“We plan to explore ideas with those who suggest them,” adds Xavier Macé. Anyone can approach the team at the e-Lab – the space dedicated to digital experimentation – and share their idea. That is exactly what the e-Lab concept is all about: collecting and enriching digital-based ideas, in other words, using the collective intelligence of the Haulotte group. Everyone can contribute, whatever their job and wherever they are, in a factory, subsidiary, logistics platform or at H3.

Each idea will be studied, and a mock-up will be made for all those selected. This not only puts the idea into concrete form, but is also a convincing way to demonstrate its worth – or lack thereof.

Another advantage, and a significant one at that, is that a mock-up can be developed quickly and cheaply. Either the idea is convincing and can be developed further, or its potential is doubtful and “it is easy to abandon it because it will not have incurred major investment. The ideas we select will be those which will bring value for the company and our customers”, says Clément Viaouët.