Godrej & Boyce has launched the i-Report app, India’s first-ever safety application for this sector.
Anil Lingayat,
What emerging trends in material handling equipment are you observing? How are you addressing the increasing demand for automation and smart technologies in the sector?
We are observing several key trends that are shaping the future. Automation and smart technologies are beginning to make an impact in our country. With a large population, high unemployment, and a substantial part of the population being youthful, it’s important to strike the right balance in implementing emerging business technologies.
Customers increasingly seek solutions to optimize their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance safety. We are addressing this trend by investing in research and development to integrate advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) into our material handling solutions. We will soon be launching IOT ready forklift truck which will help customers manage their fleet remotely and monitor its performance which will facilitate an overall reduction in operation and maintenance costs.
Another emerging trend is the focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Sustainability initiatives are driving and will continue driving innovation in the material handling industry. We are actively working on developing material handling solutions that are energy-efficient, reduce carbon footprint, and comply with stringent environmental regulations. Our range of electric forklifts and reach trucks are designed to minimize emissions and noise levels, making them suitable for indoor applications. Electric forklifts offer lower operating expenses than diesel forklift trucks by as much as 20% and are more manoeuvrable and adaptable. While most players offer electric forklifts with a single travel motor.
What are your core products and services in Material Handling Equipment?
At Godrej Material Handling, we offer a complete solution in terms of the selection of the right equipment based on the application. We have a wide range of after-sales services such as technical assistance, and maintenance contracts including Rentals. We also provide safety, operational and maintenance training to our customers.
Our products include electric battery-powered forklifts from 1.5 to 5-tonne capacity, reach trucks, articulated forklifts, Double Deep Reach Truck for freezer stores, warehouse equipment such as Battery-Operated Pallet Trucks & electric stackers, diesel-powered forklifts from 1.5 to 16 tonne. We also offer a wide range of attachments to serve various customer applications.
We partnered with CROWN for high-end warehouse trucks like reach trucks up to 14m fork height, order pickers, stock pickers, stackers, and pallet trucks; HUBTEX for side loaders up to 35 tonne capacity.
We focus on sustainable technologies, including battery-operated forklifts with Li-ion that offer longer working hours and efficient recharging, contributing to lower carbon emissions and operating costs.
How do you ensure the reliability and safety in your range of material handling equipment?
Reliability and safety are paramount in our offerings. We provide various safety features in our products which make the workplace safer in terms of operator, load, and pedestrians.
We have introduced various safety features in our products like Smart Curve Control Technology that reduces speed up to 30% while turning, and Anti-Rollback System that gets activated every time the brake pedal is released on an incline, preventing run-aways. We offer various safety-specific accessories like red light, blue light, front and rear-view cameras, and reverse spotlight.
To enhance safety in material handling operations, Godrej & Boyce has launched the i-Report app, India’s first-ever safety application for this sector. The app addresses the industry’s safety policies and standards by offering a comprehensive 360-degree safety solution. It facilitates remote and real-time incident reporting, audits, training, and consultation services for customers and business partners. The Safety App is used at over 200 locations across 22 states 24/7, by more than 1,000 trained operators.
Can you describe any new technologies or features that differentiate your products from competitors?
Customers are shifting from products to experiences. We are digitising our service platform to provide a seamless experience to our customers. From capturing the service enquiry to identifying the issues and resolving they are all monitored digitally.
We have always been frontrunners in bringing the latest technologies suitable to Indian conditions. Our products are designed and manufactured in India for Indian conditions and applications.
Godrej & Boyce is the largest manufacturer of lift trucks in India with a wide range of products which are designed and manufactured in India. The latest example is a Lithium-Ion battery operated forklift where the heart of any Li-battery that is BMS is made in India. This means the data collected remains in the country and is safe. This offering is made keeping Indian tropical conditions in mind such that there is minimal impact on the performance of the battery at high ambient temperatures.
We will be soon launching an IOT-ready Diesel forklift which will allow customers to monitor their assets remotely with an overall reduction in maintenance cost.
We have also applied AI to our spare parts supply which ensures more than 90% availability of parts at the customer end.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the material handling industry and how is your company preparing to meet these challenges?
The material handling industry is currently facing several significant challenges both external and internal that are shaping its future trajectory. Warehouses and distribution centres need proper facilities for pallet handling and storage. The lack of standardized pallet sizes hinders efficient palletization. Standardizing pallet dimensions would enhance compatibility and streamline operations. It is important to collaborate with industry bodies like SIMHEM to establish common pallet size standards in India.
There is no legal limit on the weight that can be lifted at work leading to unsafe practices. Another significant challenge is the shortage of skilled labour in the material handling sector. Environmental sustainability is also a crucial challenge that cannot be overlooked.
