The movement of food and beverage through the supply chain has never been so closely analyzed. This extra scrutiny has brought into focus a number of stress points within the beverage industry.

Toyota Material Handling announced the release of its new EZ Control Joystick, which optimizes  productivity for its electric forklifts by placing the hydraulic controls into a single intuitive feature.

With increasing automation, new technologies and burgeoning SKUs driving the beverage industry, forklifts now are being used to gather data and intelligence on productivity, cost management and output within warehouses.

Experts note that the interest and adoption of AGVs rapidly is accelerating in the face of a diminished labor pool and the fact that robotic lift trucks are designed to handle repetitive tasks while allowing labor to be redeployed to more value-added tasks.

The vertical mast lift features multi-stage post style masts providing high lift heights in a compact unit that fits through a standard doorway.

Ideal for handling and transporting products between connected manufacturing and warehouse facilities, the Courier 3030 stacker automated lift truck helps maximize workforce productivity and drive down labor costs, according to the company.

With the move to rear-load bulk trailers versus traditional side-loaders, liftgates have been playing a much more prominent role in beverage distribution fleets.

The wireless battery solution provides real-time insights to maximize lift truck battery performance and longevity, the company says.

Available for Android smartphones, tablets or warehouse management system (WMS) terminals, the app allows users to control forklift access, perform safety checklists, monitor vehicle impacts and manage forklift fleet data, the company says.

The forklifts combine rugged strength and durability with an operator-focused compartment for added comfort, control and confidence.