Customer focus

Linde Material Handling continues to focus on the needs of the customer, with Linde MH UK MD Max Sammartano insisting that listening is the number one priority.

Max explains: “We are able to adjust to the customer’s requirements because we are looking beyond the material handling products and enlarging our scope and value proposition and engaging in discussion with customers about their business and how we can help. The Linde Logistics Solutions approach has worked very well for us.”

The Linde Logistics Solutions offering is a very broad one, taking in a number of key touchpoints in the implementation and operation of logistics processes.

For instance, Linde MH STRATOS software uses dynamic simulations to analyse, plan, implement and measure intralogistics processes. This provides more transparency and better planning of material flows making operations safer, optimising layouts and improving efficiencies.

In terms of fleet management, Linde is said to offer one of the most comprehensive solutions on the market. Linde connect is an easy to deploy, comprehensive solution for the data analysis of fleets. Sensors and data modules on forklift trucks document their status and movements, and use standard transmission channels such as Bluetooth, GPRS or WiFi to send data to local or cloud-based servers. Fleet managers and technicians can access this data from desktop computers using an intuitive connect desk platform. With Linde connect you can analyse and review impacts, battery levels, fleet efficiency, carry out mandatory pre-operational checks, and customise speeds for operators and trucks. Linde connect is a fully customisable fleet management solution for customers looking to improve safety, productivity and a reduction in material handling operational costs.

Max explains: “connect is really fit for purpose for virtually all applications. This is a very complex world and we are able to customise our proposition to the customer’s needs. It has broad spectrum functionality and the customer can focus in on the parts that will work best for them.”

Energy

Linde Material Handling understands that better efficiency is the cornerstone of a more productive, cost effective and sustainable supply chain. Linde provides the most comprehensive range of energy solutions to suit the ever changing needs of customers including lithium-ion and fuel cell technology along with conventional IC engine (diesel, CNG, LPG) and lead acid battery.

Linde blazed a trail with lithium-ion, winning the first big fleet order in the UK with Fowler Welch a few years ago.

Max says: “The feedback has been very positive and Fowler Welch have increased their fleet. In the meantime, we have equipped a few additional fleets of a similar size or even bigger. We are also entering cold store applications where this type of energy can play out another advantage.”

While lithium-ion makes sense for a lot of applications – there are cases where it doesn't pay off, insists Max. 

“We have developed a lithium-ion calculator tool. A customer can enter parameters, going beyond the trucks, and looking at factors such as power supply infrastructures to make sure it is right for them.”

Coverage

Equally important for Linde Material Handling is proximity to customers. Last year, the business opened a new centre in Wellingborough, near Northampton. 

“We have a very dense network with local presence and this will only get better,” says Max.

“Linde Material Handling has the largest service network in the industry and this is important to us – we want customers to be assured that we can serve their needs quickly and efficiently.”

Safety

Linde Material Handling offers a consultancy service – Linde Safety Scan – which offers a complete analysis and optimisation of safety in internal forklift and pedestrian traffic flow. Following the analysis Linde provides recommendations for improvements and will work with customers to get them implemented.

Technology beyond the truck to improve safety includes Linde Safety Guard – an innovative assistance system that increases safety of truck operators and pedestrians working together in warehouses. Linde Safety Guard uses broadband radio signals in the 4-gigahertz range and can see round corners, through walls, reduces speed automatically and can be programmed to suit any hazardous scenario. Transmitters and sensors are positioned on trucks, walls, racking or carried by personnel.

Another highlight is the Linde Truck Spot – a development of the successful Bluespot which provides a warning symbol on the floor so pedestrians can be made aware of an approaching truck.

Max concludes: “Our high-tech Safety Guard solution offers three dimensional safety, allowing the forklift to recognise objects not only on the floors but at height. Combined with our Safety Scan consultancy service we offer holistic answers to complex issues in the warehouse and logistics world.”