Why SMEs Are Turning to Autonomous Forklifts
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the pressure to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency is higher than ever.
But unlike large corporations with million-dollar automation budgets, SMEs need affordable and fast-to-deploy solutions that work in existing factory layouts.
That’s where autonomous forklifts (AGVs and AMRs) come in. They require minimal infrastructure changes, integrate easily with existing operations, and deliver quick ROI—often in less than a year.
However, successful implementation isn’t just about buying the forklift. It’s about planning, integration, and continuous optimization.
Here’s a step-by-step deployment guide tailored for SMEs.
Step 1: Conduct a Site Survey and Workflow Assessment
Before introducing autonomous forklifts, evaluate your current logistics processes.
Key questions to ask:
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Where do most material transfers happen (production line, warehouse, or packaging)?
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Are pathways wide enough for AGV operation? (Minimum recommended width: 1.1m for compact models like Reeman’s Mini Forklift.)
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What are your pain points—manual congestion, long travel routes, or labor shortages?
Reeman’s deployment team usually conducts a site scan using 3D LIDAR to create a digital twin of your warehouse.
This ensures navigation maps are accurate before testing begins.
Step 2: Choose the Right Forklift Model for Your Environment
Not all autonomous forklifts are built the same. SMEs should select based on their real operational needs rather than price alone.
Consider the following:
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Load capacity: Small warehouses (≤2000㎡) often need 500–1500KG models.
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Aisle width: Narrow-aisle forklifts like Reeman’s Mini AGV Forklift can pass through 1.1m lanes.
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Navigation type: Choose Laser SLAM or 3D vision navigation—no need for magnetic strips or QR markers.
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Environment: For uneven floors or outdoor areas, pick models with adaptive suspension and IP-rated sensors.
By matching forklift specs to your workflow, you avoid overpaying for capacity you don’t need.
Step 3: Map and Configure the Navigation System
Once the model is selected, engineers perform mapping and route setup:
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Use LIDAR and cameras to scan the area.
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Define pickup, drop-off, and charging stations.
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Set speed limits and traffic rules in the fleet management software.
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Test route recognition under different lighting and load conditions.
Step 4: Integrate with Your Existing Systems (WMS / ERP / MES)
To achieve end-to-end automation, connect your autonomous forklifts with existing management platforms.
Example integration points:
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WMS (Warehouse Management System): Automates material pickup/delivery based on inventory updates.
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MES (Manufacturing Execution System): Links production orders with forklift dispatch tasks.
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Fleet Management System (FMS): Coordinates multiple forklifts and monitors task completion in real time.
Reeman provides API and Modbus interfaces, enabling quick integration with SAP, Oracle, or local ERP systems—no complex coding required.
Step 5: Test and Optimize in Pilot Zones
Before large-scale deployment, start small.
Select one area—such as raw material transport or finished goods dispatch—and run a pilot.
During the 2–4 week trial period, collect data on:
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Route accuracy
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Obstacle avoidance performance
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Battery consumption and charging frequency
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Task completion time
Reeman’s AI analytics dashboard provides visual reports, helping managers identify inefficiencies and fine-tune parameters.
Step 6: Train Staff and Adjust Workflow
Automation doesn’t replace humans—it supports them.
Train warehouse operators and maintenance staff on:
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Safe human-robot interaction zones.
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Manual override and emergency stop procedures.
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Using the fleet management dashboard.
Also, redesign certain workflows—for example, adjusting pallet placement heights to improve forklift pickup efficiency.
Step 7: Expand and Scale Up Gradually
Once your pilot zone runs smoothly, expand to additional areas—loading docks, finished goods warehouses, or inter-floor transport.
Reeman’s system allows multi-vehicle coordination, meaning new forklifts can join the fleet without reprogramming the entire map.
Scaling can happen in days, not months.
ROI Snapshot: Why SMEs See Fast Payback
Most Reeman SME clients report ROI within 8–12 months, thanks to:
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Labor reduction (each forklift replaces 2–3 manual operators).
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Higher uptime through auto-charging and predictive maintenance.
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Better safety—fewer collisions and zero fatigue-related errors.
Smart Automation, Scaled for SMEs
Deploying autonomous forklifts isn’t just for large corporations anymore. With plug-and-play navigation, modular integration, and scalable fleet management, SMEs can achieve real automation—quickly and affordably.
Reeman’s turnkey deployment model—covering site survey, mapping, fleet setup, and training—makes it easier than ever for SMEs to join the future of logistics.
Whether you’re running a 2000㎡ warehouse or a multi-floor factory, autonomous forklifts offer one simple promise:
Less labor, more productivity, and zero downtime