»MM Maschinenmarkt« China

Founded in 1926, Schlumberger (SLB) is a global technology company headquartered in Houston, Paris, London, and Hague. Driven by energy innovation, the company aims to create a harmonious global environment. Schlumberger employs over 90,000 staff from more than 160 countries, promoting technological innovations in over 120 countries. Schlumberger China was established in 1980, with its headquarters in Beijing, and has set up an energy technology service, Beijing Earth Science Center, Shanghai Qingpu Technology Center, and an Asia Procurement Center, with operational bases in locations such as Tianjin Tangu, Guangdong Huizhou, Sichuan Chengdu, Xinjiang Korla, and Shaanxi Jingbian. The company has developed an all-encompassing integrated service system based on digital integration, reservoir enhancement, production systems, and well construction engineering across four groups and 16 specialized departments.

Safety remains a focal point for Schlumberger’s stable operations. Mr. Wang Xinyi, with his extensive industry experience, has spearheaded a forklift intelligent upgrade pilot project after a thorough analysis of application scenarios and risk features. The project began with the oilfield technical services sector, known for its higher uncertainties and risks. Collaborative efforts with project implementers have not only enhanced the safety of forklift operations but also leveraged daily data collection and analysis to make the application process transparent, laying a foundation for preventative maintenance and boosting corporate asset efficiency.

For material handling, Schlumberger has invested heavily to ensure the safety, reliability, and comfort of its production. Employees are both the subjects of safety measures and potential sources of hazards. Mr. Wang noted, "Schlumberger has a well-developed digital safety data platform that has been robust since 2003. We can trace back over two decades of safety data and performance, with a significant reduction in accident rates over the past 20 years, though human factors remain a major variable.” The safety of forklift operations is closely linked to personnel, involving not just forklift authorization, driving assistance, and loading/unloading, but also overload testing and vehicle inspections.

Schlumberger operates multiple oilfield bases across the country, where tools used in oilfields are received, cleaned, disassembled, maintained, assembled, and tested before being sent back to the field. Unlike the production manufacturing sector, which schedules production based on orders, the forklift handling risks at operational bases are higher, with 80% of handling occurring outdoors under more complex conditions. Mr. Wang explained, “Every day, approximately 100 tons of workpieces need to be handled at the oilfield operational bases. Forklifts are primarily used for the flexible transportation of small-tonnage workpieces. However, due to the significant differences in length, size, and weight of the workpieces involved in oilfield services, systematic management is challenging, and outdoor sites are more prone to collision accidents.”

Targeting the right factors for risk is essential for the success of the upgrade project. Mr. Wang stated, "The first issue to address is how to prevent forklifts from being overloaded, especially at marginal weights. Secondly, we need to specify application classifications based on different workpiece sizes, including identifying clear paths for handling without personnel or obstacles nearby." For the outdoor storage areas that make up 80% of operations, changes in lighting can render previously used boundary lights ineffective. Moreover, effective engineering measures are necessary to ensure pre-use inspections of forklifts, preventing personnel from taking shortcuts to save time.

“In selecting partners, the company considered multiple factors including price, service, and accessibility of installation,” said Mr. Wang. “After comprehensive comparisons, we chose the supplier with unique experience and robust technical support in enhancing forklift safety, reducing costs, and energy efficiency as a partner, starting the project pilot with an 8-ton electric forklift.” Following on-site inspections, Schlumberger adopted a variety of hardware, software, and digital products, adding forklift weighing, mandatory inspections into Teknect forklift management system to achieve intelligent control and efficiency enhancements for forklifts.

The forklift weighing function is realized through a comprehensive logistics weight management solution, including an onboard smart weighing system, weighing handling vehicles, weighing forks, and an overload alarm auxiliary system, among other series of products. The forklift weighing system has an accuracy of up to 99.8%, with a patented structure that enhances the strength of the weighing body, ensuring durability and reliability even under harsh conditions. Additionally, the left and right forks can weigh independently, preventing risks caused by uneven loads.

Forklift inspections are key to ensuring their safe and efficient operation. Daily inspections can ensure that forklifts are in good condition, reducing the risk of accidents and meeting regulatory requirements. However, inspection work is time-consuming and often overlooked. Mr. Wang introduced that drivers can now be guided through mobile apps to complete inspections of critical parts such as appearance, operation, and brakes. If not completed, the forklift cannot be started, ensuring operational safety. Inspection records also make it easier for managers to track and manage the use of forklifts. Additionally, the filling out and saving of inspection records also facilitates managers in tracking and managing the use and maintenance of forklifts.

The forklift management system is a system specifically designed for forklift safety monitoring and management, mainly consisting of a pedestrian protection system, a speed zoning system, a forklift collision avoidance system, a crossroad alarm device, a visual alert system, and a narrow aisle forklift safety and traffic control system, among seven intelligent technologies that improve forklift safety. Through the integration of various sensors and intelligent technologies such as edge computing and data storage, real-time monitoring and control of forklift operating conditions, driver behavior, and the work environment are achieved. To address issues of forklift speeding and overloading, Schlumberger has implemented multiple measures: installing speed and overload alarms; enhancing inspections with digital daily inspection procedures and adding safety belts; enhancing visibility with red zone warning lights and drive buzzers; standardizing operations with digital driving behavior monitoring; and reducing blind spot risks with reverse radar and AI collision avoidance features.

The initial results have expanded the value benefits, Mr. Wang said: “We have received positive feedback on the products and services from our partners. Employee assessments show that the upgraded features are highly praised, with only mandatory inspections initially receiving some criticism, but after training, employees have understood their importance and actively participate.” This transformation has significantly improved safety and efficiency, with real-time monitoring of forklift operating conditions and driver behavior, timely detection of hidden dangers, and alarm triggering, reducing accident risks. The system also offers various safety management and customization options, helping Schlumberger reduce accident rates and enhance operational safety. Management personnel can view and analyze data through an app, optimizing management and operational efficiency.

In future plans, Schlumberger will continue to advance the forklift upgrade project, Mr. Wang noted: “Since the start of cooperation in 2022, the first phase of the pilot work has concluded, and the second phase of promotion is now underway. We are increasing investments in new purchases and in-use forklifts, installing related product units, and exploring more digital and intelligent solutions to further improve operational efficiency and safety.” Additionally, Schlumberger will also focus on emerging technologies such as remote control and predictive maintenance, continuously expanding the depth and breadth of its digital transformation, and enhancing the company's core competitiveness.

In conclusion, looking ahead, Schlumberger will continue to uphold the philosophy of technological innovation, actively exploring and applying advanced technological means to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of the enterprise. The upgrades to the forklift management and safety systems as part of the digital transformation represent an important step, providing security guarantees for creating commercial value and development opportunities for Schlumberger. This successful practice not only provides better safety assurances for personnel at Schlumberger’s operational sites but also offers valuable experience and insights for optimizing upgrades in the intelligent logistics sector for Chinese manufacturing.

Teknect Global Inc. specializes in advanced forklift management and safety systems that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and cost management. Their technology offers real-time data management, assured personnel protection, enabling strategic decision-making for fleet optimization and maintenance. Trusted by global brands, Teknect's solutions are pivotal in transforming how businesses manage and monitor their forklift operations, ensuring safety and reducing costs through innovative technology. For more information, you can visit their website at Teknect Global Inc. .