With supply chain operations under intense competitive pressure to increase service levels and control costs, innovative solutions are critical to unlocking greater efficiency. This year, Supply & Demand Chain Executive recognizes Yale Materials Handling Corporation on its list of 100 top supply chain projects, for its Yale Vision telemetry installation at the Continental Tire facility in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Continental Tire sought a telemetry solution to optimize operator performance, lift truck utilization and fleet structure, preventive maintenance, and OSHA checklist compliance. To start, Yale Vision allows Continental Tire to match equipment reports with operators to gauge individual performance and use lift truck utilization data to determine whether or not to purchase additional equipment.

“With the utilization information Yale Vision provides, we were able to prove that increased workloads could be absorbed using our existing fleet,” says Nathan Baugher, Fleet and Rolling Stock Manager, Continental Tire.

Fault code monitoring sends automated alerts for preventive service based on real-time equipment data. These alerts go directly to Black Equipment, Continental Tire’s local Yale^® dealer and maintenance provider, who dispatches a technician without burdening lift truck operators or facility staff. The solution also replaces paper-based systems with digital checklists for OSHA pre-shift inspections, resulting in savings of $120,000 in clerical costs and 279,000 sheets of paper annually.

The SDCE 100 is an annual list of the most innovative, effective supply chain projects. To read the full case study on Continental Tire using Yale Vision, click here.