Manitowoc launches new digital platform

Manitowoc has launched Connect, a new digital platform that will launch at bauma 2022. The platform enables remote monitoring through an app-based system that gives owners and operators the ability to view real-time crane information, receive alerts, and exchange data.

Connect will be introduced on Potain cranes and Grove all-terrain cranes (Photo: Manitowoc)

The Connect platform is said to advance fleet management, boost sustainability, streamline service and maintenance for users, and improve connectivity to cranes with the platform working across smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Dirk Wolfsteller, vice president of Aftermarket for Grove in Europe, said, “The launch of Connect kickstarts a new digital era of owning and operating Manitowoc cranes. In a matter of seconds, users can access a range of features or data related to their cranes through the app-based platform.

“They can analyse performance, check service gauges, diagnose faults, and more. It allows unprecedented insight into their cranes, transforming performance, sustainability, and ultimately profitability linked to their investments.”

Manitowoc says that the new platform will be phased in, initially on Potain tower cranes and Grove all-terrain cranes. The company plans to add other product lines and brands in the future. For Grove, Connect will initially be available on GMK all-terrain cranes produced from 2023 and will be offered on all new models and available to retrofit on cranes equipped with the CCS control system.

Manitowoc has plans to enable Connect to be embedded into the BIM (Building Information Management) model for a project and allow the creation of digital twins of the crane. This functionality is said will deliver better optimisation, site planning, monitoring, and materials flow on the job site, boosting building speed and quality.