Deploying Remote Operation Technology with Phantom Auto

Phantom Auto follows a five-step implementation process to prepare vehicles for your operation.

In the ever-evolving world of logistics and supply chain management, a well-developed deployment plan for new technologies is mission critical for ensuring success.

At Phantom Auto, we strive to make the deployment and implementation of our remote operation technology for logistics vehicles a smooth and efficient process, so we can quickly add value to your operation.

To that end, Phantom Auto has a five-step implementation process.

This blog post provides a step-by-step overview of how we collaborate with end users on the implementation of our state-of-the-art remotely operated vehicles, and establish the foundation for long-term success. 

For a deeper dive into deploying remote operation technology with Phantom Auto, watch this on-demand webinar with Phantom Auto’s Head of Remote Operations, Sam Hyman, and VP of Sales, Ryan Clifford. 

Step 1: Onboarding

Understanding Customer Needs

Onboarding begins with a kickoff call and team introductions. We’ll discuss big picture goals, agree on mutual deliverables, and define measures of success.

Prior to deploying remotely operated vehicles in your warehouse, Phantom’s team will visit your site to evaluate its workflows, infrastructure, and specific remote operation needs. The team will complete a thorough analysis of your dock plates, dock doors, pallet types and dimensions, barcode types and placement, stretch wrapping procedures, site-specific safety guidelines, and any other best practices, written or unwritten, for effective operations in your building.

We’ll conduct a use case analysis to understand how Phantom can best help your business utilize remotely operated forklifts, and give feedback to ensure we’re aligned on needs and goals. 

Our dedicated safety experts will provide an overview of our Layered Safety Methodology, and show how its overlapping safety features will protect your employees, equipment, facilities, and products. 

During this stage of deployment, we will review your goals and objectives to ensure both parties are aligned on your desired project outcomes. We’ll establish KPIs to be used for measuring the success of Phantom’s remote vehicle operation solution. 

During onboarding we'll work together to establish KPIs for measuring success.

Step 2: Preparation

Laying the Groundwork

We’ll begin the deployment process by taking a deep dive into evaluating your site. We’ll coordinate with your teams on all of the potential process paths, so we’re aligned on needs, expectations, and workflows.

We will perform a network survey and draft an initial plan for how Phantom remote forklifts could best be utilized on your site to help you meet your goals. 

Phantom engineers will conduct an infrastructure audit, with the goals of understanding Wi-Fi connectivity, cellular network strength, and potential charging locations, and identifying any adjustments that may need to be made to supporting infrastructure. 

We’ll conduct a risk assessment to identify any potential safety concerns, and develop a mitigation plan to ensure remotely operated forklifts will function safely within your environment.

While we’re assessing these on-site details, Phantom will learn about your shifts and staffing schedules to build an initial demand plan for remote operation staffing, and confirm the site-specific implementation plans. We’ll develop a plan for preferred methods, channels, and cadence of communications, and an escalation plan to ensure role clarity for any potential incidents.

All of the information gathered during this preparation phase is critical for ensuring a successful deployment. 

Step 3: Deployment

Seamless Integration Into Operations

After completing the pre-deployment phase, Phantom Auto will deliver the vehicles to your facility. 

When delivered to your site, our state-of-the-art remotely operated vehicles will be ready to begin work. Each unit will undergo a precise setup procedure—including acceptance testing—to ensure it’s optimized for your workflows. We’ll configure the vehicle on your network.

We will conduct initial test runs to ensure vehicles are running at optimal performance levels, and address any unforeseen issues.

Throughout this process, Phantom Auto experts—including your dedicated Phantom Field Specialist—will be on hand to facilitate and ensure a successful deployment. Once deployed in your facility, Phantom’s remotely operated vehicles will be operating alongside your people, executing your processes. 

Phantom Auto's team of experts will help facilitate and ensure a successful deployment. 

Step 4: Training

Empowering the Team for Success

Once Phantom has deployed in your facility, you’ll have several Phantom Auto personnel who will be focused on maintaining and optimizing your vehicle performance. 

Your support team will include a Customer Success Manager (CSM), the primary point person for responding to any questions you may have about the vehicles and our partnership. They’ll proactively communicate with you about product updates, coordinate training refreshers, and conduct quarterly business reviews.

In addition to your CSM, you’ll be paired with a Phantom Field Specialist, who will coordinate daily vehicle activity on-site, and optimize driving operations.

Phantom’s Remote Operators will be in control of your vehicles, handling materials and allowing you to optimize operations by switching between vehicles at the click of a button.  Remote operators feed real-time data into a management portal that provides critical usage and productivity metrics. They can also use the two-way audio communication tools on Phantom’s vehicles for quick collaboration with personnel on the ground.

All members of Phantom’s team are highly trained and certified to meet OSHA safety standards, and undergo Phantom’s continual training process to keep their skills and knowledge sharp.

Phantom Auto's remote operators conduct regular training exercises to keep their skills sharp.

Step 5: Succeeding

Ensuring Long-Term Efficiency & Growth

The Phantom Auto commitment doesn’t end at deployment. Once our vehicles are activated in your facility, you’ll continue to have access to Phantom’s CSM, Sales Engineer, and Field Specialist, as well as the network of expert engineers and service providers at Fleet Team, our trusted fleet management partner. 

To provide visibility into vehicle performance at your site, Phantom Auto also provides detailed data analysis and metrics. We measure our performance against goals, and provide a regular cadence of updates and insight to ensure we’re continuing to meet your business needs. We continually seek feedback and work with end users to improve and adapt to the growing, evolving needs of our customers.

In the rapidly evolving world of logistics, remotely operated forklifts offer unparalleled advantages in vehicle utilization efficiency, safety, workforce flexibility and cost-effectiveness. At Phantom Auto, we believe in nurturing partnerships through collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth. This begins with upfront analysis to create an effective, efficient customer journey plan designed to set up our partnership for long-term success. 

Click here to hear Sam and Ryan on the Are We There Yet? podcast in full.