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Custom digital solutions are gaining popularity at Linde.
Linde Material Handling (MH) reports an increase in digital, customer-specific solutions, which the company refers to as ‘Customized Options’ (COs). While these modifications were previously implemented using newly developed hardware components, they are now increasingly being implemented via software updates. The advantage of this is that new digital COs can be integrated throughout the entire service life of the trucks. This approach ensures a high degree of investment security.
“Can you already predict exactly what requirements companies will have for their internal material handling in a few years? Of course not. That’s why it’s important that trucks can be upgraded with new features throughout their entire service life,” says Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President of Customized Solutions at Linde Material Handling. The foundation for this is the truck’s modern electronic control system, combined with a digital twin—a digital copy that remains continuously connected to the actual truck from the moment it rolls off the production line. This allows new features to be added safely and wirelessly, without the truck having to go to the workshop. “In addition, we use this technology to make new features available more quickly and to develop customized solutions for customers,” says Prokosch.
“Customized options play an important role in the internal logistics of many companies. They make work safer, more efficient, and more productive because trucks are better suited to specific tasks. Sometimes these modifications are even necessary to perform certain tasks,” Prokosch explains.
This is also reflected in the figures. More than one-third of all Linde forklifts and warehouse trucks are delivered with a Customized Option. These are often solutions that were initially developed for a single customer and are later adopted by other customers as well.
So far, the focus has mainly been on mechanical modifications. Examples include all-stainless-steel pallet trucks for the food industry, modified controls for operators with physical disabilities, special forks for flat pallets in the furniture industry, heat-resistant wooden joysticks for use in foundries, or a reach truck equipped with a mandrel—a special attachment designed for the particularly careful handling of heavy paper rolls.
Digital COs offer even more possibilities for tailoring trucks to specific customer needs. For example, a feature has been developed that automatically lowers the radio volume as soon as the truck begins to reverse. This allows the driver to better focus on the surroundings. There are also smart safety solutions. A flashing light on the safety cage indicates whether the driver is wearing a seatbelt. Another feature automatically reduces the driving speed to 2 km/h when a load exceeds a certain weight or when the forks rise above a preset height.
“Linde is known for its high-performance forklifts and warehouse trucks that help customers work more productively. Customized options play an important role in this,” says Prokosch. To develop and roll out these solutions, Linde works with a multidisciplinary team of specialists worldwide. Thanks to a graphical editor, developers can design, test, and make new digital features available for trucks more quickly.
