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Day: 5 December 2025

Virtual Commissioning of Drive Digital Twins

Posted on by David Priestman

NORD now offers digital twins for system development. Based on a myNORD configuration, it is now possible to request individually created drive systems as simulation models. This allows engineers to verify early in the planning phase whether the drive concept is suitable for the system. Virtual commissioning significantly reduces the project time – even for complex systems.

Since the publication of the FMI (functional mock-up interface) technical standard in 2010, it has become more and more common to work with simulation models in system planning. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS also uses data-based simulations for the development of its components and drive solutions. The system provider is now using this know-how to help its customers achieve greater efficiency and availability of its drive systems even in the planning phase by offering a digital service: With digital twins of its drives, NORD enables virtual commissioning.

Simple online configuration

Users can configure drive systems or components for their requirements as usual via the myNORD customer portal. They select components and their features such as performance, mounting options or outputs. Then, they can request a simulation model for the fully configured drive system. The process was developed by NORD in cooperation with the software company Machineering from Munich, which specialises in virtual commissioning.

Just a few weeks until actual commissioning

The advantage of these digital twins of the NORD solutions is the significantly faster availability of the entire system. The simulation models are inserted into a similarly simulated system. In this environment, the drive configurations can be extensively tested. If adjustments are required, they can be easily implemented based on the data. Errors can be remedied in the early stages of development, avoiding potential later damage. Only once the virtual drive system has been validated by the customer, it will be manufactured and delivered by NORD. As the drives are already functionally integrated into the system control at this point, actual commissioning is possible in a very short time. The overall process from configuration to commissioning is reduced from several months to only a few weeks.

High-efficiency

Virtual commissioning of drive systems is of special interest for any technically demanding solution. Therefore, NORD particularly focuses on components that play a decisive role in automating production processes. The manufacturer is kicking off the virtual commissioning with its range of high-efficiency IE5+ and IE4 motors, along with the corresponding gear units and frequency inverters. Simulation models will then gradually become available for other NORD product areas as well.

PROCare Increases Order Capacity with ERP

Posted on by David Priestman

PROCare, British manufacturer of accessible wet rooms, bathrooms and adaptive kitchens, has significantly expanded its operational capacity and warehouse efficiency after implementing Forterro’s ERP and WMS solution Orderwise.

The business increased the number of daily orders it can process from 50 to 200+, boosted picking accuracy to 99%, and scaled its warehouse operations to 75,000 sq. ft. as demand continues to grow nationwide.

Founded in 2001 as a supplier of shower trays, PROCare now supplies adapted bathrooms and wet-room solutions to housing associations, local authorities and contractors across the UK. As its product range and customer base expanded, the company’s manual processes and legacy systems lacked the visibility and control required for sustained growth.

“Before Orderwise, processing 50 orders in a day was time-consuming. Now we’re regularly doing 200+ and handling far more products, all thanks to Orderwise making us more efficient,” said Adam Balmer, IT Manager, PROCare. “Orderwise just works – the prompts, the accuracy, the flexibility. It means we can keep growing without adding more people.”

Manual order entry and paper-based picking meant warehouse teams previously relied on memory to locate and select items. Today, every bathroom order is picked, labelled, and tracked individually using handheld scanners and guided walk routes, a transformation that has drastically reduced errors and driven improved customer satisfaction.

“Our picking errors are so low that even ISO auditors don’t believe us, we’re at around a 99% success rate,” Balmer continued. “Having that level of confidence across the warehouse is game-changing, especially when you’re supplying complex, high-value bathroom components.”

Since adopting Orderwise, PROCare has achieved:
• 300%+ increase in daily orders processed (from 50 to 200+)
• 99% pick accuracy across warehouse operations
• Significant growth in online self-service orders through its trade portal
• Seamless scaling of warehouse capacity to 75,000 sq. ft.

Tom Price, Director at Forterro, said: “PROCare is a strong example of how a modern, scalable ERP and WMS can unlock sustainable growth. By replacing manual processes and legacy systems with Orderwise, they’ve gained the accuracy, speed and control needed to support their expanding national footprint. As the company grows it has everything in place to scale with it.”

New Reach Stacker is Electric

Posted on by David Priestman

Konecranes has strengthened its lift trucks portfolio with the launch of its new electric reach stacker. Designed for high-intensity operations, the reach stacker delivers up to 16 hours of performance on a single charge, meeting growing global demand for eco-efficient material handling solutions.

With this new reach stacker, which made its debut to a select audience in Shanghai, China last month, Konecranes now offers customers a portfolio of fully electrified lift trucks. The reach stacker is now available across Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa as well as South America, with further expansion planned for Europe and North America during next year.

“Our focus remains on delivering lift truck solutions that drive efficiency for customers worldwide. With the introduction of the electric reach stacker, we now offer a comprehensive range of fully electrified lift trucks designed to optimize operations regardless of the location or handling need,” says Andreas Falk, Senior Vice President, Lift Trucks, Konecranes.

The Konecranes electric reach stacker is engineered for maximum productivity, offering up to 16 hours of operation, making it a perfect fit for demanding industries. Its fast-charging capabilities allows a full charge in just 1-3 hours, depending on battery size and charging power. Designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability, it has significantly faster handling speed compared to diesel models. Key features include advanced safety systems, intelligent controls and durable mechanics.

From the start, it will be available in four robust high-capacity top lift models. The reach stacker boasts a short wheelbase and compact dimensions for effortless maneuvering and to accommodate high lifting capacities across all three container handling rows. With stacking heights of 5/5-high or 6/5-high at 8’6” / 9’6” containers, it promises optimal performance in intensive and challenging environments, ensuring that operations remain efficient.

“Our electric reach stacker features leading electric powertrain technology and intelligent control systems. With load-sensing hydraulics, faster charging and the safest and most spacious cabin the industry, it combines an optimized driving experience with advanced safety features ensuring exceptional productivity for various industries,” says Jeffrey Stokes, Director Product & Technology Management and Quality & Customer Satisfaction, Lift Trucks, Konecranes.

Like all of Konecranes’ Smart Connected Lift Trucks, the Konecranes electric reach stacker uses TRUCONNECT® to collect real-time data including battery charge monitoring, energy consumption, the amount of energy recovered from braking, as well as alarms, alerts and other diagnostics. All this data transmits securely to the yourKONECRANES customer portal to monitor and control the truck’s operational efficiency, productivity, safety and environmental impact.

This launch is part of Ecolifting™, Konecranes’ vision to increase its handprint – meaning the beneficial environmental impact that can be achieved with our product and service portfolio – while reducing customers’ carbon footprints. From eco-optimizing diesel drives, to hybridization and fully-electrified fleets, we will continue to do more with less.


A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a material handling industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that support the decarbonization of the economy and advance circularity and safety.

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