Resources

Warehouse manager reviewing fleet performance data from fleet insights

2026: Why Data Will Define the Future of Material Handling

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 2-Oct-2025

By 2026, connectivity will be standard in every forklift, battery, and charger. Predictive analytics will replace traditional maintenance, helping companies prevent downtime before it happens.

Industry Insights

The Hidden Costs of Unused Forklift Batteries—and How to Solve Them

Posted by Dana Jones on 25-Mar-2025

Forklift batteries are critical assets in warehouse operations, yet they frequently go unused due to factors such as overlooked maintenance, damaged battery or charger components, and inefficient management practices. These neglected batteries often accumulate in what's commonly referred to as a 'battery boneyard.' This scenario isn't merely a visual nuisance; it represents significant tied-up capital and continuous maintenance expenses.

Blogs

A personal analysing data on a computer screen.

The Key to Smarter Decisions: Making Data Easy to Understand and Act On

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 4-Mar-2025

Data alone isn’t enough, the real power comes from how easily it can be understood and how it can be used to drive action. The best technology systems don’t just collect information, they simplify decision making by making insights clear, intuitive, and frictionless to act on.

Technology

POWERING EFFICIENCY: HOW PHILADELPHIA SCIENTIFIC TRANSFORMED BATTERY MANAGEMENT FOR A NATIONAL WHOLESALE GROCER

Posted by Dana Jones on 24-Feb-2025

A leading wholesale grocery distribution company based in the northeastern US, faced significant challenges managing its industrial batteries, which powered a large fleet of forklifts and pallet jacks. Battery inefficiencies led to excessive operational costs, shortened battery life, and wasted labor hours. In response, the company partnered with Philadelphia Scientific to implement the intelligent Battery Optimization System (iBOS). Initially deployed in data-collection mode, iBOS went live in July 2014, providing actionable insights and tools for battery management. The competitive grocery distribution environment required improved efficiency, making the adoption of such a system critical for maintaining a competitive edge amidst rising labor and energy costs.

Case Studies

Five Compelling Reasons to Invest in Battery Data Tools

Posted by Brian Crummy on 3-Feb-2025

Understanding and managing your battery assets are critical for the evolving forklift fleets in North American warehouses. As the logistics landscape continues to emphasize sustainability, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making, batteries emerge as a cornerstone for maintaining productivity and minimizing downtime. This eBook examines five pivotal reasons why robust battery data is indispensable, offering detailed insights supported by authoritative statistics and industry case studies.

E-Books

A person analysing battery performance data on a computer screen.

Paving the way for proactive battery performance decisions

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 28-Jan-2025

Fleet managers receive instant notifications for key issues, such as over-discharge, over-temperature, and low electrolyte levels, allowing them to address problems as they arise rather than react to costly breakdowns later.

Latest News

The Five Reasons You Need Good Battery Data

Posted by Brian Crummy on 20-Jan-2025

Understanding your battery assets plays a crucial role in the future of forklifts in North American warehouses, particularly in the context of sustainability, operational efficiency, and data-driven management. As forklift fleets increasingly shift to electric models, the effective management of batteries becomes central to maintaining productivity and minimizing downtime. Here are five reasons you need better data to make better decisions.

Blogs

Powering the Future: Exploring the Latest Technological Advancements in Industrial Lead-Acid Batteries

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 3-Oct-2023

In recent years, significant technological advancements have breathed new life into lead-acid batteries, making them more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly than ever before.

Technology

A Step Change with Battery Manager at Promat 2023

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 5-May-2023

The show was a huge success for the company, both in terms of the number of people attending its stand and in the raised profile it delivered for Philadelphia Scientific.

Latest News

Using Data to Supercharge Your Battery Room's Performance

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 16-Jan-2023

Not so long ago, managing a large fleet of batteries for the warehouse or distribution center was seen as a cost of doing business. Sure, there were ways to reduce the expense, like ensuring the batteries were watered with some regularity before they completely dried out.

Technology

The new Philadelphia Scientific Asia Pacific in Sydney Australia

Celebrating our 20th Anniversary in Australia

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 18-May-2022

This month sees us celebrating a huge milestone in the history of Philadelphia Scientific. We celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Australian HQ opening in Sydney, New South Wales.

Latest News

Making the Philadelphia Scientific Stealth System, the easy choice!

Posted by Christine Mak on 23-Mar-2022

A big part of our company ethos here at Philadelphia Scientific is making sure that we listen to our trusted customers, like you. We take what you say, feedback, and the challenges you face and implement changes into our product design lifecycle that can positively impact all.

Latest News

What is the fastest lead acid battery watering system?

Posted by Christine Mak on 15-Feb-2022

The solution to your battery watering issues is employing one of our Water Injector Systems in your warehouse. Imagine a whole battery fleet of 100 batteries being watered in just one hour rather than one full day. Imagine no more; this is a simple and easy to use solution for industrial battery watering.

Latest News

The World’s Biggest Battery - According to the Guinness World Records

Posted by Christine Mak on 26-Jan-2022

Philadelphia Scientific is proud to be involved in the Guinness World Records ‘The World’s Most Powerful Battery’, which was awarded to the Alaskan City of Fairbanks, who installed an energy storage system using a Saft’s battery

Latest News

The Manufacturer's Annual Top 100 Winners 2021

Britain’s Manufacturing Heroes Named in Liverpool

Posted by Christine Mak on 23-Nov-2021

The Manufacturer's annual awards for the 100 most inspirational individuals working in UK industry were announced Wednesday 10th November at a gala reception at ACC Liverpool.

Latest News

Zoom to your Battery Room - Choosing the right iBOS Management System for your business

Posted by Christine Mak on 10-Nov-2021

Constantly changing batteries on your electric forklift truck can be both time consuming and mistakes can easily be made. How are you supposed to know which battery should be picked next? Choosing the wrong batteries to charge leads to shortened battery run times and battery life.

Latest News

Mike Nispel, Director of Catalyst Products to Attend Battcon 2021

Posted by Christine Mak on 28-Oct-2021

We are proud to announce that our very own Director of Catalyst Products at Philadelphia Scientific, Mike Nispel, will be attending BATTCON 2021 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Located at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino between the 2nd-5th November.

Latest News

Man using the hydropure on a golf buggy battery

Can you use Deionized Water in Batteries?

Posted by Christine Mak on 12-Oct-2021

We all know that battery maintenance is the key to longer-lasting industrial batteries. One leading cause of poor battery performance is the use of hard water in your battery watering system.

Latest News

HOW DOES A BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WORK?

Posted by Christine Mak on 5-Oct-2021

Today we will be looking at Battery Management Systems, what they are and how they can help manage your battery room. A battery management system (BMS) can be looked at as the brains of the battery room. It will primarily tell operators which battery is the best one to take next and monitor the whole system.

Technology

A forklift truck battery room full of lead acid batteries on charge

Battery Crisis Averted

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 7-Jun-2021

The materials handling market is starting to feel the battery shortages facing the automotive industry. There are widespread reports that automotive battery manufacturers are struggling to source key materials, notably cobalt and lithium, while vital electrical components are also in short supply.

Industry Insights

A man using a Philadelphia Scientific Battery Watering Gun to water a lead acid battery

How to water a lead acid battery

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 11-Feb-2021

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to lead acid battery maintenance is the water level. Keeping the battery hydrated means that you will have to water your battery regularly.

Tips & Tricks

A Stealth Barbed valve, part of the Stealth Barbed Watering System by Philadelphia Scientific

Making the Stealth Barbed Watering System even more cost effective

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 12-Jan-2021

Our expanding research and development team has brought forward improvements to the design of the valve and the system, making it, even more, cost-effective.

Latest News

A row of lead acid batteries on charge in a warehouse

What’s the lifespan of a lead acid battery?

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 6-Jan-2021

But, nearly half of all flooded lead acid batteries don’t achieve even half of their expected life. Poor management, no monitoring and a lack of both proactive and reactive maintenance can kill a battery in less than 18 months. This can drastically affect the performance of a battery room. However, there are numerous ways to improve and maximize the number of cycles a typical battery will achieve.

Technology

Hydrogen Fuel Cells - A load of hot air?

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 4-Dec-2020

the energy efficiency of using a hydrogen fuel cell in a forklift truck isn’t great, in fact it’s really quite poor. The infrastructure required in even getting the fuel cell to the truck is truly inefficient and by the time it gets to the truck, the energy output is 25% as efficient as “traditional” lead-acid batteries.

Industry Insights

How much a battery costs per hour? Making the right financial decisions in uncertain times.

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 16-Nov-2020

With a plethora of choices available on how to store energy, one of the most important factors to consider in uncertainty, is cost. With the sales line having peaks and valleys over the past few months, having a clear understanding of the true cost of purchasing, charging and using batteries is one clear path we can take to make the right decision.

Industry Insights

A warehouse full of stock for distibution

Meeting the demand - Expanding battery rooms in the most efficient way possible.

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 9-Oct-2020

It doesn’t look like the increased demand for online retail will subside anytime soon. According to Adobe Analytics, total online purchases across the US for June were up 76 percent compared to last year, totaling $73.2 billion for the month.

Latest News

Saving space in more ways than one

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 27-Jul-2020

There is one aspect of the warehouse directly affected by the increased demands that feature editor Simpson doesn’t mention and that’s the battery room. An increased demand for products means an increase in work time for forklift trucks and the lead-acid batteries that power them.

Industry Insights

battery manangemnt system with blue light

Forklift Battery Management may not sound glamourous, but it is cool

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 16-Jul-2020

Usually, tucked away in the corner of the warehouse, the battery room is actually the heart of the operation. You might think that it is a bit of an exaggeration but if there are no batteries, there are no forklifts and if there are no forklifts, well, everything comes to a standstill.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific’s success in going green!

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 7-Jul-2020

The original estimate was a reduction of 400 reams of paper, equating to around 200,000 pieces a year. A year later, we have shattered that estimation by nearly doubling the reduction saving over 360,000 pieces of paper.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific brown building with grass and tress and text in front with company statement

COVID-19 Update - Limited Opening

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 24-Mar-2020

Many of our OEM partners provide critical infrastructure equipment to the supply chain. This equipment is crucial to move products such as food, medical, and pharmaceutical supplies and they have requested that we stay open for business.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific brown building surrounded by garden and trees

COVID-19 Urgent Update

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 19-Mar-2020

As promised, we said we would update you of any significant changes in our business due to COVID-19. At 5pm EST today, Pennsylvania Governor Wolf ordered that all “non-life-sustaining” businesses in our state must close their physical locations today.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific brown building with garden and trees in front of it with tect infornt of it with covid statement

COVID-19 Company Statement

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 18-Mar-2020

With the spread of COVID-19, we find ourselves in a time of global uncertainty. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted. We want to share that we are taking proactive steps to protect our employees and customers and continue our operations safely in accordance with State and National guidelines.

Latest News

MODEX2020 Update - We'll see you there!

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 6-Mar-2020

Philadelphia Scientific will retain its booth space at MODEX 2020 in support of MHI, MODEX and the overall industry in this difficult time.

Latest News

The lead-acid battery, powering modern technologies

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 18-Feb-2020

Tesla, the cutting-edge tech giant, and champion of Li-Ion batteries are looking into the feasibility of using lead batteries to help support their electric vehicle charge point network.

Latest News

The iBOS Charger-Splitter halves the chargers and the cost!

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 31-Jan-2020

The iBOS Charger-Splitter makes it possible to maximize charger capacity while halving the number of chargers you need and halving the cost.

Latest News

A basicblinky battery electrolyte system on batteries showing green light

Getting back to Basics

Posted by Christine Mak on 15-Nov-2019

As our entry level electrolyte indicator, it’s a quick and easy way to tell if a battery needs water. With a simple on-off indication and a fast, easy install the BasicBlinky is a perfect low-cost indicator.

Latest News

blinky electrolyte indicator attached to industrial battery

The Blinky Range - Revolutionizing Electrolyte Indicators

Posted by Christine Mak on 11-Nov-2019

Knowing when to fill lead-acid batteries with water can be a big issue. Philadelphia Scientific's Blinky range is vital in stopping unnecessary watering of batteries, as well as preventing battery dry out.

Latest News

Digital Innovation on show at Modex 2020

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 25-Oct-2019

If Philadelphia Scientific are the benchmark that other people should strive to achieve at the exhibition, then Modex 2020 is definitely going to be Powered by Possibilities. With that much buzz and excitement going on in the hall the sparks will definitely be flying.

Latest News

Going green with QR Codes

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 31-Jul-2019

While the paper used to print instructions is sustainably sourced, there is only one way to make sure that it doesn’t end up in a landfill, and that is not to use any at all!

Latest News

The best single point watering system, now with a barbed fit

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 8-Jul-2019

The new Stealth Barbed Watering System has the same standard body type as the push-fit but now comes with an easy to install barbed fitting.

Latest News

Introducing the Stealth Barbed Watering System

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 5-Jul-2019

The enhancements made to the Stealth Barbed Watering System shows that Philadelphia Scientific is not only developing new products but making improvements to existing ones, providing the industry with greater flexibility.

Latest News

white water cart with black rectangular monitor for water dionizing

Generating pure water on the go!

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 28-Jun-2019

More often than not, a water supply isn’t in an easy to reach position, which is an expensive or impractical problem to solve, meaning that operators have to go out of their way to water the batteries. The HydroFill Pro solves that.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific battery monitors lit up

A Day in the Life of Philadelphia Scientific UK

Posted by Christine Mak on 29-May-2019

A sneak peek at what is going on behind the scenes every day at Philadelphia Scientific UK.

Latest News

Our Experience at ProMat 2019

Posted by Christine Mak on 25-Apr-2019

Over 45,000 visitors from around the world visited Chicago's McCormick Place last week for ProMat 2019.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific's Guide to ProMat 2019

Posted by Christine Mak on 1-Apr-2019

On April 8-11, manufacturing industry leaders, consumers and innovators will converge in Chicago’s McCormick Place to showcase the latest manufacturing distribution and supply chain equipment and systems.

Latest News

A Successful Month for Local High School Teams

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 20-Mar-2019

Philadelphia Scientific is a proud sponsor of a local high school's robotics team, The Gearaffes, who have recently found success in their month of competitions.

Latest News

LogiMat 2019

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 7-Mar-2019

On the 19th February 2019, intralogistics industry leaders, consumers and innovators converged in Stuttgart, Germany to showcase the latest equipment and systems at LogiMat, the biggest annual intralogistics exhibition in Europe.

Latest News

How a Lead-Acid Battery Works

Posted by Christine Mak on 29-Jan-2019

The Lead-Acid battery goes through a cycle that has three main parts; construction, discharging and charging. Read more to see an infographic showing what happens in each part of the cycle.

Latest News

The Internet of Things

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 27-Sep-2018

Everything is smart these days; smartphones, smart cars and smart appliances, and these devices are becoming commonplace. Just look around your own home! They’re examples of smart technologies and come under the term ‘the Internet of Things’.

Latest News

Lead-Acid batteries continue to show sustainability is key

Posted by Christine Mak on 31-Aug-2018

Lead-acid batteries are also 100% recyclable, with more than 98% of lead-acid batteries recycled, compared to the 97% of Li-Ion batteries NOT recycled.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific Welcomes New Hires!

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 3-Aug-2018

Latest News

Introducing the Water Buffalo Mobile Water Supply

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 29-Jan-2018

The 300-gallon mobile water supply is the ideal watering solution for fast and opportunity charging applications and is the industry’s largest capacity water tank

Latest News

The Importance of Pure Water

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 11-Jan-2018

All lead-acid batteries consist of flat lead plates immersed in a pool of electrolyte. We need to top up the battery regularly as some of this water is lost during the recharge cycle. Keeping the battery topped up will ensure that the plates are not irreparably damaged in the water level dips below the top of the plate. The second step and most important part of this maintenance process is using the correct water.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific Introduces the SmartBlinky Pro

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 31-May-2017

Philadelphia Scientific, The Lean Battery Room Experts™, has introduced SmartBlinky Pro™, a battery watering monitor that features the industry’s brightest, most visible electrolyte indicator and which also issues an audible alarm to alert personnel that electrolyte levels are low.

Latest News

Teach an old battery new tricks with Battery Tracker

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 12-May-2017

The battery room, the beating heart of a forklift fleet, should probably take a look at its cholesterol levels. In recent years, the performance and market share of electric forklifts has risen in step with battery prices, creating symptoms that prompted many to schedule battery management checkups.

Latest News

Improve your productivity and profits

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 16-Dec-2016

“We have seen battery rooms reduce their battery fleet by 30% when they use the data from the systems that proves they are not running out of batteries,” Vanasse says. “It’s no longer guesswork, which usually errs on the side of having too many batteries.”

Latest News

What is the one battery room tool you need to right-size your battery fleet?

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 18-Oct-2016

You know you need performance data to properly manage your battery room. As the saying goes, "If you're not measuring it, you're not managing it." But, what information do you need — and how do you obtain it?

Latest News

Half the chargers, half the cost!

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 21-Jun-2016

Philadelphia Scientific Introduces iBOS® Charger-Splitter, a Tool that Enables Battery Rooms to Eliminate the Use of Half Their Chargers - Charger-Splitter is used in tandem with the iBOS® battery room management system.

Latest News

Still recording battery changes by hand? There is a better way.

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 6-Jun-2016

Philadelphia Scientific's Battery Tracker records battery run times and lift truck deadman hours more quickly and accurately than hand-writing - and for less money than truck-based tracking systems. To learn more about the benefits of this Lean Battery Room tool

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific Introduces their new, improved line of Blinky electrolyte indicators

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 9-Nov-2015

New LEDs are 2 to 8 times brighter than the previous models; installation “forgiveness zone” reduces the potential for damaging monitors during installation.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific introduces the iBOS® Barcode Scanner

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 30-Jun-2014

Barcode scanner is an add-on to the iBOS® battery room management system making forklift battery management even more comprehensive.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific Introduces the iBOS® Lite forklift battery management system.

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 1-Sep-2013

iBOS Lite simplifies battery selection, reduces the time spent changing batteries and increases battery run time and battery life.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific Introduces Lean Battery Room Family of Products

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 14-May-2012

The Philadelphia Scientific forklift battery management tools reduce waste, save money and increase productivity through battery room data and time-saving maintenance products.

Latest News

Philadelphia Scientific introduces the new and improved HydroCart

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 2-Mar-2012

The updated model of this portable water supply includes a retractable cord reel and streamlined design.

Latest News

Hitting the bull’s eye with the new battery watering gun, the GUN-X.

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 15-Sep-2010

The world’s best selling watering gun is now faster and more durable thanks to a range of improvements made by our in-house product development team

Latest News

The World’s Fastest Battery Watering System

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 10-Sep-2010

The new snap-fit valve base for all Philadelphia Scientific Water Injector Systems™ enables fast installation, saving time and money.

News Archive

Philadelphia Scientific Improves Water Injector Spider System™

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 25-Jun-2010

Philadelphia Scientific Improves Water Injector Spider System™ for Faster, Easier InstallationSpider System uses water Injector technology to quickly fill batteries. Injector valves are now easier to install, saving time and money.

News Archive

Philadelphia Scientific Announces Upgrades to its iBOSWorld™ Web Service

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 16-Apr-2010

New battery cool-down time graph provides information that is critical to managing battery availability and battery room efficiency; other enhancements help managers summarize key battery and charger data.

News Archive

A blue charger mounted water supply in a warehouse

Philadelphia Scientific Introduces the Changer-Mounted Water Supply

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 17-Nov-2008

The Changer-Mounted Water Supply Product offers the convenience of a water supply when retrieving charged batteries that don’t have sufficient water.

News Archive

water deionizer system cartridge and wiring wall mounted

Benefits of Using Deionized Water in Industrial Batteries

Posted by Andy Napoleon Hill on 28-Jul-2008

Philadelphia Scientific Offers Free Information on the Benefits of Using Deionized Water in Industrial BatteriesLeading manufacturer of industrial battery accessories offers two technical brochures: “Water Deionizer System™” and “How Do Water ...

News Archive

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