Pittsburgh, PA -- (SBWire) -- 07/08/2014 --Training initiatives, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) have not eliminated the dangers that forklifts impose. After decades of systematic process improvements in the use of forklift operations in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants, many companies, industry leaders, and government organizations are concluding that forklift-free environments may be the only fail-proof approach to ensuring safety. For that reason, automation in materials handling has been gaining momentum in the drive for forklift-free in manufacturing, as well as warehousing facilities.

True there are important advantages to a forklift-free environment; however, it may not be conducive for all operations, such as when lifting and overhead storage is required in the warehouse area. Additionally, it is still common to find loading docks using forklift trucks to load and unload deliveries.

While not for everyone, Europe is leading the Forklift-Free Movement. In the white paper "Forklift-Free: Driving Safety and Profitability” Seegrid carefully reveals how implementing a forklift-free environment for material flow and movement can:

1.Protect the workplace from employee injuries and deaths
2.Boost lean efficiency
3.Drive cost reduction

Safety is driving momentum for forklift-free environments. Although training and legislation are instrumental in managing some degree of risks associated with forklifts, statistics reveal numerous accidents occur every year, providing reason for greater acceptance of forklift-free environments. This motivation towards forklift-free leads the way to adopting a more efficient form of transport–automated guided vehicles (AGVs)–favorably driving benefits beyond safety and profitability.

The whitepaper includes an intensive thought-provoking analysis and objective data about employee injuries and deaths, cost burdens associated with forklift accidents and citations. There is also information about high labor wages, expensive training programs, and scarce labor availability and manufacturers' unsaleable rates. The information included examines lean alternative for manned forklift transport as part of continuous process improvement strategies.

To obtain this new whitepaper go to: http://info.seegrid.com/forklift-free-white-paper

About Seegrid
Seegrid Corporation (www.seegrid.com) is the global leader of robotic vision-guided automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Seegrid AGVs are revolutionizing the movement of materials handling in manufacturing and distribution environments with simplicity, flexibility, and affordability. Robotic pallet trucks, tow tractors, and walkie stackers optimize workflow processes by increasing productivity and reducing labor and operating costs, creating economic and operational advantages. Seegrid AGVs improve workplace safety, reduce equipment and product damage, and deliver a rapid return on investment. The company’s state-of-the-art navigation technology requires no infrastructure for navigation—no wires, lasers, tapes, or magnets. Guided by Seegrid partnerships with leading global industrial truck manufacturers provide businesses with a choice when selecting a brand of robotic vision-guided AGVs. Seegrid and Guided by Seegrid products are available throughout Europe. In addition to the 2014 Edison Award, Seegrid was named Manufacturer of the Year and the Food Logistics Top 100 software and technology providers. Follow on Twitter @Seegrid.

Seegrid Corporation-Europe
www.seegrid.com
Amanda Merrell
Marketing Director
amerrell@seegrid.com
412-379-4500