There's no question about it - the questions that logistics managers have to deal with on a daily basis are not getting any fewer at the moment. This concerns not only, but also the topic of sustainability: What contribution can the fleet make to the sustainability rating? How do you react to rising energy prices? What guidelines, certifications and funding opportunities can be expected for the various types of energy in the future? The answers to these questions can determine whether diesel, LPG, natural gas, electric or even fuel cell forklifts are used and whether lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries are chosen for the electric variant. "This is not only due to the fact that the portfolio of drive variants is becoming more and more diverse; people naturally want to protect their investments in the best possible way, especially in challenging times," says Andreas Kistner, Senior Director Business Innovation. "Two aspects are particularly important here: Overview and transparency. We generate both with the Linde Energy Navigator."

The right questions in the right context
The idea behind the tool: Employees of the Linde MH network partner answer structured, application-specific questions together with those responsible at the customer company. "First of all, the requirements for the type of energy are defined and the framework conditions determined," explains Kistner. At the end, the software provides an evaluation based on the individual requirements and a statement as to which energy system is best suited to the respective application. The questions can be answered relatively quickly, but go into great detail. "A great deal of expertise has gone into the calculation formula, which was developed in collaboration with a wide range of specialist departments at Linde MH; after all, all relevant aspects should be evaluated," the innovation expert sums up. What is particularly important is the adaptation to the specific customer situation - for example: What about the performance of the network infrastructure? Is it possible to access certain subsidies? Are there options for interim charging of the vehicles? How tough is the deployment? Are there requirements in terms of air purity or noise levels? Kistner: "The customer company even has the option of incorporating difficulties with existing energy solutions. We are talking about a holistic approach here - with very little time required from the user."

You can work with it
As specific as the questions with which the Linde Energy Navigator is fed are, as detailed are the results. They can be displayed in graphical evaluations, for example, and it is also possible to weight the final results by prioritizing the main decision criteria. Depending on how the aspects of productivity and sustainability are evaluated and where the amortization target lies, the result can change - and with it the answer to the question of the 'best' form of drive. At the end of the day, the Energy Navigator provides well-founded results - and therefore an excellent basis for discussion, according to Kistner: "This is ideal for coordination with the various departments in the customer company. All the facts are on the table, so the decision can only be a good one."

www.linde-mh.de/de/Loesungen/Energiesysteme/