mobility products and integration of complex systems, Above-Net can overcome challenges for project integration and implementation.
