They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what if pictures could tell the whole story? Enter our brand-new 360° photo studio, designed to provide dealers and buyers an immersive viewing experience like never before. From external aesthetics to internal mechanisms, every detail of every machine is captured to offer you the most comprehensive understanding and insight of our used material handling machinery and equipment. Picture-perfect from every angle, helping you in making the right decision.
Lisman Forklifts is all about transparency. By investing in even better pictures and images, the website shares an even closer and more in-depth look at all the enhancements made by Lisman’s technicians. “We wanted to be able to capture every single angle of machines on the same level, ruling out shadows and other disparities”, purchase manager Niels van ‘t Wout explains. “We put in a lot of hours in cleaning the used machines, as well as replacing parts and making sure every machine is ready for use. We’re proud to show all the hard work that comes with our quality standards.”
Building the studio forced the team to look at the facility from a different perspective. “Before we zoomed in on the right area, we had to decide where the studio would fit within the internal logistic route first.” Next was looking for the right location. And that’s easier said than done. “A 360° studio needs a lot of space. The studio needs to be wide enough, high enough. Lighting is an important feature too. Then there’s the right hardware and software to use. And the studio should be easy to reach to make the whole process as efficient as possible.”
To make sure the studio would have the right setting, the team took inspiration from similar set-ups in other industries. “We were assisted by external parties that specialise in 360° studios”, Vincent Wadee, Digital Marketeer and ICT specialist at Lisman, adds. “Yes, the location and set-up are important, but the right software is what truly helps you work more efficiently. It has to synchronise with existing systems to allow the program to connect with our website. Now, we have a fully automated system that attaches photos to machines digitally in less than five minutes.”
Lisman is one of the first organisations to adopt and roll out 360° photography within the (used) material handling machinery industry, further underlining its leading position. “At Lisman we always say: ‘What you see is what you get’. That’s more true than ever now. It’s like walking into an online showroom.” Customers can view machines from every angle on any device. By simply moving the cursor, the pictures easily move around offering a comprehensive image of the machine – from the outside and inside.
“Our studio literally enables customers to take a seat in the machine. We’ve developed advanced camera angles that provide detailed photos of the interior and controls of a machine”, Niels explains. Even the smallest detail is ‘caught on camera’, offering all customers a comprehensive and realistic view. Vincent: “From Malaysia to Brazil, everyone who visits the Lisman website gets the feeling of entering a showroom. The engine, important parts, the operator seat and bodywork are all accurately documented, ensuring full transparency.”
Since the start of the year all machines – small, big, wide and high – are presented in similar fashion. After fine tuning the set-up and completing the studio, Lisman Forklifts is eager to show its inventory from its best side. A total of five cameras catch all characteristics, external and internal features. “It was a big, but necessary step. One of our core values is transparency. The studio highlights our way of working. We want to showcase the machines on offer in the best possible way.”
The new studio boosts efficiency in more than one way. Displaying a bigger and better picture helps buyers in finding the right machine for customers faster. Allowing Lisman teams to invest more time in bolstering relationships or utilise the international network to offer solutions for specific machines or requirements. Customers are very impressed by the new approach. Sales reps have been bombarded with enthusiastic feedback.
Niels: “The amount of pictures is multiplied by more than four times. We now shoot forty pictures per machine. The online presentation gives customers even more confidence in what they’re buying. All photos are unedited, there’s no Photoshop involved. Working with Lisman Forklifts has always been based on trust and mutual understanding. Now we’ve added a new level of reliability and openness to our offering, making sure that all machines meet a buyers’ expectation – always.”