Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s largest　material handling companies, today released results of a proprietary survey of material handling end　users and their perception of emerging technologies. The survey, which was conducted in August,　represents feedback from 556 individuals involved in the purchase of material handling equipment　for their company.

Not surprisingly, nearly three out of every four respondents (71 percent) named driving down costs　as the biggest material handling challenge facing their organization. In an effort to address this　challenge, the industry is looking to new technologies. Eighty-eight percent of respondents made it　clear that the material handling industry will become more reliant on technology within the next five　years.

When it comes to the specific types of technologies likely to be accepted, respondents showed their　vast differences. Forklift fleet management solutions were ranked the highest (40.4 percent) with　automated storage and retrieval systems a distant second (32.5 percent). Specific to the pace of　acceptance of forklift fleet management, seven percent of respondents are actively evaluating　solutions while an additional 22 percent of respondents is interested in fleet management but does　not have immediate plans for implementation.

Tim Quellhorst, senior vice president, Crown Equipment, explains that previous barriers to entry into　forklift fleet and operator management are gradually coming down. “One of the most common　misperceptions about the technology was that it was an all or nothing proposition. It’s not. End users　are discovering that they can start using certain aspects of forklift fleet and operator management　solutions to lower costs and increase productivity. As they get more comfortable, they’re coming to　us ready for additional features to be implemented.”

Respondents also revealed that adoption of technologies that automate forklift-related material　handling tasks is limited to a small portion of the industry. Twenty-six percent of respondents　indicated interest in the topic but did not have immediate plans to implement a solution. Fifty-four　percent of respondents either had no interest in the technology or were not familiar with it.

Quellhorst noted, “There is a lot we can learn about the pace of adoption of automation-related　products from how the industry is incorporating forklift fleet and operator management technologies.

In order for automation to realize its full potential, material handling companies are going to need to　work closely with early adopters to understand where the technology is successful and its　shortcomings. And, it will be critical to present customers with an implementation roadmap that does　not constrain them from adjusting to unforeseen business changes.”

About Crown Equipment Corporation　Crown Equipment is one of the world’s largest material handling companies. Crown’s award-winning　line of forklifts maintains a reputation for advanced product design, engineering and technology, and　integrated manufacturing processes. Offering a broad range of forklifts, as well as automation and fleet management technologies, Crown seeks to provide customers with forward thinking and innovative products designed to improve performance and lower operating costs. Headquartered in　New Bremen, Ohio, with regional headquarters in Australia, China, Germany and Singapore, Crown　operates a global service and distribution network.