Fenner™ Precision Polymers advances its growth strategy with the acquisition of Metal Conveyor Belt Manufacturer, Lumsden Corporation
Based in Lancaster, Pa. for more than 45 years, Lumsden Corporation will remain a part of the Central Pennsylvania business economy, while expanding the portfolio of belting and high-value component (metal) solutions for Fenner™ Precision Polymers Fenner™ Precision Polymers, a Michelin Group Company and world provider in reinforced polymer technology announce the acquisition of Lumsden Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial conveyor belting and wire cloth for the quarry and mining industry, as well as related solutions for a wide variety of applications including food processing, heat treating, mining, glass treating, printing, and canning. The deal strengthens the position of Fenner Precision Polymers as a leading supplier of highly specialized conveying products and introduces new opportunities like metal screening for infrastructure, mining, and road applications. “Strong potential growth, market share gains, and an opportunity to expand into new belting markets are all compelling reasons why Lumsden Corporation will play a critical role in our strategy,” said Jack Krecek, Divisional Managing Director, Fenner Precision Polymers. “Lumsden is not only a respected leader in the belting industry – and one that greatly adds to our product portfolio – it is also a longtime Lancaster institution, with a presence here of more than 45 years. Precision Polymers is looking forward to adding the Lumsden operations to our portfolio of businesses in Lancaster County and we warmly welcome all Lumsden employees to our family.” Lumsden Corporation has three major brand categories: Hoyt Wire Cloth, Wiremation Conveyor Belting, and Flexx Flow. Hoyt Wire Cloth is largely used in crushed stone, sand and gravel, concrete and asphalt, coal, and recycling applications. Wiremation is focused on food processing, heat treating, fiberglass, glass, and steel applications. Flexx Flow serves food processing markets identical to Wiremation. Under the acquisition, all product brands will be retained and rolled up under the Fenner Precision Polymers portfolio of belting and high-value component solutions. “Without question or reservation, this partnership is just the move we envisioned to take our business to the next level,” said Glenn Farrell, CEO, Lumsden Corporation. “We’ve considered offers prior to this in the past, but always in the back of our mind was the thought of how ideal it would be to partner with Fenner, where we share the same location, similar markets, and the simple fact that they are such a trusted industry leader.” The acquisition of Lumsden Belting aids Fenner Precision Polymers in advancing its growth strategy and business objectives, which supports Michelin’s growth objectives in markets “Beyond Tires.” It expands core product offerings in belting and high-value components, which increases penetration in food processing and expands reach into other applications such as crushed stone, sand, and gravel which will likely find significant growth based on the infrastructure investments planned in the U.S. over the next decade. It also creates a natural extension into the company’s R&D process with polymer development, providing opportunities to engineer next-generation materials.
TVH offers Cutting Edges to extend Bucket Life
TVH Americas (TVH), a global provider of quality replacement parts and accessories for the material handling and industrial equipment industries, now offers a selection of reversible, double-bevel, bolt-on cutting edges to help extend the life of light construction equipment buckets. Cutting edges are made with high-quality steel and come in an assortment of widths and lengths to accommodate a variety of bucket sizes. Bolt-on cutting edges offer many benefits, including: Reduced downtime – A bolt-on blade can be rotated or replaced in under an hour with basic hand tools. Twice the lifetime – A double-sided, or reversal, the blade can be rotated to give users essentially two blades in one. Less wear to the bucket – The blade also lifts the bottom up off the ground slightly, reducing the amount of drag and wear the bucket endures. After a bolt-on cutting edge is selected and installed it’s important to take care of it. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of the blade once it’s installed. Rotate regularly – Users can choose to let one side wear down completely before reversing it, or they can rotate it regularly so that both sides wear down evenly. Use the correct bolts and nuts – It’s important to use high-quality bolts and nuts when attaching the blade. A grade 8 or higher is recommended. TVH carries a wide variety of nuts and bolts offering customers a one-stop-shopping experience. Check and tighten bolts regularly – Regularly checking the tightness of the bolts can prevent having to replace the blade unnecessarily early. In addition to cutting edges, TVH offers over 600,000 part numbers for your light construction equipment, including skid steers, mini excavators, and compact track loaders. TVH’s lineup includes parts for many popular brands and models. With multiple distribution centers located throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, and South America and next-day delivery on the majority of parts, TVH is the first choice for your light construction equipment needs.
NOVA reengineers Lock & Load™ hook
Major trailer manufacturers are taking initiatives to increase safety for passenger vehicles by reinforcing their rear impact guard (RIG) bars to better absorb impacts, resist bending, and offer greater protection against rear-end collisions. The two most recent prevalent changes to the RIG bar include a new pentagonal shape and the addition of a reinforced vertical center plate. These new RIG bar configurations are not compatible with current industry designs of the rotating hook. NOVA Technology is pleased to announce the reinvented rotating hook for our Lock & Load™ vehicle restraint to accommodate the recent changes in RIG bar designs. NOVA’s all-new, patent-pending Triple Range Hook is designed specifically to secure new RIG bars that are pentagonal or feature a 4-1/2” vertical center plate, along with standard rectangular RIG bars. Along with added versatility, our new hook is upward-biased to ensure continual engagement during trailer float or any truck movement even after repeated impacts. Instead of a traditional barb, the Triple Range Hook features an elongated surface to capture RIGs with center plates and the interior surface of the hook is multifaceted with multiple RIG capture zones for rectangular, pentagonal, and reinforced RIGs. For added safety and convenience, its elevated hook shank maintains engagement and eliminates false-negative RIG bar sensing from gaps created by carriage movement. NOVA only sells to registered dealers; however, we are happy to assist you in locating a dealer near you.
Modulift introduces the TriMOD
Modulift, a technical expert and manufacturer in the lifting industry based in the UK, has added a new product to its portfolio which is specifically designed for three-point lifts and suitable for circular lifts. The TriMOD, designed by their in-house engineering team and manufactured in their established factory in Poole, Dorset is a triangular frame, designed for three-point lifts. The frame can be extended for 6-point lifts and multipoint circular lifts due to its unique shape. All TriMOD corner units are compatible with Modulift spreader beams to achieve multiple spans. The efficient design makes the rigging configuration simpler, easy to assemble, and cost-effective. Due to the shape, it can be used for circular lifts, in particular when lifting tank roofs and pressure vessels, avoiding unnecessary cascading rigs. John Baker, Commercial Director said, “We are continually looking for new ideas and developing new products. We recently attended Vertikal Days in Peterborough and brought a TriMOD demo along with us. The feedback we received was phenomenal, everybody loves the product and how unique it is. It was good to see everybody again, especially after a testing 18 months for the lifting industry, and for us, it was great to come back to our first event with a brand new product.” Harshal Kulkarni, Engineering Manager for Modulift added, “Our team has wanted to develop a product which would change the lifting industry and in particular, design and manufacture a product which is suitable for complicated circular lifts. We have seen an increase in inquiries over recent months and we’re proud to be able to offer a solution for our customers.”
The Crosby Group partners with Bridges to Prosperity
The Crosby Group, a global manufacturer of rigging, lifting and material handling hardware, is proud to team up with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), a program that envisions a world where poverty is caused by rural isolation no longer exists. B2P is a U.S.-based non-profit organization that partners with local communities, partners, and foundations, to build trail bridges that connect residents to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Since its establishment, B2P has built more than 360 trail bridges in 21 countries, serving over 1.3 million community members throughout the world. Brandy Bertram, Interim CEO and VP of Development at Bridges to Prosperity said: “Rural isolation is a root cause of poverty, and the connection is the foundation to opportunity. We have trusted Crosby products for years to enable our safe, sustainable, and scalable solutions and consider The Crosby Group to be a core partner in every bridge we build.” The Crosby Group’s contribution will include the supply of critical products such as clips, turnbuckles, snatch blocks, and COLT’s (wire rope tension meters) for the construction of the next 32 bridges in Rwanda and 8 bridges in Uganda. Collectively these projects will connect over 181,000 people to health care, education, and employment. The Crosby Group will also provide training and expertise to the teams constructing the bridges to ensure best safety practices for lifting and rigging. Robert Desel, CEO at The Crosby Group said: “We applaud the tremendous impact that Bridges to Prosperity has made in communities around the world and are thrilled that our products and expertise contribute to the mission. As the Bridges to Prosperity teams continue to deploy around the world, we want to ensure they have the best-in-class hardware and in-depth training for safe rigging and operations. Desel added: “In the future, The Crosby Group also intends on sending team members to assist in the building of bridges and in-person training. Together with B2P and our global channel network, we look forward to a world where rural isolation no longer exists so that families can access healthcare, children can travel safely to school, and farmers can reliably reach local markets.”
Creform workstation helps provide for an optimum assembly operation
Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products for the design and building of material handling structures and automated guided vehicles has developed a large stand-up assembly workstation for a truck parts supplier. The large workstation, 16′ L x 6′ x 3′ D, is set up in a line to support a one-piece-flow assembly for the manufacturer. The linear configuration also makes it possible to add or remove production associates depending on the manufacturing requirements. It features a plastic work surface across the front, while above the work surface are three flow levels with an angled presentation for totes. The flow lanes provide first-in-first-off (FIFO) parts handling while the secondary angle enhances visibility in the totes and physical access to the parts. The angled presentation style also keeps loose parts in the totes near the front of the box for easy picking and handling. The many storage locations in the workstation lend themselves to both complex assemblies with many parts or mixed model production for simpler assemblies. It boasts heavy-duty leveling feet, as well as pull-out drawers in two locations that can hold tools and supplies. Although the workstation pictured is quite large, the length, width, and heights can be custom configurable and made to be flexible with the Creform System of pipe and joints. It is built with blue-colored plastic-coated 28 mm steel pipe and clamped together with metal joints and is available as an assembled structure or kit with pre-cut pipes for quick on-site assembly. In this case, Creform designed and fully assembled the structure. The modular design allows a user to add only the accessories needed and configure the station that works best today and then change it tomorrow as needs change by taking advantage of the Creform System’s flexibility. Workstations can be custom configurable with the Creform system of pipe and joints and can be built as a stand-up or a sit-down station. They are available as an assembled structure or kit with pre-cut pipes for quick on-site assembly. Further, workstations can be mobile or stationary. For heavy-duty applications, they can be built using Creform’s unique 42mm pipe and are available with options such as drawers and shelves for storage, various pipe colors, casters instead of feet, tools, and cup holders. Useful accessories for such a station include overhead light, computer screen, shelves, additional flow lanes, drawers, information sheet holders, label holders, tool storage, and hooks to hang tools and supplies. All Creform workstations can be configured for ESD components when sensitive electronics need to be protected. The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency-enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and implementing these programs.
Panacea Aftermarket introduces new line of Smart Forklift Scales
Expanding their product offering, Panacea Aftermarket Co. presents to you their BEAST Smart Forklift Scales. All metal construction, 3.5-inch tough color screen, IP64 rated, wireless load sensor connectivity, integrated thermal printer, and cumulative weight count for just $1,499. ACCURACY Using the latest in digital technology and precision sensors, the BEAST Smart Scale offers impressively quick load reading times of ~ 4 seconds and with 99% accuracy, making it both one of the quickest and fastest available. INTEGRATED THERMAL PRINTER Usually sold as an expensive add-on, we have designed our forklift scale to include an integrated thermal printer. With our quick multi-print option, you can print and stick the labels to the shipment as well as include them in the related paperwork. WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY No expensive and time-consuming wires to install. No need to worry about wires getting caught in the mast mechanism. We’ve designed our forklift scales to take advantage of today’s technology, using highly accurate wireless weight sensors. And the included rechargeable lithium battery, which is securely mounted using industrial strength magnets, works for 24 hours. CUMULATIVE WEIGHT COUNT Another standard feature on our forklift scales. With the simple press of one single button, you can weigh and track up to 999 separate pallets. EASY MOUNT SYSTEM Typical installs usually takes no longer than 30 minutes. With our drill-less mounting system and wireless weight sensors, we made it super fast and efficient. 3 simple steps: mount the reader, install trigger switch, and then install the sensors below the chain anchors. That’s it. Visit our site for install information and video. Please take a moment to visit our site and see how BEAST has disrupted the forklift scale market with an innovative, feature-rich scale, priced well below the current market.
Continental Turn Assist Monitors Blind Spots in Trucks, Buses, and RVs for safer right-hand turns
A radar-based system makes roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The system warns drivers with visual and audible alerts. Can be retrofitted on trucks, buses, and RVs, even older models Continental, a global supplier of systems, components, and tires to automobile, truck, and agriculture/construction equipment manufacturers, and a trusted provider of OE-engineered aftermarket parts, now offers a new technology for commercial vehicles and RVs that makes roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists by actively monitoring the vehicle’s blind spots during right-hand turns. Continental’s Turn Assist makes right-hand turns safer and easier and reduces driver stress by warning the driver with audible and visual alerts when pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users are detected inside the vehicle’s danger zone. This innovative, radar-based system also delivers reliable detection in bad weather and under poor lighting conditions. It can be retrofitted on all types of trucks, buses, and RVs, including older vehicles and can also be connected to other vehicle warning systems. The Continental Turn Assist system features a radar sensor, evaluation unit, buzzer for audible warning, steering angle sensor, and light for visual warning. The radar sensor is installed on the rear-view mirror and monitors an area up to 13 feet to the side of the vehicle and up to 46 feet behind it. “Increasing the safety of vulnerable road users is an important social responsibility and could not be of more critical need in today’s transportation market,” notes Nate Stehman, Project Manager at Continental’s Commercial Vehicles & Services business unit. “The popularity of cycling has been on a continual rise and due to the coronavirus, more and more people are forgoing public transportation and getting on their bikes and scooters instead. An affordable, high-tech safety solution like the Continental Turn Assist System is just what drivers of commercial vehicles and RVs need to be better aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and others near their vehicle so they can corner safely.” Continental has extensive know-how and many years of expertise in the field of turn assist systems for trucks and passenger cars. Work has already started on the third generation of the technology. In the future, a combination of radar and camera data working with artificial intelligence will even recognize the gestures of cyclists and pedestrians, helping to protect the most vulnerable road users even more proactively.
Morse Watchmans unveils KeyWatcher Key Control Solutions with powerful new Generation 3 CPU at GSX 2021
New KeyWatcher Gen3 CPU increases performance, operation, and sync speeds Morse Watchmans, the industry leader in key control and asset management systems, will be exhibiting at this year’s GSX show, featuring their latest new key control and management solutions at booth #1714. The company’s flagship KeyWatcher Touch will be displayed with a new Generation 3 CPU that provides improved performance, and faster user interface, and improved synchronization times. The new Gen3 CPU upgrade is also available to current KeyWatcher Touch users for fast and easy enhancement of installed systems. “Nothing can replace face-to-face contact with our customers and partners,” said Tim Purpura, VP of Global Sales and Marketing, Morse Watchmans. “For that reason, we made the decision to exhibit at GSX, while also maintaining all careful protocols to support health and safety. We are looking forward to having in-person conversations and demonstrating our latest new key management solutions and product enhancements to the GSX audience.” Morse Watchmans’ industry-leading KeyWatcher Touch key management system features a 7” touchscreen with an easy-to-use interface and patented SmartKey system with KeyAnywhere technology, making it simple to withdraw and return a key securely to any key cabinet in an enterprise. The solution offers the convenience of scheduled PDF reports that are emailed to authorized recipients. Email delivery of customized or standard reports can be scheduled for any specific time or frequency and they can be accessed using the Morse Watchman’s smartphone app. System administrators have access to view or run reports as needed. The system also enables security management to notify a user via email when a key becomes overdue. The new KeyWatcher Gen3 CPU further improves performance and increases user interface and sync times on new and existing models, effectively allowing more KeyWatcher Touch systems to be connected for added scalability. Additional features include 64GB of onboard data back-up, full Windows® 10 OS with built-in functionality for Morse Watchman’s remote technical support, full support for gigabit networks, and cable connections now possible up to 100 feet.
TVH America’s chosen as 2021 Champions of Business honoree
Kansas City Business Journal has named TVH Americas (TVH), a global provider of quality replacement parts and accessories for the material handling and industrial equipment industry, as a 2021 Champions of Business honoree. The 2021 Champions of Business award honors area for-profit companies that set the gold standard for financial performance, innovation, and community involvement. To be eligible for the award, companies must be headquartered in the Kansas City area, have been in business for a minimum of three years, and achieve a gross revenue of at least $3 million annually. Since TVH established its presence in Olathe, KS in 2005, the company has strived to be one of Kansas City’s top employers. This award marks the 3rd year in a row that TVH has achieved this fantastic award, and is evidence of TVH’s commitment to setting the gold standard for employers in our community. “We are proud to be recognized as a Champions of Business honoree for the third year in a row,” said Simon Witdouck, Senior Vice President of TVH Americas. “It’s an honor to be recognized in this elite group of companies including Apollo Insurance Group Inc., JE Dunn Construction, Netsmart, SelectQuote Inc., Summit Homes, and more. I would like to thank each of our employees for their hard work and commitment to each other and our customers. While the past year has been a challenge due to the COVID pandemic, this award is a testament to our ability to work together as one team and accomplish great things.”
Breaking down the silos
Last month we discussed how the departments, or “profit centers” in our dealerships give rise to inter-departmental tension, and “silo-building” activities that if left unchecked, can easily affect customer service and efficiency in negative ways. I wanted to take some time this month to talk about organizational practices and policy standards that help to deconstruct these silos before they even have a chance to affect customer relationships. Aftermarket – NOT parts and service. Truth be told, most of the opportunities to erect silos can be found in the aftermarket department of the dealership. Notice I said AFTERMARKET. This is an organizational practice that I suggest for dealers right off the bat. The reason you have parts and service SILOS is that you have parts and service DEPARTMENTS. The function of caring for customer equipment is fully dependent on both the parts and service mechanisms working in TANDEM, as one entity. The moment that we allow the customer to see the separation between the departments, we have exposed our silos, and we start to lose cohesion. I don’t mean to suggest that we merge these departments on the financial statement. Goal setting, process metrics, and operational tasks are different for each one of these profit centers. We still need the visibility of clear-cut forecasts and functional assessments in each department to chart our progress and adjust our tactics. I’m looking at this from the standpoint of communication, data visibility, coordination, and execution. The customer has to feel as if the parts effort and the field service function operate as a singular resource. How can we do that? Communication tools Every dealer I have visited in the past 8 years, struggles with some level of miscommunication. There is so much data that changes hands inside a dealership that we are bound to misunderstand or misconstrue some of the details. Over the past 40 years, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard: “We need more communication”! My response is simple: No, we don’t! When I was a territorial salesperson back in the ’80s, and my customer wanted to communicate with me, they had to call our main office location. The sales secretary would dutifully put pen to paper, and take a message (remember those pink notepads?). Then she would call my pager. The pager on my belt would vibrate and I had to find a PAYPHONE to call in and get the message. Then I dropped another quarter on the phone to call the customer. Compare that to what we have at our fingertips today! Cellphones, email, voice mail, IM, tablets, laptops, Facetime, Skype, Zoom, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn…. shall I go on? We don’t need MORE communication. We are actually AWASH in communication. What we need is BETTER UNDERSTANDING. Understanding is the GOAL of communication. Adding more ways to communicate without changing the quality of the communication will continue to produce less than acceptable results. So how do we refine our communications and our action plans so that the customer will see a unified, aftermarket effort? Here are 9 policy and process strategies for blowing up (or at least building bridges between) the silos in your dealership. Write Instead of Speak. When there is a choice…write it down. The written word provides visibility and accountability that words just can’t duplicate. Follow Up. If you must depend on verbal communications, follow up with an email to memorialize in writing what was agreed on. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words. Every employee has a digital camera today. When we can’t exactly explain it, we can snap a photo. When the serial number is 32 characters long, we can snap a photo. The power of photos is undeniable. Assign Teams. In order to create connection points across the silos, it’s a good idea to assign teams of employees to selected customers, tasks and initiatives. Example: All the customers in Franklin County are assigned to CSR Ben Atkins. These customers will primarily be served by Van 6 (Jon Davis) and Van 8 (Dan Clark). Jon and Dan will use counterman Jeff Baker as their primary parts resource. Joe Jones will be the primary service writer for work orders opened in this county. Ben, Jon, Dan, Joe, and Jeff are now a TEAM. All communication about any service customer in Franklin County should include all team members. This type of assignment makes the CUSTOMERS the focus of the communication and requires that the participants hold themselves responsible to the customers, and each other. Group Email. The ease of digital communication allows us to create “groups” of support staff (see # 4 above) that can ALL be included in the email loop when it comes to managing and communicating customer needs. This is especially helpful when dealing with high urgency items like overnight parts, or after-hours delivery. The ability to communicate a written message from the receiving department to the dispatcher, technician, CSR, parts counterperson, and service writer in ONE message is invaluable. Adopt Urgency. Not everything is a “today” issue. Not everything is a “tomorrow” issue. Some things are. When sharing DATA, also determine and share URGENCY. When a team member from another department expresses urgency…. verify it…then ADOPT it. Just because YOU didn’t get an earful of colorful language from the customer doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. The inability to adopt urgency when it matters is one of the most frequent sources of customer dissatisfaction. Use Active Listening. Active listening is a communication method that is focused and effective. We all have distractions to deal with. Many times, the dealership environment is filled with interruptions, phones ringing, and overlapping conversations. But when it comes to customer critical data, we must listen with intention. Active listening uses a “listen and reflect” method. I don’t listen to RESPOND, but instead, I listen to REFLECT. Every time someone makes a request (in connection with serving a retail or internal customer), you simply repeat the salient points back to the speaker. Example: Field Service Tech asks a
FAD Equipment Store expands team
FAD Equipment Store has recruited e-commerce guru Austin Helton to join its team. Headquartered in South Carolina, the store puts lifting, material handling, safety, and load monitoring products a click away from end-users in marine, warehouse, manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, renewables, and other markets. Helton, a serial entrepreneur, and digitalization specialist joins as Vice President, Application Sales and Market Development. He will report to David Ayling, president. “My goal is to simply help package and market the immense value that is already compiled in the team,” said Helton. “I am super excited to join forces with the store and help push the e-commerce model forward in this very traditional, B2B industrial space,” he continued. Helton is experienced in the creation and execution of data-driven strategy that has positioned countless businesses at the top of their marketplaces. His initial focus will be on the presentation of key products to buyers in targeted end-user sectors. Ayling said: “A standout feature of successful businesses is that they have the best people in the right roles. In Austin, we have added a true expert in e-commerce, with a proven track record of delivery, even in the most competitive of marketplaces. Austin adds a different perspective to our team but the enthusiasm, energy, and authenticity that he brings to our dealings mean he fits in perfectly.” Helton added: “I believe the team has a unique and very real opportunity to market these products online in a modern and convenient way that creates real and immediate value for customers. Modern technology and e-commerce, married with the industry experience, vendor relationships, and deep product knowledge that these guys have, is, in my opinion, the differentiating value and recipe for success in the always competitive online landscape.” Helton also joins Jeff Miller, General Manager; Peter McGreal, CFO; Mark Bridger, Vice President, Business and Product Development; and Richard Howes, Vice President, Marketing and Communications.
Surgere launches IoT Technology Suite to make the connection between Parts, Racks, and Trailers more cost effective
Surgere, a supply chain solutions company brings visibility to parts inside trailers making the supply chain more efficient by verifying receipt and location of parts and vehicles between facilities in real-time Surgere has launched an IoT technology suite to make the connection between parts, racks, and trailers at automotive plants more cost-effective. This technology reduces the time used to manually check inventory on trailers, creating more efficiency within the plant. Surgere’s RFID tags are placed on trailers and read with Surgere-certified hardware to capture tag reads at all entry and exit points at any maintenance yard. Together, this technology provides real-time updates on when or if the trailer has left the yard and when it arrives at its destination. “This is the first step into a broader over-the-road visibility market,” said Robert Fink, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Surgere. “Supply Chain professionals across the globe lack visibility of their parts as they travel from location to location. This real-time visibility creates an autonomous process, making life easier for yard managers to know exactly what parts they have and where they are.” The deployed Surgere solution is a patented approach to localization that fuses RFID and GPS technologies. The Surgere- coded RFID tags and the Surgere-certified hardware allows for a 99.9% acquisition rate for trailers and racks. The RFID tags are hardened tags for weatherproofing. The solution was tested for the environment prior to deployment.
Gamber-Johnson unveils the new Zebra TC5X and TC7X Powered/Non-Powered Docking Cradles
Gamber-Johnson has announced the availability of six new protective handheld technology docking cradles to support the popular Zebra TC5X and TC7X products. These handheld computer cradles offer a variety of rugged, reliable, and responsive options to meet your personalized needs, improve labor productivity and safely protect your technology investment to withstand the demands of today’s mobile work environments. Combine them with a Gamber-Johnson mount to create a complete solution for almost any mobile work environment. Features and Benefits: Lightweight, small form factor designed to be resilient and reliable in harsh material handling and enterprise environments. Three versions are available giving you choices to best meet your personal needs. Reduces the potential for costly damages by safely securing your device. Attaches to Gamber-Johnson mounting solutions using the AMPs hole pattern. Easy one-handed docking and releasing operation: To dock: Insert the bottom of the computer into the cradle, push the top of the computer into the cradle until the cradle latch clicks into place. To release: Lift latch to disengage and pull the computer out of the cradle.
Fairbanks Scales announces new FB 1200 Industrial Scale Instrument
Offering the flexibility and features required by modern weighing operations! Fairbanks Scales Inc., the oldest scale company in the U.S. and provider in weighing equipment, announces its new FB1200 Industrial Scale Instrument, designed for basic applications using analog bench scales, floor scales, tank assemblies, or livestock scales. Fairbanks Scales FB1200 is a flexible, economical solution for basic industrial weighing applications. With a range of features and multiple communication options, the FB1200 can fulfill a variety of customer needs at a highly competitive price. Among general-purpose instruments on today’s market, the FB1200 is unique in that it has several “beyond basic” functions and features, including digital inputs and outputs that simplify its integration with other aspects of an operation. The simple, seven-key interface has oversized buttons for Power, Units, Zero, B/G Net, Tare, and Print as well as a single function key to access the more advanced features of the instrument. In addition, while many industrial applications do not require legal-for-trade status from their weighing equipment, the FB1200 is approved for 10,000 divisions by both NTEP and Measurement Canada (MC). This allows the FB1200 to provide legal-for-trade weights when the situation requires it. In addition to simple weighing operations, the FB1200 has feature sets to address the following types of operation: Piece Counting – Enter the piece count of a sample through the front panel and use the FB1200 to calculate the count of any size sample. Accumulation – Accumulate gross weight, net weight, and piece count values over repeated weighments. Checkweighing – Three-zone check weighing can be used to confirm a weight is within an acceptable range. The FB1200 can communicate the active zone through the front panel or as a digital output. Livestock Weighing – Use the livestock filter to calculate the weight of a single animal or a group. Peak Hold – Hold the highest stable or unstable weight, even when the weight is removed. The economical price point and the comprehensive feature set will allow the FB1200 to carve out market space on the lower end of industrial applications. The FB1200 expands the ability to address customer needs by including digital inputs and outputs, multiple weighing intervals, while significantly decreasing the time needed to install and service industrial instruments.
MagnaShear™ Motor Brakes provide a maintenance-free solution for Frequent Start/Stop Cycles equipment
The MagnaShear™ motor brake from Force Control Industries employs oil shear technology, providing longer service life even in demanding applications like the frequent start/stop cycles seen on cranes, lifts, hoists, and other overhead material handling equipment. Proven oil shear technology transmits torque between lubricated surfaces – thereby eliminating wear on friction surfaces. A patented fluid recirculation system dissipates heat – eliminating heat build-up which is the most common problem in dry braking systems. Elimination of the wear significantly increases service life and virtually eliminates adjustment which also elongates maintenance intervals. An anodizing plant cut preventative maintenance by 2 hours per week and eliminated $8000 in annual parts expenditures by switching from dry brakes to MagnaShear™ motor brakes. They are ideal for applications where the motor is reversed each cycle such as cranes, lifts, hoists, and other ancillary overhead handling equipment. The oil shear technology also provides a smooth “cushioned” stop which reduces shock to the drive system, further extending the service life of downstream components. The totally enclosed MagnaShear™ brakes are impervious to moisture, dirt, and dust that is common in concrete block plants as well as asphalt shingle manufacturing, coal, bulk materials handling, forest products manufacturing, and more. How Oil Shear Works Unlike dry brakes, oil shear technology includes a layer of automatic transmission fluid between the brake disc and the drive plate. As the fluid is compressed, the fluid molecules shear – thus imparting torque to the other side. This torque transmission causes the stationary surface to turn, bringing it up to the same relative speed as the moving surface. Since most of the work is done by the fluid particles in shear, wear is virtually eliminated. Elimination of wear also eliminates the need for adjustments which are common for dry braking systems. In addition to transmitting torque, a patented fluid recirculation system helps to dissipate heat which is the major problem with traditional dry brakes. Along with heat removal and torque transmission, the fluid serves to continually lubricate all components of the oil shear brake, elongating their service life. MagnaShear™ brakes with oil shear technology provide significantly longer service life, characterized by virtually maintenance-free operations. Suitable for a Wide Range of Motor Sizes These proven motor brakes are available to accommodate a wide range of applications. Spring set torque ratings from 3 to 1250 foot-pounds are available. MagnaShear™ motor brakes can be sized to the correct torque independent of the motor frame size or horsepower. MagnaShear™ motor brakes feature “quick mount” features for quick and easy mounting to drive motors in NEMA frame sizes 56 to 449. They are shipped ready to install, with no assembly or adjustments required. They are also available pre-mounted on a motor for severe duty applications. MagnaShear™ motor brakes can be furnished to fit a NEMA or IEC frame motor, as a complete motor and brake assembly, or to mount on a machine frame or other special mounting configuration. These proven motor brakes are totally enclosed from outside contaminants, with seal integrity for harsh and washdown environments. A modular design /assembly allows for ease of servicing and maintenance
Johnson Controls earns FM Approval on TYCO® high-temperature ESFR-17 pendent ceiling sprinkler
Model ESFR-17 sprinkler now FM Approved at 155 F and 205 F Designed for use in ceiling-only sprinkler systems within storage facilities Temperature and pressure features provide flexibility for sprinkler system designers Johnson Controls, the global provider for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, announces FM Approval of the Tyco Model ESFR-17 Early Suppression, Fast Response Pendent Sprinkler at 205 F (96 C). Combined with the existing FM Approved lower-temperature version (155 F, 68 C), the ESFR-17 sprinklers now provide the options needed to help better protect storage and warehousing facilities. The sprinklers are also cULus Listed for both temperature ratings. The Tyco® ESFR-17 Pendent Sprinklers are designed with flexibility in mind. The primary advantage is their ability to protect high-piled storage arrangements without the need for in-rack sprinklers. With a 16.8 K-factor and maximum working pressure of 175 psi (12,1 bar), the ESFR-17 sprinklers provide system designers with hydraulic and sprinkler placement options not presently available among traditional ESFR sprinklers with a nominal K-factor of 14.0. With substantially lower-end head pressure, as compared to traditional ESFR sprinklers, the ESFR-17 sprinklers also offer flexibility when sizing system piping, as well as potentially reducing the need for a system fire pump. In addition to flexibility, these features also contribute to potential cost savings for building owners and operators. The ESFR-17 sprinklers help serve the Johnson Controls OpenBlue mission of supporting healthy people, healthy places, and a healthy planet. “As the storage and warehousing industries expand along with consumer demand for shipped goods, so does the need to protect a wide variety of these applications,” said Don Ricca, director, Product Management, Johnson Controls. “Now that we can offer two FM Approved temperature ratings, we are confident that the ESFR-17 sprinklers can offer our customers the protection and flexibility needed to keep operations running safely and efficiently.” The ESFR-17 pendent sprinklers are ideal for helping to protect storage facilities containing the following materials: Most encapsulated and non-encapsulated common materials, including cartoned, unexpanded plastics Cartoned and uncartoned expanded plastics Uncartoned unexpanded plastics Some storage arrangements of rubber tires, roll paper, and aerosols
J.W. Speaker introduces Versatile Model 560 Warning and Universal Warning Projector Lights
The lights display clearly identifiable images — including a forklift, large exclamation point, or customized image — to alert workers of specific hazards and dangerous areas J.W. Speaker Corporation has introduced the Model 560 Warning and Universal Warning Projector Lights to alert material handlers and job site workers of specific hazards in dangerous areas. The light displays clearly identifiable images — including a forklift, large exclamation point, or customized image — to improve workplace safety. “We created the Model 560 series of lights because our customers told us that they needed a bright and highly recognizable light projecting a ‘warning’ or safety message that is both hard to miss and impossible to ignore,” said Tim Speaker, CEO at J.W. Speaker. “We know that many workers – and even people on the street – tend to be desensitized to traditional warning lights in situations with a lot of commotion, loud machines, and other work lights. The Model 560 cuts through the noise and demands attention with an unmistakable warning projection to help keep crews safer on site.” The new Model 560 offers two distinct projections, including: A bright blue forklift image is enclosed within a distinct red triangle. The Model 560 lights can be placed atop a forklift and display a projection several feet away to create a safe zone for workers, including other drivers. The unmistakable universal warning of a large, red exclamation point within a red triangle. Workers and passersby can see the unmistakable warning projection clearly from many feet away — and steer clear of the area. As an additional projection option, J.W. Speaker can customize images to alert those nearby that caution is needed. Companies can partner with J.W. Speaker to create the right visual representation of what to be looking out for. Each projection can be displayed with steady, always-on projection, or users can choose from five flashing modes to draw more attention. Users can toggle between modes easily. The Model 560 is designed for any work environment where safety is a top priority, including material handling, construction, agriculture, industrial, mining, and other environments. The light can be installed atop forklifts, work vehicles, and equipment to project highly visible images up to 15 or more feet away. It’s UL and CE compliant and IP67 and IP69K are rated for nonstop projection even in rugged environments.
Managing customer expectations
Many of my readers have contacted me recently regarding the customer experience (CX) series that I featured in MHW earlier this year. As customer expectations shift, it’s evident that as trusted allies we must shift with them, and help them to navigate the changes in the supply chain industry. The message that our current CX may be set on “default” mode and not “actively managed” resonated with many dealers. I ran across a couple of things this week that got me thinking about the initial steps in building and refining the CX process in our industry. Control vs Management First off, one of my Linked-In contacts showed some concern about my use of the phrase “controlling the customer experience”. He had a fair point, and I want to clarify my message if possible. I don’t think I would get an argument from anyone when I say that in general, customers HATE to be “handled”. Once a customer gets an idea that they are being manipulated, boxed-in, or otherwise constrained, we can immediately surrender our attempts at creating the CX experience we were hoping to establish. My mind goes immediately to the experiences we have all had at one time or another. I’m sure at least once in your life you visited a car dealership where your customer experience was probably accompanied by the litany of “let me talk to my manager”; a transparent and universally distasteful ploy to use higher authority as a negotiation tactic. Most would agree that this is not an optimum CX. It’s time-consuming, transparent as glass, and infuriating. Equally disturbing is the fact that many events, tours, attractions, or amusement venues routinely have their one and only exit through the gift shop. Yet again, an ungainly and irritating attempt at increasing sales through distraction, and environmental control. Let me be clear. I never look to “control” my customers. My targets for control are instead, our own SOP’s, tools, messaging, and mechanisms that create a resonant CX. Do we have the right people, in the right roles, with the right tools, the right message, and the right data at their disposal to create an experience that the customer actually looks forward to? Putting this formula in place requires you to MANAGE your MESSAGE instead of trying to CONTROL your CUSTOMER. It all starts with expectations A great place to start this process is by reversing roles and attempting to see your CX from the customer’s perspective. Expectations are at the heart of the CX. If we can isolate what the most common expectations are, we can begin to plan our responses and arrange our resources to meet those expectations. Most of the disappointing experiences we encounter emanate from our expectations not being met. These dynamic touches all aspects of our life. Work relationships, personal relationships, raising children, attending church, taking a vacation, dining out, owning a home…the list is endless. Expectations set the bar in all these areas for what we will decide is a good experience and what isn’t. What were your expectations when you arrived at that car dealership? Did they meet (dare I say exceed) those expectations? In most cases, the answer is no. In order to avoid failing to meet expectations, a good first step is actually setting that bar FOR the customer. This is what I call the “this is how it works” discussion. Left to their own imaginations, customers may very well create expectations that aren’t reasonable. If we suggest how our business works, the policies we have in place, what customers can routinely expect, and what options and flexibilities exist, you can start your CX journey by explaining your current processes and the associated value. Seldom is this ever done. Customers generally don’t ask…what can I expect? They usually make up their mind based on how they feel. However, if WE intentionally discuss expectations with them, we stand a much better chance of building CX success. I ran across an example of this a few weeks ago on the Internet. The photo below was posted last week. It was a note, personally prepared by a new US post office letter carrier to his newly assigned group of “customers”. The fact that a letter carrier would view his world in terms of a supplier-customer relationship was itself unexpected. The ongoing content of the letter was even more surprising. “Hello, my name is Jeff. I’m your new permanent letter carrier. I’ve been a USPS employee for 23 years. I pride myself on excellent customer service. I proudly served in the US Navy for 4 years. In most cases, I will place a parcel on your porch, out of the rain (unlike Amazon and FedEx drivers). To prevent porch pirates from stealing your parcel, I will TRY not to leave them in the open. If you need anything such as parcel pickup, leave a note on/in your mailbox and let me know where the parcel is, or if I have to knock on your door to pick it up. If any mail has an unfamiliar name on it, BUT it says “current resident”, then I have to deliver it to you. I look forward to providing prompt, accurate mail delivery in your neighborhood. Thank you! Jeff I am still trying to wrap my brain around this. If anything, this proves that in spite of how we may feel about the US Postal Service, there are professionals out there who truly understand that expectations exist, even for government-mandated mail delivery. We can all take a lesson from Jeff’s example. Let’s break down how Jeff suggested what the expectations of his service should be: Jeff prides himself on customer service. This is his first priority. He is a Navy veteran. Jeff is reaching out with this statement. It’s a valid attempt to personally connect to his customers. You can expect Jeff to interact personally with you. He explains how you can expect him to “protect” your parcels. He also takes the opportunity to differentiate
Fairbanks Scales announce ACC-3300 Quad Loadcell Controller
Boosting the speed, resolution, and individual load cell monitoring capabilities of Intalogix® Fairbanks Scales Inc., the oldest scale company in the U.S. in weighing equipment, just announced its new ACC-3300 Quad Loadcell Controller (QLC), designed to bring new levels of convenience, accuracy, and serviceability in a compact, space-saving design for industrial scale applications. The Intalogix® Quad Loadcell Controller (QLC) is a new analog to a digital loadcell communications device, specifically created by Fairbanks to enhance the performance of industrial floor scales, tank scales, and hopper scales. In these applications, the QLC replaces the scale’s analog junction box (internally or externally) to boost weighing resolution to levels up to 10 times greater than analog and enable the scale industry’s greatest load cell performance, monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities. The QLC also makes servicing the scale faster and less costly by allowing the operator to recalibrate the scale. The QLC and compatible instrument can guarantee maximum accuracy out of the equipment by communicating with each load cell independently, allowing for cell-by-cell calibration. The system will also allow for real-time load cell diagnostics and identification of load cell issues. In the case of a load cell failure, the cell-addressed information allows for the immediate identification of the issue, reducing service time and improving scale uptime. If the failed load cell is in a tank weighing assembly, it can be replaced without needing to empty the tank or recalibrate the instrument. The bad cell can be replaced, and the mV/V value of the new cell can be entered at the instrument. Once that is done, the assembly will be ready to weigh accurately, regardless of the current levels in the tank. Fairbanks exclusive Intalogix® Technology for industrial applications is now faster and produces unsurpassed scale resolution, thanks to our breakthrough interface device, the Quad Loadcell Controller.