The Liebherr-Components’ site in Kirchdorf an der Iller (Germany) has been working specifically on the development and construction of standardised series for quite some time. In doing so, Liebherr experts offer a versatile selection of easily combinable and modular solutions for a wide range of applications. A milestone is the digitalisation of options and features in the form of an online configurator.
Smart solutions for the right product
Liebherr-Components Kirchdorf GmbH makes dedicated use of digitisation options to support technicians, buyers and product managers who are specifically looking for a product and need a quick solution. "When it comes to selecting and assembling the right product, the configurator offers assistance through stored logic and targeted user guidance," explains Jan Winter, product manager at Liebherr-Components Kirchdorf GmbH. A corresponding 3D simulation provides the user with an up-to-date visual representation of the result. Should the requirement lie outside the range of the construction series, corresponding options are stored in order to be able to make a special inquiry.
The product configuration is completely anonymous: By means of a self-generating product key, each variation receives its individual "code", which can simply be copied and used for recall. Those who wish to process their configurations further, are able to manage the results in the personal login area, send an inquiry or receive further information about the product. In addition to a clear data sheet, 3D models of the individually configured cylinder can be downloaded immediately to allow the hydraulic cylinder be installed directly in the customer's application.
Available at any time - no matter where and when
The configurator is currently available in two languages, German and English, and can be accessed anywhere and at any time via the Liebherr website. In the future, Liebherr intends to make the configurator available in other languages, as well. "If a customer requests a created configuration, this is easily possible via the tool. An offer with the corresponding price is made within one working day of the request," explains Simon Ebner, team leader in sales.
Looking towards the future
Last year, the components segment further expanded its product portfolio in the hydraulics sector. In addition to hydraulic cylinders, Liebherr has recently started offering piston accumulators as a standardised series. This creates the ideal conditions for the integration of these products into the configurator and offering them online in the future.
However, the development of the well-known series is ongoing steadily. Liebherr has already ventured into the future by offering products of the 380 bar series in the form of a hybrid cylinder as a separate option - i.e. the classic cylinder in combination with carbon fibre-reinforced plastic. "What was previously not part of the series for mobile applications is now real and fully configurable. This allows users to take advantage of lightweight components in the standard portfolio," summarises Dominic Gottwald, Head of Fiber Composites. "This offering in the form of a configurator is completely new and has not been previously available on the market." An actual hybrid cylinder will also be exhibited at this year's Bauma at booth 326 in hall A4.
