Advanced tech ‘improves warehouse efficiency, control and accuracy’
As warehouse operations become more complex, improving efficiency is no longer just about moving product faster. It increasingly depends on how attachments are engineered to balance speed, energy use, accuracy and long-term durability.
According to Felipe Goitre, global product manager, Cascade Corporation, efficiency in material handling is driven by how well attachments perform across real-world conditions.
“When it comes to efficiency, speed is only one part of the equation,” Goitre says. “Engineers have to balance speed with reliability, durability and application performance. That involves extensive testing, simplifying components where possible and refining designs so attachments deliver consistent performance over time.”
He says ongoing development is delivering faster cycle times, improved uptime and lighter, more durable attachments suited to continuous industrial use.
Going electric
Energy consumption and system simplicity are increasingly influencing attachment selection, with electric systems gaining traction across warehouse and distribution environments, particularly for AGVs/AGFs.
Cascade’s Electrix range, which includes e-sideshifters, fork positioners, single-doubles and carton clamps, removes hydraulics entirely in favour of all-electric actuation.
“Electrix eliminates hydraulics, which means no oil leaks, less contamination risk and fewer components to maintain,” Goitre says. “That makes a significant difference in clean environments and in operations where uptime is critical.”
He says electric attachments are particularly well suited to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and modern forklift fleets, where energy efficiency and system reliability are priorities.
“You’re getting longer battery life, real-time positioning data and fewer parts to service. With fewer moving components, maintenance requirements are reduced and reliability improves.”
Electric actuation also improves handling precision. Without hydraulic pressure fluctuations, attachments deliver more consistent positioning and repeatable movement.
“Every movement is controlled and predictable,” Goitre says. “There’s no drift, which is important in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals and high-value goods handling, where precision directly affects product integrity.”
Locally, too, development is a constant, with Cascade announcing news of extended partnerships designed to propel the category forward in New Zealand.
“We are delighted that Cascade New Zealand has been successful in being awarded co-funding from EECA to pilot our range of electric attachments in New Zealand,” says Chris Sansome, Cascade New Zealand general manager.
This presents an “exciting opportunity for the company” to evaluate the latest in material handling technology.
“We will demonstrate electric forklift attachments as an alternative to hydraulic options, which require significantly less energy to operate,” Sansome says. “When used on an electric forklift, the energy reduction will enable less power usage and longer cycle time.”
Weigh on the move
Integrated weighing technology is becoming a key driver of operational efficiency, allowing operators to capture weight data as part of normal handling processes rather than interrupting workflows.
Cascade’s mobile weighing “solutions are designed to remove the need for repeated trips” to stationary floor scales, improving productivity and reducing unnecessary handling.
“Mobile weighing allows operators to check incoming goods, prevent picking errors, optimise filling processes, avoid overloads and determine shipping weights without leaving the task,” Goitre says. “That reduces travel time and improves overall process control.”
The patented ActivWeigh system combines weighing capability with sideshifting and fork positioning in a single carriage, enabling operators to weigh loads while moving them through the warehouse.
“ActivWeigh captures weight data in motion, so operators don’t need to stop and re-handle product. That saves time and provides immediate, accurate information,” says Goitre.
Cascade’s weigh forks provide a cost-effective alternative, integrating weighing technology directly into the forks themselves. Using built-in transmitters and calibration systems, the forks communicate independently with the operator display.
“This gives operators accurate weight data at the point of handling, without additional equipment or steps,” Goitre says. “It’s a simple way to improve accuracy and reduce errors.”
See more, do more
Visibility remains a critical factor in efficient material handling, particularly in high racking, low-light environments or when handling complex loads.
Cascade’s sensor forks incorporate built-in cameras and sensors that provide a live feed from the fork tips, along with level and depth measurement to assist with accurate load placement.
“In many situations operators can’t clearly see what’s happening at the fork tips. Sensor Forks provide that visibility and help operators position loads more accurately and safely.”
Additional cameras can be mounted on the lift truck to provide alternative viewing angles, further improving operator awareness.
“These systems reduce guesswork and give operators more confidence when handling loads,” Goitre says.
The data generated by weighing systems and sensor technologies can also be integrated into warehouse management systems, providing real-time operational insight as well as longer-term performance data.
“The data is already being created through everyday operations. The key is using it to improve decision-making, reduce waste and optimise how the warehouse runs.”
He says the direction of the industry is clear, with smart attachments and connected systems becoming standard across modern warehouse environments.
“Real-time data, automation and predictive maintenance are no longer future concepts,” Goitre says. “They are practical tools that help companies improve efficiency, reduce damage and stay competitive.”
Cascade New Zealand has demonstration units available for electric, weighing and sensor-based attachment systems.
Sponsored content: For more information phone +64 9 273 9136, email chris.sansome@cascorp.com or visit www.cascorp.com/nz.