Forklifts / Forkhoists >> Shockswitch™ RFID

Shockswitch RFID Increase employee safety while decreasing facility/product damage with Shockswitch RFID – a wireless way to comply with OSH regulations.

Using state-of-the-art wireless technology, Shockswitch RFID is a real-time link between a lift truck in the plant and a PC in the office.  The Shockswitch RFID is part of the total Shockswitch program designed to aid managers in: • Reducing forklift maintenance costs • Improving driving habits • Reducing rack and product damage • Complying with OSHA standards • Providing ongoing driver training • Creating a safer, more productive work environment

Shockswitch RFID Features

• Wireless data collection:  Automatically reports over 15 unique event types to a computer running ShockMate 2 software
• Control Vehicle Access:  PC driven databases record authorized operators by forklift
• Monitor Driver Training:  ShockMate 2 software tracks the need for operator training
• Log Impacts: Records impacts by date, time, driver ID
• Alarm Duration: Program unit to sound alarm on impact
• Maintenance Timer: Schedule audible alert for planned maintenance checks
• Halt on Impact/Halt Delay: Program for halt after impact option. User determines delay 

Shockswitch RFID OPERATION

Wireless Data Stream Helps Manage Fleet
The RFID transmits event data via a radio link between the forklift and a PC running the ShockMate RF Server software.  Users can monitor an unlimited number of lift trucks with the Server software collecting data for distribution to the ShockMate 2 database.  The RFID can be programmed to instantly send event data as it is generated or to delay sending until a specific number of events have accumulated.  Certain “hot” events, such as impacts, are always instantly transmitted to a alert for possible safety issues.

Control Forklift Access & Identify Operator
The RFID integrates with a forklift’s ignition system to identify and limit access to designated operators.  The RFID requires a prospective driver to “log on” using an iButton Operators Key that fits a simple key reader on the unit.  The iButton is a critical component in the interface between the Shockswitch unit and the ShockMate 2 software.  Once properly coded, the RFID will not allow the forklift to be operated without an authorized iButton key.

The ShockMate 2 software aids in complying with OSH regulations concerning driver certification.  Upon setup, the software requests information such as forklift type and ID number.  Driver statistics including names and certifications will also be collected.  A supervisor uses the Managers Key to relay an operators list to each RFID-equipped forklift.  RFID will then allow only drivers with authorized keys to operate each lift.  The software also tracks the expiration dates of certifications.

Assign Abnormal Lift Impacts To Operator
The RFID is equipped with an adjustable impact sensor.  When an impact exceeds the sensor’s threshold, the time, date, and driver ID are recorded.  This data is stored for downloading to a computer for analysis.  The RFID can be programmed by the user to react to an impact in various ways.

• Record the time, date, and driver ID
• Sound the forklift horn for a specific period of time (1 to 59 seconds)
• Latch the forklift horn on continuously and require a manual reset
• Disable the forklift

Shockswitch RFID In A PC Environment

A manager using ShockMate 2 software can customize RFID operating parameters to enhance the safety and productivity of the forklift fleet.  Upon impacts beyond the desired threshold, alarms can be set to sound for up to 59 seconds or continuously until resent by a black Supervisor’s Key.  For added safety, shutdowns after impact can be delayed by up to 255 seconds to allow the equipment to be moved out of harm’s way.

Planned maintenance alert schedules from 50 hours to 999 hours can be programmed into the unit with the red Setting Key.  Resetting of the timer is accomplished with the blue Maintenance Key.  The blue Maintenance Key is also used a s a lockout/tagout device.  ShockMate 2 also calculates efficiency and utilization of both operators and equipment.