SALT LAKE CITY—October 13, 2009—Daifuku’s American customers can now opt for a part life-expectancy program for new Daifuku-branded or Daifuku-controlled automated equipment including Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), conveyor, STVs configured as shuttles, and Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV).  DAGUARD (pronounced “day-guard”) is a software program that monitors the life of equipment parts based on cycles and time in use. 

The system is a preventative maintenance solution with predictive maintenance functions.  It is programmed to notify users when it is time to maintenance or replace system parts.  

DAGUARD is a web-based system with four modules: Maintenance & Inspection, Part Life Expectancy, Diagnostics, and Maintenance Support.  The software forecasts the deterioration of parts and components using a statistical method and experimental rules that have been established within the material handling industry over time.

“The advantages of using DAGUARD are increased up time, simplified maintenance, and monetary savings,” explains Daifuku America Engineering Manager Randy Fox.  “For DAGUARD-monitored systems, the risk of system downtime is minimized.  Preventative maintenance addresses the most likely issues before they become real problems.  Maintenance issues are more accurately and quickly diagnosed, and spare parts are replaced when their lifetime is actually over.”  

DAGUARD users can view real-time information about operation cycles, hours in-use, and travel distances.  Maintenance history logs are another useful feature of DAGUARD.

DAGUARD was developed in Japan in 2006 and has been in use by customers in both Asia and Europe.  It is now available in the U.S. market and is a feature of new Daifuku AS/RS systems.  Existing Daifuku America customers with Pro2 controls and hardware can take advantage of this offer without upgrading their systems.  (DAGUARD is not yet available for loop STV with Pro2 controls.)  Contact Daifuku America at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 866-414-2057 for more information.

About Daifuku Co., Ltd.
With over 20,000 global crane installations, Daifuku engineers high-performance automated material handling systems, designed to meet and overcome any challenge. Daifuku Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Osaka, Japan.

About Daifuku America Corporation
Daifuku America, a North American affiliate of Daifuku Co., Ltd., provides automated material handling equipment, such as Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), as well as software and service. For more information on Daifuku’s products, visit www.daifukuamerica.com.