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A lead acid powered forklift truck in a warehouse
People walking through a busy warehouse.
Battery fleet stands on mod.rack
A collection of health and safety equipment.
Warehouse manager reviewing fleet performance data from fleet insights
Battery Boneyard
Battery Boneyard

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

Posted 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.
A personal analysing data on a computer screen.
POWERING EFFICIENCY: HOW PHILADELPHIA SCIENTIFIC TRANSFORMED BATTERY MANAGEMENT FOR A NATIONAL WHOLESALE GROCER
POWERING EFFICIENCY: HOW PHILADELPHIA SCIENTIFIC TRANSFORMED BATTERY MANAGEMENT FOR A NATIONAL WHOLESALE GROCER

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

Posted 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.
Five Compelling Reasons to Invest in Battery Data Tools
Five Compelling Reasons to Invest in Battery Data Tools

Five Compelling Reasons to Invest in Battery Data Tools

Posted 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.
A person analysing battery performance data on a computer screen.
The Five Reasons You Need Good Battery Data
The Five Reasons You Need Good Battery Data

The Five Reasons You Need Good Battery Data

Posted 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.
Powering the Future: Exploring the Latest Technological Advancements in Industrial Lead-Acid Batteries
A Step Change with Battery Manager at Promat 2023
Battery Room
The new Philadelphia Scientific Asia Pacific in Sydney Australia
stealth water system
water injector on a lead acid battery
water injector on a lead acid battery

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
iBOS machine in a warehouse
The Manufacturer's Annual Top 100 Winners 2021
iBOS machine in a warehouse
Black and white image of Mike Nispel
Man using the hydropure on a golf buggy battery
iBOS machine in a warehouse
iBOS machine in a warehouse

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
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
A Stealth Barbed valve, part of the Stealth Barbed Watering System by Philadelphia Scientific
A row of lead acid batteries on charge in a warehouse
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
mist and vapour showing hydrogen gas
mist and vapour showing hydrogen gas

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
Forklift truck charging in a warehouse
Forklift truck charging in a warehouse

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
Saving space in more ways than one
Saving space in more ways than one

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
Philadelphia Scientific’s success in going green!
Philadelphia Scientific brown building with grass and tress and text in front with company statement
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
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
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!
The lead-acid battery, powering modern technologies
The iBOS Charger-Splitter halves the chargers and the cost!
A basicblinky battery electrolyte system on batteries showing green light
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
Digital Innovation on show at Modex 2020
Digital Innovation on show at Modex 2020

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
The best single point watering system, now with a barbed fit
Introducing the Stealth Barbed Watering System
white water cart with black rectangular monitor for water dionizing
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
Our Experience at ProMat 2019
Philadelphia Scientific's Guide to ProMat 2019
A Successful Month for Local High School Teams
LogiMat 2019
LogiMat 2019

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
How a Lead-Acid Battery Works

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
The Internet of Things

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
Philadelphia Scientific Welcomes New Hires!
Introducing the Water Buffalo Mobile Water Supply
The Importance of Pure Water
The Importance of Pure Water

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
Teach an old battery new tricks with Battery Tracker
Teach an old battery new tricks with Battery Tracker

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
Improve your productivity and profits

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?
Half the chargers, half the cost!
Still recording battery changes by hand? There is a better way.
Philadelphia Scientific Introduces their new, improved line of Blinky electrolyte indicators
Philadelphia Scientific introduces the iBOS® Barcode Scanner
Philadelphia Scientific Introduces the iBOS® Lite forklift battery management system.
Philadelphia Scientific Introduces Lean Battery Room Family of Products
Philadelphia Scientific introduces the new and improved HydroCart
Hitting the bull’s eye with the new battery watering gun, the GUN-X.
The World’s Fastest Battery Watering System
Philadelphia Scientific Improves Water Injector Spider System™
Philadelphia Scientific Announces Upgrades to its iBOSWorld™ Web Service
A blue charger mounted water supply in a warehouse
water deionizer system cartridge and wiring wall mounted
A personal analysing data on a computer screen.
Battery Boneyard
Battery Boneyard

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

Posted by Dana Jones
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
Case study of Powering Efficiency
Case study of Powering Efficiency

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

Posted by Dana Jones
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