Making a Decision: Lithium-ion Battery Suppliers
When selecting a forklift battery supplier, many key factors must be considered. Selecting the wrong lithium-ion battery for a forklift can impact the entire operation of an OEM's business, from sourcing to production. The daily operations of an OEM rely on forklift transportation, and the daily operations of forklifts rely heavily on batteries. Selecting a lithium-ion forklift battery supplier is the first step in determining the success of the OEM's daily processes. OEMs need suppliers that can meet JIT transportation needs, lead in technology innovation, and provide extended technical services.
Industrial Battery Suppliers with Sufficient Capacity
Finding a supplier with experience and expertise in forklift battery pack development can translate into developing battery technology for many unique operations.
Considering that forklift uptime affects an OEM's profitability, a supplier's capacity may be the most important determining factor when selecting a lithium-ion battery supplier. Battery suppliers need to be equipped with sufficient square footage and capacity in their manufacturing facilities to meet customer demand and produce as many products as the OEM needs. When considering suppliers, OEMs should look for suppliers that can grow with the OEM. As the OEM's profitability increases and expands, the supplier should have the ability to support this growth without slowing down the OEM's production.
While overall production of lithium-ion batteries has increased, industrial battery suppliers must be able to source and maintain all the battery orders that an OEM may need. If a battery supplier cannot meet the needs of an OEM, it is not a good fit.
Choose a battery supplier committed to technological innovation
Tech companies aim to continuously innovate and create technological advancements. Battery packs that integrate with OEM equipment often come with a battery management system to monitor the battery. The battery management system monitors temperature, charging habits, battery life, and more. This data can be extracted and viewed using telematics technology designed to communicate with the battery management system. A battery management system that can be integrated with a telematics system can provide valuable data insights into fleet management, not only helping with preventive maintenance, but also helping operations create efficiencies that were previously unnoticed.
These advancements not only improve day-to-day operations, but also save OEMs money by ensuring that the forklifts are functioning properly and quickly troubleshooting technical issues that may arise. Lithium-ion battery suppliers that are constantly adapting and improving their products will be great partners when OEMs are also looking to expand in their industry.
Look for suppliers with extended technical support
When deciding on a lithium-ion battery supplier, choose one that not only produces battery packs but also provides ongoing support. Lithium-ion technology is more advanced than traditional lead-acid batteries, which means there are more moving parts to monitor to ensure the battery is functioning properly.
With more moving parts, battery suppliers need to be more involved in integrating the battery into the equipment it will power. Even though a battery supplier may have years of experience in different industries, not all equipment is created equal. An industrial battery supplier that can apply their knowledge in one industry to another can provide OEMs with the insight, experience, and support to design a quality product-ensuring that the battery will function properly with the OEM's equipment takes time and testing. Technical support must be flexible and responsive to any issues that may arise.
Battery partners want to be involved in every step, from testing the battery to ensuring it works with the equipment, which will help build a good relationship and smooth operations.
Suppliers that can provide adaptive solutions for changing needs
Fleet needs are constantly changing, and industrial battery suppliers must be able to provide OEMs with adaptive solutions to keep operations running smoothly. Instead of buying multiple different types of batteries, OEMs can reduce the number of SKUs in inventory by choosing a lithium-ion battery supplier and continually creating adaptive solutions to meet buyers' changing needs. Successful battery suppliers can keep up with OEM production volumes, sales, and needs.
OEMs must select battery suppliers that have the strength, knowledge and capabilities to understand the product and provide solutions for the OEM's development needs.