To help customers keep abreast of the ever-evolving nature of local materials handling and warehousing industries, materials handling solutions supplier Shumani Industrial Equipment has introduced its own branded products, says MD Victor Nemukula.

The new equipment – which includes Shumani’s new rough-terrain forklift – will be supplied as rental equipment for warehouses and will boost operational efficiency for numerous materials handling applications.

He encourages the rental and use of electric forklifts, as these products will be beneficial to any operation, owing to their convenience and being advantageous in terms of total cost of ownership.

“Electric forklifts are the fastest growing segment in our industry,” Nemukula adds.

Customers can improve profitability and operationality when renting equipment, as this will lower an operation’s overall capital expenditure.

However, Nemukula also notes that thorough evaluations are conducted at operations before any equipment is delivered to ensure that the equipment is appropriate for the respective operating environment. In some instances, Shumani offers automated guided vehicles that incorporate AI and automation solutions to enhance operational performance.

The company also places great emphasis on providing customers with personalised aftermarket support to ensure that equipment is in sound working condition and appropriately maintained to meet productivity demands and other performance targets.

“The aftermarket support also ensures that the customer has peace of mind at all times,” he says.

AI and Automation

The deployment of AI and automation solutions in the materials handling industry is accompanied by an array of streamlining-related benefits, says Nemukula.

He enthuses that these benefits include a reduction in costs associated with employing many unskilled employees to perform manual tasks, as AI and automation requires fewer “highly skilled labourers”.

The deployment of AI and automation solutions allows for machine learning, which, in turn, facilitates the relatively rapid completion of various repetitive and/or potentially risky tasks that leave little to no room for human error, thereby improving workplace safety and operational efficiency.

“There are virtually no incidence of injuries and downtime, as machines with limited or no human intervention tend not to create labour-related disruptions,” he adds.

As part of its goal to position itself as a leader in the materials handling industry, Shumani is steadfastly progressing in its supply of rental forklift innovations and materials handling equipment and solutions.

“As part of the global economy, we should use AI and automation in our operations so that we can remain competitive. New technologies will assist South African companies in implementing global best practices and remaining globally competitive,” he concludes.