DIGITALISATION
distributors and end users, and assisting them with adopting digital passports and relevant data is a huge challenge for all involved. But, as the original equipment manufacturer, we see our role as leading the transition. Change is never easy, but our commitment to the long- term benefits for all is something we feel very strongly about,” says Read. Others point to integration and platform
complexity. “While challenges remain – particularly in the seamless integration of data – the appetite for solutions is clear,” explains Whitehurst-Maiden. Premont adds: “Given the abundance of available options, selecting the optimal platform will be challenging. Customers will grant access to their digital ecosystems only to brands they trust. While the value proposition is sometimes evident, some customers face difficulties in effectively leveraging emerging technologies to achieve measurable benefits.” Another challenge to implementing digital
strategies and technology is initial high costs and significant investment in infrastructure, hardware and software. Not to mention retrofitting can be a complex and expensive task. There is also a skill gap while the industry catches up in training workers to manage and operate new systems. Cybersecurity also presents a significant threat to the integration of smart technologies, as they can cause significant disruption to operations, compromise data and cause financial loss. To
combat this, companies and manufacturers have to implement cybersecurity from the onset of the product or systems development. For instance, RSS is certified under Cyber Essentials, a UK government backed scheme that covers basic cybersecurity. Konecrane’s TRUCONNECT is also certified under ISO/IEC 27001:2022 as well as Cyber Essentials Plus for Konecranes Demag, covering Konecranes sites across the UK. The company is also certified under ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and ISO/IEC 62443. It’s no surprise that equipment like manual chain hoists remain relevant despite the rise and impact of digitalisation on the industry. The cost-effectiveness, alongside the simplicity, reliability and independence from electric and digital solutions still make them both a sustainable and dependable choice for many.
Setting a new standard Looking ahead, digitalisation is set to become the standard across the hoist industry. Greater adoption of AI-driven predictive maintenance, wider use of digital twins and deeper integration with Industry 4.0 ecosystems are expected to follow. As technologies mature, costs will fall, making smart hoists more accessible across industries. The result will be a new era of efficiency, safety and sustainability. Read emphasises the role of continuous innovation: “To remain at the forefront, we’re committed to adapting our product range
to meet new regulatory requirements while manufacturing a sustainable portfolio of lifting products. Our goal is to increase safety levels and value for money over extended life cycles, helping future generations to carry out lifting operations better than ever.” For Whitehurst-Maiden, the real excitement lies in how manufacturers are embracing this shift: “Perhaps most exciting is the way manufacturers are embracing this digital shift. Their engagement opens the door to enhanced services and innovative possibilities across the industry.” Premont sees an industry at the cusp of rapid change: “It’s an exciting time in our industry. Although the fundamental requirement to lift heavy objects safely and efficiently is expected to persist, methods and technologies in hoisting are rapidly evolving. By maintaining agility and attentiveness to customer requirements, we can remain leaders in a growing global hoist market regardless of future developments.” The rising demand of digitalisation in the lifting industry is key in influencing what comes next, with greater demands for automation and more data available and visible to customers instigating new projects as well as retrofitting old ones. Ultimately, the hoist industry is entering an
era where intelligent solutions, smart data and advanced automation will not just lift loads, but raise industry standards to new heights.
Implementing digital strategies technology can be challenging due to significant investment in infrastructure, hardware and software. 20 | October 2025 |
www.hoistmagazine.com
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