Goods handling in intralogistics is changing rapidly. Volumes and requirements are increasing, and processes are becoming more complex. The shortage of skilled workers is adding to this pressure. Companies therefore need to organize their material and goods flows in a flexible, efficient and reliable way, while keeping an eye on their costs. There is a growing demand for intralogistics solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into value chains and adapted to changing conditions.
This is exactly where Linde Material Handling comes in:
with the digitalization and automation of intralogistics – with software-controlled transport vehicles, conveyor technology and storage systems, with intelligent warehouse management to optimize all goods flows and processes. System solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, minimize errors and are tailored to the individual requirements of your company – Composed Around You.
Advantages of digitalization and automation
There are many ways to improve the performance of your intralogistics. These include optimizing vehicle fleets, storage areas or warehouse layouts, and designing efficient goods flows. However, two of the most important levers are digitalization and automation. Together, they ensure transparency and efficiency throughout the entire system.
- Digitalization lays the groundwork for efficient processes by connecting data and material flows, thereby creating transparency and controllability.
- Automation builds on this foundation to optimize processes, conserve resources, and enhance the performance of intralogistics.
Automation with Linde Material Handling
For over 70 years, Linde MH has been synonymous with technically advanced forklift trucks and warehouse technology. Today, we offer companies of all sizes tailor-made intralogistics solutions, from goods receipt to dispatch. Our automation expertise is based on this experience: it combines the latest cutting-edge technology in renowned Linde quality with a deep understanding of intralogistics processes.
Hardware expertise meets process knowledge
Whether small or large, compact or complex, a single work step or a networked complete system: thanks to our process expertise, we know which parts of the material flow can be sensibly automated. Our aim is to gain a precise understanding of processes, challenges and objectives. From analysis and implementation to service and further development, we provide everything from a single source. This results in tailor-made solutions – Composed Around You!
Automation that pays off
Solutions from Linde Material Handling quickly pay for themselves:
- Investment break-even in less than three years
- Up to 40 per cent higher productivity
- Around 70 per cent fewer workplace accidents
- Operating costs reduced permanently by 10 to 20 per cent
Looking ahead: robot automates order picking
With the Robotic Case Picker (RoCaP), Linde MH is solving one of the biggest challenges in intralogistics: the automation of order picking. The autonomous vehicle combines artificial intelligence with sophisticated camera and gripping technology to independently perform complex palletizing and depalletizing processes in mixed operation. Initial successful practical tests at ROSSMANN mark the beginning of a new era in warehouse automation.
Our offer for you
Linde Material Handling provides everything you need to optimize your intralogistics and successfully automate your processes. We provide everything from a single source, with competent, holistic design. Our consulting services form the basis for efficient, customized solutions. We support you throughout the implementation process, from planning to commissioning, whether you are constructing new premises or upgrading existing ones. Our comprehensive service ensures the availability and performance of your systems. Flexible financing ensures that your investment remains easy to plan and economical.
Consulting
Analysis and target vision
Based on your objectives and current processes, we work with you to develop the optimal target state for your intralogistics. We use existing data and, if necessary, collect our own data on site to record and analyze all material flows and requirements along the handling processes. This enables us to determine the individual optimization and automation potential for your operational processes.
Concept and planning
Based on an analysis of the current situation and your objectives, we develop a concept that combines material flow planning, fleet optimization, warehouse layout, and suitable automation components. Simulation and visualization help to verify the optimal future setup. Transparent cost and implementation planning with a view to ROI and TCO shows when your investment will pay off and what added value it will create in the long term.
Implementation
Smoothly to the finished plant
Whether you are planning a completely new facility or want to modernize your existing infrastructure: As a general contractor, we accompany you right up to the handover of the turnkey facility and, in transparent coordination with your internal project management, ensure the precise implementation of each process step—from the first shelf to testing and commissioning of the entire system solution.
Complete project management
A designated contact person is available throughout the entire project to coordinate all involved parties and maintain an overview. This ensures that all work steps mesh seamlessly.
Employee training
To ensure smooth and safe operation of the automated systems, Linde MH trains your employees before the systems are handed over. This ensures that your team is familiar with all functions, processes, and safety aspects and can operate the new technology right from the start.
Reliability and service
Thanks to careful planning, we consistently implement projects within the agreed time frame and budget. We also provide our customers with particularly close support during the start-up phase after commissioning. Enhanced service support ensures that operations run smoothly from day one.
Automation in existing system
Automating existing systems appropriately and precisely is one of our greatest strengths. We seamlessly integrate automated systems into your existing processes and buildings—without disrupting ongoing operations. Manual and automated processes can be operated in parallel. Our broad product portfolio enables you to gradually and intelligently expand or replace manual fleets with automated solutions. This means that every investment becomes a building block for sustainable productivity gains, perfectly adapted to your existing structures and individual requirements.
Service and further development
Reliable and future-proof
First-class service is key to ensuring that your intralogistics remain available and efficient at all times. Linde MH offers a comprehensive service network, fast spare parts supply, flexible service contracts, and targeted support in all project phases. We also provide reliable support for stationary systems from partner companies. This ensures that your automation solutions remain efficient, safe, and technically up to date in the long term.
Financing
At Linde MH, successful automation starts with sound financial planning. During the consultation and design phase, we detail and discuss all costs, from hardware and software to commissioning, operation, and service. This provides a reliable foundation for your investment decision.
We offer a variety of financing models, including full-service leasing. We also help you select suitable financing partners.
Groundbreaking: Autonomous forklifts for outdoor use
Self-driving counterbalance trucks for outdoor use are considered the pinnacle of automation. Linde MH has taken on this challenge in collaboration with the Technical University of Aschaffenburg and presented concrete results from the KAnIS research project at the beginning of December 2023. Intelligent sensor technology, 5G networking, and AI ensure maximum safety and reliability. After further testing, the technology will next be put to the test under real-world conditions.
Products from Linde MH
Our portfolio: the right solution for every need
Linde MH's automation solutions are as diverse as our customers' requirements. With our extensive experience in mobile applications, a high level of expertise in automating existing systems, and well-designed solutions for new construction projects, we offer the right product selection for every need.
These include automated Linde industrial trucks (AGVs), underride robots (AMRs), and configurable AGVs. Where high throughput and compaction are possible, we use stationary solutions, such as automated pallet shuttle systems, container storage systems, conveyor technology, and storage and retrieval machines.
We combine this wide variety of mobile and stationary systems flexibly to create individual scenarios and cover all processes, from goods receipt to goods issue.
Systems that grow with you
Automation solutions from Linde MH can be quickly integrated, flexibly expanded, and seamlessly adapted to existing processes. You can start with just one to five vehicles. From there, you can gradually expand and adapt the system to your business's growing automation needs, all the way to a fully automated system.
Flexible start
Your automation can start with individual process steps and just a few vehicles, even without a WMS connection. With digital mapping and visualization of the routes in the control software, you can use the AGVs safely and efficiently. Your employees can easily add routes or stations themselves at any time.
On-site feasibility test
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can be tested on site in trial operation. This allows the feasibility to be realistically assessed within a day. Once the tasks for AGVs or AMRs have been defined after successful testing and the integration of the devices into existing processes has been designed, commissioning usually takes place within three days.
Seamless integration
Whether for new construction projects or existing facilities: all components, from mobile and stationary systems to control software, are optimally coordinated and can be easily integrated into existing processes and IT systems.
Maximum flexibility
The control software for Linde MH's AGVs is flexibly scalable and can be used with our WMS Linde Warehouse Manager, but can also be easily integrated into other higher-level warehouse management systems. Linde Warehouse Manager orchestrates the interaction between manual and automated systems.
Continuous development
We are constantly expanding our product range and adapting it to new requirements. By working with technology partners and leveraging the resources of the KION Group, we can offer our customers modern, high-performance, and future-proof solutions.
Software for intralogistics and automation
Efficiency through digitalization
Whether manual or automated, the use of software systems is a prerequisite for efficient intralogistics processes. Linde MH's warehouse management system (WMS) – Linde Warehouse Manager – links the data flows of the supply chain with the physical processes in the warehouse. This allows all processes to be optimally controlled, monitored, and analyzed.
Central control of all processes
The Linde WMS controls both manual and automated processes and coordinates all material flows in the warehouse, from storage and picking to shipping.
Transparency and inventory management
Inventories as well as goods receipts and issues are fully recorded and managed. All processes are clearly documented and can be traced at any time.
Networking with other systems
Interfaces can be used to connect the forklift guidance system, the integrated forklift guidance system for manual vehicles, and the control software for automated systems. Integration into the company's ERP system is also possible.
Open interfaces and system diversity
The Linde WMS is VDA 5050-compatible, allowing driverless transport systems and control software from different manufacturers to communicate with each other. The solution is compatible with all common WMS systems.
Forward thinking: AI innovations for tomorrow's warehouse
Together with NVIDIA and Accenture, Linde Material Handling is developing AI solutions for the future of material flow. At the heart of these solutions are real-time localization of all vehicles and digital twins that create virtual warehouse images for optimal process control. AI-supported orchestration perfectly coordinates manual and automated fleets. The result: material flow with revolutionary transparency, efficiency, and flexibility for a decisive competitive advantage.
