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Case study

An Integrated Telematics Platform for a Forklift OEM

A modular ecosystem combining vehicle data, real-time location tracking and safety features, enabling a European manufacturer to expand its digital services portfolio

European Forklift OEM
European Forklift OEM
Logistica
Customer

European Forklift OEM

The customer is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of forklift trucks and material handling vehicles, operating across numerous EMEA markets through a well-established network of dealers and service partners.
Requirements

Connecting vehicles to enable new digital services

In an increasingly competitive market driven by digital services, the company needed to evolve its offering by integrating advanced telematics, predictive maintenance, and operational safety features into its equipment.

The objective was to create a common infrastructure for collecting and managing data generated by forklift trucks.

The solution needed to provide the following capabilities:

  • Monitoring vehicle usage, location, and status
  • Managing operator access and authorization levels
  • Digital pre-operational checklists performed directly on the vehicle
  • Detection of impacts, near misses, and operational events
  • Support for diagnostics and maintenance activities
  • Integration of data with the OEM’s proprietary applications and enterprise systems
  • Progressive activation of new services for individual customers and vehicles

A key requirement was also modularity: the OEM needed the ability to tailor the offering to the specific needs of each end customer, adding new functionalities over time without redesigning the entire architecture.

Solution

A modular telematics platform from forklift to cloud

Ubiquicom has designed a modular telematics ecosystem based on onboard devices, operator interfaces, and cloud services.

The telematics box collects and processes telemetry data from the forklift through the CAN-Bus protocol, making it available on the TrackVision platform by Ubiquicom.

The platform is fully customized for the customer, from its visual design to individual functionalities.

Depending on the selected configuration and available integrations, the system enables the management of:

  • Fleet usage times and operating modes
  • Indoor and outdoor vehicle tracking
  • Vehicle access for authorized operators
  • Digital pre-use checklists
  • Impacts, near misses, and other operational events
  • Diagnostic and maintenance information
  • Rules associated with specific areas of the facility

The onboard tablet allows operators to identify themselves, complete pre-operational inspections, and view information and alerts.

If the pre-operational checklist is not successfully completed, the system can restrict or prevent vehicle use according to the configured rules.

The platform centralizes data and provides dashboards, maps, event history, reports, and user access profiles. REST APIs and the MQTT protocol also enable integration with the OEM’s applications and enterprise systems such as WMS, MES, and QMS platforms. 

Real-time location tracking and safety as complementary modules

Real-time location tracking and collision avoidance capabilities can be integrated into the same connected ecosystem.

The location tracking module enables vehicle position monitoring, movement analysis, and the application of specific rules in designated areas, such as automatic speed reduction or access restrictions.

The collision avoidance system can detect the presence and trajectory of vehicles and pedestrians, generating alerts when a potential hazard is identified.

In this way, location tracking and safety become additional sources of operational data that the OEM can leverage to further enhance its portfolio of digital services.

Results and conclusions

A scalable platform for telematics service development

The solution enabled the customer to:

  • Centralize data generated by its vehicles
  • Gain greater visibility into fleet utilization
  • Digitalize operator access management and pre-operational inspections
  • Support maintenance activities and event analysis
  • Integrate forklift trucks with external applications
  • Configure different service packages based on individual customers and vehicles
  • Add RTLS and safety modules whenever required
  • Continuously expand its service offering without redesigning the underlying architecture

The collaboration with enabled the manufacturer to transform telematics from a simple monitoring tool into a strategic platform for managing the entire digital lifecycle of its vehicles.

Thanks to a modular, open, and scalable approach, the company now benefits from a solution capable of supporting current fleet management, maintenance, and compliance requirements, while also laying the foundation for future developments in industrial safety and intelligent automation.

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Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions About OEM Telematics, Fleet Management and Material Handling Safety

What is a telematics solution for forklift trucks?
A telematics solution for forklift trucks collects and analyzes data directly from the vehicle, enabling companies to monitor its location, usage, operational status, maintenance requirements, and safety performance through a centralized digital platform. Such systems provide real-time visibility into fleet operations, support predictive maintenance, improve operator accountability, and help optimize productivity and compliance.
What are the benefits of telematics in Material Handling?
Telematics improves fleet visibility, reduces vehicle downtime, optimizes maintenance activities, enhances operational efficiency, and supports compliance with safety regulations. By collecting and analyzing data from connected equipment, companies can monitor vehicle utilization, identify inefficiencies, improve asset availability, strengthen operator accountability, and make data-driven decisions to increase productivity and workplace safety.
Can a telematics solution be installed on vehicles already in service (aftermarket)?
Yes. Modern telematics platforms, such as Ubiquicom's TrackVision, can be implemented either directly during the manufacturing phase (OEM) or subsequently on existing fleets as an aftermarket solution.
How does telematics improve warehouse safety?
Yes. Modern telematics platforms, such as Ubiquicom's TrackVision, can be implemented either directly during the manufacturing phase (OEM) or subsequently on <div style="line-height: 20px;">Telematics can enhance warehouse safety by integrating access control systems, operational checklists, impact detection, behavior monitoring, and advanced technologies such as AI-powered cameras and collision avoidance systems, including Ubiquicom's UWB-based solutions.</div>existing fleets as an aftermarket solution.
What data can be collected from a connected forklift truck?
The main types of data collected from a connected forklift truck include operating hours, location, energy consumption, battery status, fault codes, collision events, operator usage information, and parameters generated by the vehicle's electronic control units (ECUs).
Why do forklift truck OEMs invest in telematics?
To deliver value-added digital services, enhance after-sales support, increase customer satisfaction, and create new data-driven business opportunities.
How can fleet maintenance costs be reduced?
The use of telematics platforms enables companies to shift from reactive maintenance to preventive and predictive maintenance, reducing unexpected breakdowns, operational downtime, and service costs.
What technologies are used to prevent collisions between forklift trucks and pedestrians?
The most advanced solutions combine AI-powered cameras, UWB (Ultra-Wideband) sensors, real-time location systems (RTLS), and obstacle detection algorithms to identify hazardous situations and trigger warnings or automatic speed reduction.