Adding AGVs to your warehouse without visibility into your existing fleet is like flying blind. AGVs cannot deliver the safety, productivity, or ROI you expect if they don’t know where forklifts and other machines are moving.
The solution is real-time fleet tracking. By equipping forklifts with tracking devices, you create the foundation for AGV success. Your warehouse gains visibility, your AGVs gain awareness, and your operation is ready to scale automation with confidence.
In this blog we will cover:
Read on to learn how to set up your operation for a smooth transition into automation.
The first step in AGV integration is not choosing the vehicles but preparing your fleet for visibility. Tracking devices installed on forklifts:
When is fleet tracking needed?
Fleet tracking is essential when AGVs and manual forklifts operate in the same environment. It allows both to communicate and coordinate safely. In a closed-loop or isolated AGV system—where no manual units are present—this step is less critical.
Fleet tracking lays the groundwork for every other step in automation.
Boone Faulkner, Automation Specialist at The Lilly Company, explains:
“The real breakthrough is bringing the same visibility AGVs have to your manual forklifts. Tracking technology lets AGVs and forklifts share information in real time, so they work together instead of competing for space. This is especially valuable in mixed environments where automated and manual units operate side by side. It gives operators the confidence to start with data today and know they’re ready when automation comes.”
Look closely at your WMS, forklifts, and IT systems. Do your networks have the coverage and bandwidth to support AGVs? Are your current workflows designed for automation? A clear picture of your infrastructure prevents costly surprises later.
AGV integration is not just about buying technology. It’s about achieving measurable results. Decide if your top priorities are throughput, safety, labor efficiency, or error reduction. Ranking these objectives will guide the right integration plan.
Integration is complex. A trusted partner brings expertise in technical support, customization, and testing. The right partner reduces risk and accelerates adoption.
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Your operation will grow and change. Pick AGVs that expand easily with your business, not ones that lock you into today’s needs only. Scalability protects your investment.
AGVs change workflows and responsibilities. Training ensures your team understands how AGVs interact with WMS, central control systems, and forklifts. Training should also cover troubleshooting and responding to alerts.
Integration is not complete on launch day. Use KPIs and operator feedback to track performance, identify issues, and continuously optimize. Automation is a journey, not a one-time project.
AGVs can only succeed when they work as part of a larger system. Fleet tracking is the missing link that gives them awareness, prevents disruptions, and prepares your warehouse for automation.
The Lilly Company equips warehouses with the tracking technology that builds this foundation. From evaluation to integration to continuous improvement, we help you add automation with confidence.
What to see if you’re ready for automation? Check out the Is Your Warehouse Ready for Automation Readiness Quiz in the Warehouse Automation Toolkit here.
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Further Reading
AGV Navigation Systems 101
AGVs 101: Your Guide To Autonomous Warehouse Vehicles
Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions about AGVs