Patent ID: 7634332

Claim:
A computer-implemented method of creating and managing routes for transporting cargo by powered industrial vehicles (PIVs) in a facility, the PIVs being equipped with one or more of an odometric sensor, a weight sensor, and a storage device for storing data measured by the sensors; the PIVs being further equipped with an interface module configured to selectively permit access to the operating capabilities of each PIV, the method comprising: receiving space layout data associated with the facility; receiving historical usage data for the PIVs, the historical usage data including data measured by the sensors; defining a customized route comprising direction of travel for the PIV in the facility, the customized route being based at least in part on the received space layout data, and the received historical usage data; communicating the route data to the PIV; assigning at least one PIV to run the route; assigning an operator to operate the PIV; and subsequent to defining the customized route, modifying the route to reflect changes in at least one of current conditions of the PIV and current conditions in the facility.