What if we could eliminate forklift operator error to create a safer work environment? One of the brands we represent, Narrow Aisle Ltd, is on a mission to eliminate operator error. With the launch of the Flexi Smart Stop System, an “in-aisle sensor” that immediately disables a Flexi articulated truck if its chassis comes into contact with an object within the aisle; such as a pallet load, racking or rack guards. 

Smart Stop System Technology

Developed in-house by Narrow Aisle’s team of software engineers headquartered in Tipton, England, and designed with safety in mind, the Smart Stop System immediately locks out the drive system if a Flexi touches a load or rack while turning within an aisle. The truck can only restart once the driver reports details of the collision to the designated line manager. This protocol ensures that no incident goes unreported, making OSHA safety compliance exceptionally straightforward.

This touch-sensitive technology is not new and has been used extensively as a safety system in the elevated work platform market, where the ability to detect impact at ground level is critical. Therefore, customers can be confident in the reliability of the Smart Stop System. 

The Flexi Smart Stop system is currently available for use with the latest Flexi ACiON range of articulated forklifts, which feature precise digital control on all drive, hydraulic, and steering functions. 

Managing Director of Narrow Aisle Ltd, John Maguire, notes:

            “Damage to racking and products caused by forklifts recklessly driven in and around the warehouse or distribution center continues to cost companies thousands of pounds each year. 

            With warehouses under pressure to meet throughput targets, it is important to make the operator’s job as easy as possible, which is why the new Flexi ACiON has been developed to be one of the most straightforward trucks to operate on the market. Now the availability of Smart Stop makes one world’s most driver-friendly lift trucks even easier and safer to operate.” 

Flexi News: Driver-friendly lift trucks are now even easier to operate. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2020, from https://www.flexi.co.uk/en/driver-friendly-lift-trucks-are-now-even-easier-to-operate/