Vol.04 Issue 16 2022
Automa ng Industries
The Future of Machine Vision Technology
Integra ng Technology
Top Emerging Trends in Machine Vision Technology
Driving Businesses into the Future! Asachild,Irememberthesheerzealof enthusiasmandexcitementinstilledinmy heartafterreceivingthegiftofananalog camerathattookdaystogetitsreelintoa photographicimage.Buttoday,digitalphotosare availableevenbeforethesnapofourfingers.
Thinkingofmerelytwentyyearsoftransformation, onemightthinkthatthetechnologyworldhascome alongway,anditistimethatwedriveoursight intothefutureandinnovatetechnologytoonce whatwasallegedtobeimpossible.
Conceptualizingimpossibility,onemightarguethat oncewhatwasreferredtoasimpossiblemightbe justalackofvision.Andthisargumentmightstand likeagospeltruthifonescoutaboutthe technologicalmarvelintroducedbyArtificial IntelligenceandMachineLearning.
Butthesedevelopmentsdonotjuststoparoundthe individualinventions,innovations,andcreativesolutions bybusinessesandindustrialists.Ifthisunderstanding triggerone,onemightveryeasilynoticethatthecreative innovationsbroughtbyAI-mediatedsolutionsin machinevisiontechnologyisourpromisingfuture.
Asatechnology,machinevisionhaselucidatedthatthe age-oldconventionallensesarethetalkofthepastand today-inthetechnologicalage,industriesareintegrating sensors,industrialcameras,andmanyotherbio-physical deviceswhileintegratingitwithAIsystemsand supportingitssuitablehardwarecombinations.
So,wheredoesthistechnologyworks?
Thebestanswertothisinstigatingquestionisthecover storyinthisinsightfuledition,“Top10MachineVision SolutionCompaniestoWatch.”
WithOmronHealthcareonourCoverPage,wetake immenseprideinbringingupthecreativesolutions providedbytheinnovativeentrepreneursintheMachine VisionSegment.
Whileyouflipthroughtheseinspiringstories,ensureto readtheindustryexpertopinionalongwiththeinsightful articlesopinedbyourin-houseEditorialteam.
Ihopeyouhaveahappyread!
- Bhushan Bhad
Editor-in-Chief Mary D'souza
Anish Miller Senior Editor
Managing Editor
Assisting
Sherin Rodricks Business Development Manager Bhushan Bhad
Shrutika,
Art & Design Head
Art & Design Assistant
Visualiser David King Paul Belin
Rohil Shinganapurkar
Revati Badkas Co-designer
Art & Picture Editor
Mrunalinee Deshmukh
Marketing Manager Joseph D'souza
Business Development Executives
Sales
Kelly, Michael
Technical Head Jacob Smile
Assistant Technical Head
Amar Sawant
Technical Consultants Pratiksha, Aditya, David
Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege
Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Renuka, Atul
SME-SMO Executives Gemson
Research Analyst Eric Smith
Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade
sales@insightssuccess.com
April, 2022
CompanyName Avnan avnan.com
CanadianSolarInc. canadiansolar.com
CIMtechMfg.Inc cimtechmfg.com
CreationTechnologies creationtech.com
CygnusElectronicsCorp cygnuscorp.com
Brief Featuring AnujJain CEO
Dr.ShawnQu Chairman& ChiefExecutiveOfficer
PaulGhotra CEO
ToddBaggett ChiefCommercial Officer
ad3
AzitaMajidian CEO
KingstecTechnologiesInc. kingstec.com
MicroartServicesInc. microart.ca
MROElectronicSupply mroelectronics.com
OMRONHealthcare omron.com Wattco wattco.com
WilsonChiu President MarkWood CEO
PhilStiles ManagingDirector
RobertSchneider
SeniorVicePresident ofCommercial Operations
Avnanistheelectronicsmanufacturingsolutionthatempowers OEMstofulfilltheirdesign,validationandproductionneedsas quickly,cost-effectively,throughaseamless,stress-freeprocess.
CanadianSolarisasaglobalenergyproviderwithsuccessful businesssubsidiariesin20countries®ionson6continents.
CIMtechManufacturingisaprecisionCNCmachiningcompany providingServicesinCNCPrototypes,CNCproduction&Sub AssembledunitstoAerospace,Defence,Medical,Energy,Marine andElectronicsIndustries.
CreationTechnologiesisanaward-winningGlobalElectronics ManufacturingServicesprovider
CygnusElectronicsCorporationprovidesqualityElectronic ManufacturingServices(EMS)fortheindustryOEMsandVARs.
Kingstecisaleadingengineering,manufacturingandlogistics businesspartnerservingcompaniesofallsizesinNorth AmericaandEurope.
MicroartServicesInc.isanelectronicmanufacturingand designservicescompanyprovidingcircuitdesign,PCBlayout, bareboardmanufacturing,PCBassembly,testingandboxbuild forproto-typeandlow-to-midvolumeproductions.
MROisaCanadianownedandoperated,smallsizeenterprise manufacturerofcustomconnectivitysolutions.
OMRONBPMareclinicallyvalidatedandmeetthehighest precisionandreliability.OMRONisatrustedbrandfromJapan withover45yearsofexperienceinhomeBPM.
JasonToledano, CEO
Wattcomanufacturesacompletelineofflangeheaters, circulationheaters,tubularheaters, andimmersionheating elementsforawidevarietyofindustrialandcommercial applicationssince1969.
Empowering Consumers to Take Charge of Their Heart Health For nearly 50 years, OMRON Healthcare has worked with consumers and empowered them to take charge of their health at home through precise technology.
Robert Schneider Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations
Humansociety,initsentirety,isgoingthrougha massivetransformationduetotheCOVID-19 pandemic.Consumershavebecomemore consciousandinformedabouttheirphysicalhealththan beforewhileavoidinggoingtothehospitalandERto addresstheirmedicalconcerns,especiallyduringthepeak stagesofthepandemic.
Withthemotivetotakechargeoftheirwell-beingand bettermanagetheirhealthathome,individualsstarted monitoringthingslikebloodpressure,heartrate,etc.,on theirown.Peoplewereempoweredtodosowiththe assistanceofwearablemedicaldevicesthattrackedthings liketheuser'sheartrateandbloodpressure.
Oneprominentnameonthelistofcompaniesthatdesign thesestate-of-the-artmedicaldevicesisOMRON Healthcare,Inc.Sinceitsinception,OMRONhasbeen empoweringpeopletotakechargeoftheirhealththrough theiradvanceddevices.
Inthefollowinginterview,RobertSchneider,SeniorVice PresidentofCommercialOperationsatOMRON Healthcare,talksaboutthevarietyofproductsthatthe companyofferstoitsclients.
O Our mission is Going for Zero – the elimination of heart attacks and strokes. PleasebriefouraudienceaboutOMRONHealthcare,its USPs,andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasaleading playerintheHealthcareniche.
OMRONisthenumberonedoctorandpharmacistrecommendedbloodpressuremonitorbrand.Withnearly 50yearsofmedicaldevicecategoryleadership,weare passionateabouthelpingpatientsmonitortheirhealthat homeandapplyingthisknowledgeandexperienceto transformtheglobalhearthealthindustry
AtOMRON,weintroduceinnovative,connectedheart healthtechnologies,andfocusonimprovingpatienthealth outcomesthatserveasthenextsteptowardourmissionof Going for Zero,theeliminationofheartattacksandstrokes.
OurmostrecentinnovationisVitalSight™,thefirstremote patientmonitoringservicefromOMRON.It'sdesigned specificallyforbloodpressuremanagementanddeveloped tofostergreaterpatient-to-physiciancommunication.
WhatotherproductsdoesOMRONoffer,including MachineVisionsolutions,andhowarethesemakingan impactontheindustryandyourclients?
OMRONistheworld'sleadingmanufacturerand distributorofpersonalhearthealthproducts,whichincludes afullrangeofhomebloodpressuremonitors.
Highbloodpressureistheleadingriskfactorforheart attackandstroke.AccordingtotheAmericanHeart Association,116millionU.S.adultsareinthehypertensive
Orange,andtheCDCreportsthat37millionofthemhave uncontrolledStage2hypertensionwithahigherriskof heartattackandstroke.
AtOMRONHealthcare,weworktoreducerisk,improve outcomes,andsavelivesbyencouragingbehaviorchange andmakingasuitablebloodpressuremonitorforeachof theseindividuals.
Thepandemicraisedawarenessofhealthrisksrelatedto underlyinghealthconditionslikehypertensionandboosted motivationsforpeopletomanagetheirindividualrisks.
Consumersarebuyingmoreconnectedmonitoringdevices thaneverbefore,andit'satrendthat'sexpectedtocontinue overthenextyear AccordingtotheConsumerTechnology Association(CTA),shipmentsofconnectedhealth monitoringdevicessuchassmartthermometersandblood pressuremonitorsareexpectedtogrowto13millionunits, upto23percent,andearn$740millioninrevenuea17 percentjumpfrom2020.
AtOMRON,wehaveexpandedourdevelopmentand offeringofconnectedbloodpressuredevicesandrecently revampedourOMRONConnectapp,whichprovides patientswiththedigitalhealthtoolsandinsightstobetter understandtheircondition,storetheirdata,trackitover time,andshareitwiththeirdoctoriftheychoosetodoso.
TheOMRONConnectappmakesiteasytoviewyour healthmetricsanytime,anywhere.Syncingwirelesslyto
We are also making a signicant investment into the rollout of VitalSight, an easy-to-use service that physicians can recommend to patients with high-risk levels of hypertension. yoursmartphoneortablet,ourOMRONConnectapp providesreal-timecoachingtohelpyoumakesimple adjustmentsinyourdailyroutinetobenefityouroverall healthandreduceyourriskofheartattackandstroke.
Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononthe adoptionofmoderntechnologiessuchasAIand machinelearninghadontheHealthTechspaceand whatmorecouldbeexpectedinthefuture?
We'reinanexcitingtimeofevolutionandgrowth.For nearly50years,OMRONHealthcarehasworkedwith consumersandempoweredthemtotakechargeoftheir healthathomethroughprecisetechnology.
Wehavedevelopedastandardbloodpressuremonitoringto helpconsumersstore,track,andsharetheirdata;digital heart-healthservicesforhighbloodpressure;remotepatient monitoringserviceslikeVitalSight;andwearenow workingonthefutureofhealthcaretoincorporateAI.
We'vecollaboratedwithdoctorsandcareteamsandgained tremendousinsightsonhumanbehavioranddoctor-patient relationshipstohelpthemwiththecaretheyprovideto theirpatients.
Recently,OMRONHealthcareannouncedanimportant milestoneinitsmissionof Going for Zero,withcumulative
globalsalesofitshome-usebloodpressuremonitors reachingmorethan300millionunitsastheworld'sleading manufactureranddistributorofpersonalhearthealth products-andthenumberonedoctor-andpharmacistrecommendedbloodpressuremonitorbrand-OMRON Healthcarebloodpressuremonitorsareavailableinmore than110countriesaroundtheworld.
WerecentlyupgradedourOMRONConnectappthatworks withourconnectedbloodpressuremonitorstoprovide insightsandcoaching.Thathelpsourconsumersunderstand theirconditionandtakereal-timeactiontochangetheir behaviorandreducetheirrisk.We'realsobeginningto exploretherolethatAIcanplayinthisspaceandhelp consumersunderstandthatnomatterwheretheymightbe intheirhearthealthjourney,OMRONcanhelpthem improvetheirhearthealthandtheiroutcomes.
Takingintoconsiderationthecurrentpandemic,what initialchallengesdidyouface,andhowdidyoudrive yourcompanytosustainoperationswhileensuringthe safetyofyouremployeesatthesametime?
Thepandemicsignificantlyimpactedaccesstocare,andit alsosparkedanawakeningtothepoweroftelehealthand remotepatientcare.Manyphysicianofficesclosedor providedlimitedaccesstopatients.Emergencyroomswere fullofCOVID-19patients,andICUbedsbecamescarcein manypartsofthecountry.Manypeoplewerescaredtogo
We started with 'basic' blood pressure monitoring – technology that allowed us to pioneer connected devices that helped people store, track, and share their data. OAspertheCDC,emergencyroomvisitsdeclined42% duringtheearlymonthsoftheCOVID-19pandemic. Additionally,fourintenU.S.adultsreportedthatavoiding medicalcarebecauseofconcernsrelatedtoCOVID-19,and reportshadshownthatheartattackdeathratesmorethan doubledduringthepandemic,withfewerpatientsgoingto thehospitalwhentheywereexperiencingsymptomsofa cardiacevent.
OMRONwasalreadywellintothedevelopmentofourfirst remotepatientmonitoringservice,VitalSight,priortothe pandemic,andpilotprogramsfortheservicewerein motion.
AstheCOVID-19pandemicescalated,medicalexperts beganwarningthepublicaboutunderlyinghealth conditionsthatcarriedgreaterriskforcomplicationsfrom thecoronavirus.Oneoftheunderlyinghealthconditions thatwereidentifiedwashypertension.
AtOMRON,weplayedaleadroleinraisingawarenessof hypertensionasanunderlyinghealthconditionforCOVID19andinvestedsignificantlyinourdigitalengagement, encouragingpeopletomanagetheirhealthconditionsand reducetheirrisk.
Duringthepandemic,OMRONalsoinvestedsignificant effortsinbridginghealthgapsinunderservedcommunities thathavelongbeenimpactedbyhealthdisparities.
At OMRON, we listen to hear how patients are struggling and how we can intercept this struggle. OMRONpartneredwiththeAmericanHeartAssociation (AHA),hospitalsystems,andchurchesinunder-resourced communitiestohostfreebloodpressuremonitoringand hearthealtheducationeventstobringresourcestoresidents andlistentotopneedstoaddressresourcegaps.
Thepandemicgaveallofusasenseofwhatit'sliketolive withhealthdisparities.Therearecommunitiesthathave existedwithlimitedaccesstocarefordecades.Andthose disparitiescontinuetocostlives.
Additionally,wedidourbesttoensurethehealthandsafety ofouremployees,quicklytransitioningtoworkingfrom home.Managersprioritizedtheirteams'healthandsafety andfocusedonkeepingthemengagedbyprovidinga work-from-homestipend,establishinganewsletter,and increasingthefrequencyofall-companymeetingsand questionnairestogaugeemployeesentiment.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothehealthcaresolutions market?
Myadviceistolistentotheneedsofthemarket–really payattentiontopatients,consumers,physicians–whatdo theyneed,whataretheirtopchallenges?AtOMRON,we havebeenlisteningtotheneedsofthemarketsinceday one.Westartedwith'basic'bloodpressuremonitoring–technologythatallowedustopioneerconnecteddevices thathelpedpeoplestore,track,andsharetheirdata.
Asdigitalservicesevolved,welauncheddigitalhearthealthservicestoprovideevenmorepersonalized, actionabledata.Then,weintroducedHeartGuide™,the firstwearablebloodpressuremonitor,in2018,followed withComplete™,thefirstbloodpressuremonitorswith built-inEKGforuseathome,andwewereabletocomeup withserviceslikeVitalSight,ourfirstremotepatient monitoringservice,whichmeetspatientsandconsumers toppainpoints,isdesignedspecificallyforhypertension management,anddevelopedtofostergreaterpatient-tophysiciancommunication.
Fornearly50years,wehavebeenattheforefrontof technologicalinnovationsinhearthealthandmedical devicecategoryleadership.
AtOMRON,wegettotalktoentrepreneursallthetimeand listentopeopleinthespace.Ourmissionis Going for Zero –theeliminationofheartattacksandstrokes.Thisisatthe heartofeverythingthatwedo,everyproductwelaunch, andeverypartnershipweform.
Whenwelaunchedour Going for Zero mission–andmade savinglivesourquest–wechangedhowwetrainour employees,howandwhyweinvestinproduct development,andhowwemeasuresuccess.Forus,success isallaboutoutcomes.That'stheultimatemetric.
Weseekstrategicpartnershipstoaccomplishourmissionas wedidwithAliveCor,whichcombinesstrengths,resources, andtechnologiestoreducerisks,improveoutcomesand savelives.
Forthosebuddingentrepreneursventuringintothe marketplace,listentotheneedsofthemarket,thinkbigand standforsomethingadmirable,andbuildsolutionsaround thoseinputs.
AtOMRON,welistentohearhowpatientsarestruggling andhowwecaninterceptthisstruggle.Listentoseewhere doctorsareencounteringproblemsandhowa service/technologycanhelpsolvetheseproblems.Address wherehealthgapsexistandhaveexistedforfartoolong andwhereyoucanmakeasignificantdifferenceinhelping bridgethesegaps.
Expandingthisservicewillgetusclosertoour Going for Zero mission–theeliminationofheartattackandstroke.
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourcompany'soperations andofferingsin2022andbeyond?
We'regoingtocontinuetoseeincredibledemandformore remotecaretools–moreconnectedhealthdevices,smarter appsthatcoachonreal-timeaction,andremotepatient monitoringservicestohelpthosefacingthehighestrisks.
AtOMRON,wewillcontinuetoanticipate,prepare,and respondtothesurgingneed–wewillpartnerwithour retail,wholesale,anddistributorchannelcustomers,listen totheconsumer,innovatetobringnewvalue,andgiveour patientsandphysicianstoolsandtechnologiesthataddress theirneeds.Disruptionsintheglobalsupplychainarealso anissuethatwearecloselymonitoringandtakingaction on.
Wearealsomakingasignificantinvestmentintotherollout ofVitalSight,aneasy-to-useservicethatphysicianscan recommendtopatientswithhigh-risklevelsof hypertension.Patientsreceiveakitdeliveredtotheirhome thatincludesanOMRON-connectedbloodpressure monitoranddatahubthatarepre-settosecurelyshare measurementswiththepatient'sphysicianandcareteam.
VitalSightcanbeintegrateddirectlywiththeclinician's ElectronicMedicalRecord(EMR)systemorthroughthe OMRONVitalSightDashboard.VitalSightsendsautomatic notificationsthroughtheEMRthatsignalwhenapatient hasreadingsthatindicateifactionneedstobetaken.
OMRONispartneringwiththemostforward-thinking hospitalsystemsintheU.S.,includingNorthwestern MedicineintheChicagoarea.Earlyfeedbackfrom physiciansshowsthatVitalSightisquicklyhelpingdoctors improveengagementwithpatientsontheirtreatmentplans.
DataanalysisofparticipantsusingtheOMRON HypertensionManagementPlatform(OHMP)duringthe VITALtestshowedthathypertensionandcardiovascular treatmentmedicalexpensesdroppedbyanaverageof46% intheOMRONgroupvs.control,anaveragereductionof $108perpatientpermonth.
ComprehensiveLeadership AsSeniorVicePresidentofCommercialOperationsat OMRONHealthcare,Inc.,RobertSchneideroverseessales, marketing,productstrategy,customerservice,andsupply chainoperations.
OWithmorethan30yearsofexperienceworkinginthe healthcareindustry,Mr.Schneiderhasprovidedleadership andstrategyforOMRONHealthcare'scommercial operations,allofwhicharevitalinadvancingthe company'smissionof Going for Zero, theeliminationof heartattackandstroke.Priortohiscurrentrole,Mr. Schneiderheldvariouspositionsinmarketing,operations, andfinanceatbothOMRONandBaxterHealthcare.
Havingastrongmanufacturingsectoristhemost importantcomponentforthegrowthand developmentofanynation.Withoutthisgrowth anddevelopment,anationexperiencesstunted comprehensiveprogress.
Improvingphysicalinfrastructure,fromsupplychain managementtothepowersector,isessentialforthegrowth ofthemanufacturingsector.Avnanisanexemplary companythatstrivestoprovidecustomerswithbest-inclasselectronicsdesignandglobalmanufacturingsolutions, mitigatingrisksintheoverallsupplychain.
Thecompanyprovidestailoreddesignandengineering solutionsthatmeettheuniquerequirementsofcustomers.It offersaprovenprocessandengineeringskillstogetthejob donewithprovenexpertise.
ProvidingBestPossibleProductfromDesigntoDelivery AvnanisanOntario-basedelectronicsmanufacturing solutionthatempowersOriginalEquipmentManufacturers (OEMs)tofulfilltheirdesign,validationandproduction needsquicklyandcost-effectively,throughaseamless, stress-freeprocess.Thecompanyisflexibleenoughto supportstartupsandestablishedbrands.
Avnanhelpscustomersbysimplifyingandmanagingthe supplychaintransparently,aimingtoprovidethebest possibleproductfromdesignthroughassemblyand delivery.AsanISO9001-certifiedcompany,theyare committedtothehighestqualitystandards.
FacilitatingHigh-qualityProduction WithlocationsintheUS,Canada,India,China,andHong Kong,andanetworkofmanufacturingpartnersworldwide,
Avnancanofferflexiblesolutionsthatmakeiteasyfor OEMstoproducehigh-qualityproductsaffordablyand safely Thatflexibilityiskeyintimeswhenthereare componentshortages,supplychaincomplications,andnew orcomplextariffs.Notonlycantheyhelpcompanies choosetherightlocationtomanufacturetheirproduct,but theycanalsoquicklymoveproductionifcircumstances change.
What'smorenoteworthyisthatAvnanhasanexperienced teamsupportingsupplychainmanagement.Thisteamhas beenabletohelpcustomersnavigatedelaysandshortages successfullyinthepastyear,mitigatingalotofpotential damage.
ExpertisethatInspires AnujJain,theCEOisthedrivingforceofAvnan'svoyage towardsbusinessexcellence.AnujisanexperiencedCEO withademonstratedhistoryintheelectricalandelectronic manufacturingindustry.Hehasover20yearsofexperience inleadinganentrepreneurial,high-growthbusiness.Heis passionateaboutempoweringpeopleandskilledat motivatingthemtoachievetheirbest.
Avnanbeganasafamilybusiness,andAnujtookthereins fromhisfather.Hesays, "Being part of a 25-year-old company, from its inception, teaches you a lot of lessons, particularly in telling you where your strengths and weaknesses lie." WhenAnujfirstbeganmanagingthe company,hefeltlikeheneededtocontroleverything.Now, hisgreatestcontributionhasbeenlettinggo.Anujhashired expertstoheadeachdepartment—includingaCOO—and hegetsoutofthewayandletsthemdotheirjobs.That freeshimuptofocusonthecompany'sstrategicvisionand growth,includingsomefutureacquisitions.
BeingStrategicinLong-termThinking Anujsaysthatthepandemicobviouslyhadatremendous impactonthesupplychain.Avnanhasseenalotof shippingdelaysandcomponentshortages.Thepandemic alsoforcedmanufacturingbusinessestogetverycreative andveryresourceful–includingthemselves.Theyhave neededtobecomeevenmorestrategicintheirlong-term thinkingfortheirclientsandtolookforalternatives.
Anothershiftthat'sresultedfromthepandemichasbeenthe focusonhomeimprovementandcomfort.Sinceeveryone hasbeenonlockdownforatleastsomepartofthepast year,there'sbeenalotofinnovationaroundhome improvementandmakinglivingspacesmorecomfortable. AtAvnan,theyhavedecadesofexperienceinHVAC,as wellasERVandHRV,andtheyareleveragingthat expertisetodriveinnovationinindoorairquality(IAQ). IAQhasbecometop-of-mindaspeoplelooktonotonly maketheirhomesmorecomfortablebutalsosafer At Avnan,theyarekeepingtheireyeontheshiftingmarket whileinvestingtimeandenergyintoIAQ.
ImplementingLatestTechnologies “ Anujbelievesthatitisabsolutelycriticaltoalignone's businesswiththelatesttechnologicaldevelopment, especiallyintheirwork.Intheelectronicsspace,theyhave tobringnewideastotheirclients,whetherthatmeans connectinganexistingproducttotheInternetofThings (IoT),addingvoicecontrols,orintegratingtouchscreens. Forthem,focusingonIAQ,theyreallyhavetothinkabout howtheyaregoingtoinnovatefortheend-userandmake theirairqualitybetter,withintelligence,elegance,andease.
RethinkingApproachtoManufacturing Anujbelievesthatthereissomuchopportunityfor innovationanddisruptioninmanufacturing.Headvises aspiringentrepreneursinthemanufacturingbusinessshould focusondisruption.HissuggestionisthattheybringinAI, robotics,3Dprinting,andrethinkeverything."We'reso soldonthenarrativethatalltheopportunitiesforovernight successareindigital,"hesays. "Butrapidgrowthis possibleinmanufacturingtoo."Anujrecommendsto aspiringentrepreneursthatthecustomizedmanufacturingis agreatareatolookatforgrowth,especiallywiththe lessonsfromthepandemicabouttheabilitytopivot quickly.
InnovatingandGrowingAsMarketDemands Avnan'sabilitytobenimblehasbeenitsstrengthoverthe yearsandwillcontinuetocontributetoitsgrowth.Itisina spacewherethere'salotofcommoditization,soadding valueiskey.Itsteam'sengineeringanddesigncapabilities havelayeredintremendousvalue,ashaveitsproject managerswhohavebeenabletonavigatesomany unforeseensupplychainissuesoverthepastfewyears.And yet,ascompetitiveasthemarketis,Avnanisstillprojecting growth.Therewillalwaysbeaneedforengineeringand manufacturing,andatAvnan,theyarepreparedtoinnovate andgrowasthemarketdemands.Oneareatheyhaveset theirsightsonforgrowthistheirownbackyard.Theyknow Canadawillbenefitbothfinanciallyandintermsofsecurity byhavingmoremanufacturingcapabilitiesin-country,and theywanttocontributetothat.
“Renewableenergywillhelpendourrelianceonfossil fuelsandcombattheseverethreatthatclimatechange posestohumansandwildlifealike.”–FrancesBeinecke, EnvironmentalActivistandPolitician
Thewholeworldisbeingcompelledtopivotto
renewablesourcesofenergy.Deteriorationofthe environmentisonereasonenoughforusto understandtheimportanceofmakingsubstantialchangesin thewaywelookatconsumptionofenergyderivedfrom fossilfuels.
SolarPower—althoughsmall—isbeingrapidlyadoptedas asourceofelectricityinCanada.Asperthedatarecorded bytheGovernmentofCanada,thecapacityoftheSolarPV industryinCanadain2018was3,040MW.TheNational EnergyBoardprojectsthatsolarelectricitywillamountfor 1.2%ofthecountry’stotalenergyoutputandconsumption by2040.
Companiesoperatinginthesolarpowernichehave ceaselesslyemphasizedontheadoptionofcleanenergy. Throughcontinuoustechnologicalinnovationand development,thesecompanieshaveopeneddoorsto numerouspossibilitiesofattainingthisadoption.
OneprominentnameamongsuchcompaniesisCanadian SolarInc.,aleadingmanufacturerofsolarPVmodules, inverters,andaproviderofsolarenergysolutions.Withits headquartersinGuelph,Canada,thecompanyisaglobal energyproviderwithsuccessfulbusinesssubsidiariesin20 countries®ionson6continents.
AVisionofChange CanadianSolarInc.wasfoundedbyDr.ShawnQu,the Chairman,PresidentandChiefExecutiveOfficer,witha boldvisionofbringingsolarenergyintothousandsof householdsandbuildingabetterearthforthenext generations.Over14,000dedicatedemployeesofCanadian Solarstriveeachdaytomakethisvisionareality.
Thecompanyhastwomainlinesofbusiness.Theprimary linebeingmanufacturingandsaleofsolarproductsand services.Thesecondarybeingenergy–thedevelopment, construction,andsaleofsolarPVprojects,workingwith bothbuild-to-sellandbuild-to-holdbusinessmodels.
“Wehavegrownintooneoftheworld’slargestsolar photovoltaicproductsandenergysolutionsproviders,as wellasoneofthelargestsolarpowerplantdevelopers globally Wehavecumulativelydeliveredover55GWof solarmodulestothousandsofcustomersinmorethan150 countries,enoughtomeetthecleanandgreenenergyneeds ofapproximately14millionhousehold,”saysDr.Qu.
ExemplaryBusinessExcellence CanadianSolar’scomprehensiveproductportfoliocan efficientlymeetcustomers’solarneedswithleadingPV moduletechnology Toensurethatcustomersalwaysgetthe bestqualityproduct,thecompany’ssolarpanelsgothrough astaggering442qualitycontrolpointsrightfromraw materialtoproductdelivery.
Dr. Shwan Founder, Chairman, President and CEO
CanadianSolarisatotalsolutionprovider,withateamof expertscoveringProjectDevelopment,EPC,O&M,and AssetManagement.Itwasvoted#1modulesupplierforthe bestprice/performanceratioworldwidebyIHSMarkit’s customersurvey.Thecompanyisalsodedicatedtomaking thedifferencewhereveritoperates,whichiswhyithas waterandrawmaterialrecyclingprogramsinitsfactories andPVmodulerecyclingpartnershipintheUS,Australia, andEurope.
TheChangemaker’sJourney Dr.ShawnQufoundedCanadianSolarin2001tofoster sustainabledevelopmentandtocreateabetterandcleaner earthforfuturegenerationsbybringingelectricitypowered bythesuntomillionsofpeopleworldwide.
UnderDr.Qu’sleadership,CanadianSolarhasgrowninto oneofthelargestsolarphotovoltaicproductsandenergy solutionsproviders,aswellasoneofthelargestsolarpower plantdevelopersglobally.Thecompanyhascumulatively deliveredover55GWofsolarmodulestothousandsof customersinmorethan150countries,enoughtomeetthe
“ “ clean,greenenergyneedsofapproximately14million households.
Sharinghisadvicetothoseaspiringtoventureintothesolar manufacturingbusiness,Dr.Qusays,“First,findsomething youhavepassionin.Ipersonallylikesolarindustry,asit providesgreenenergyandbenefitsthewholehumanrace. ThehardworkIputinnotonlygavememonetarypayback, butalsospiritualaccomplishments.”
“Second,findsomethingyouhaveexperiencein.Inthe manufacturingbusiness,experienceisimportant.Youmust workinitforquiteaconsiderableamountoftimetobeable tofindsomethingspecialtostartwith.Last,findsomething youcandodifferently.Youneedtofindyourown differentiationatthebeginning,”Dr.Quexpresses.
OpinionsthatMatter WeaskedDr.ShawnQuforhisopinionontheimpactof thecurrentpandemiconthemanufacturingbusiness,to whichhesaid,“Whiletheevolutionofthepandemicis deeplydistressing,atCanadianSolar,werecognizethatitis
moreimportantnowthaneverforustostaystrong,calm, rational,andaboveall,safe.AtCanadianSolar,wefirmly standinsolidaritywithouremployees,customers,and partnersaroundtheworld.Thereisahugeimpacton economies,businesses,industries,andsociety.”
“Forexample,inflationarypressuresonthemanufacturing industry,includingsolar;delayedcapacityexpansionplans forallcommoditiesduringCOVID—capacityrestarttakes timeleadingtotemporaryshortageofcertainrawmaterials includingpolysilicon;temporaryimpactaslotsofupstream capitalinvestmentduetoattractivemargins—eventually restoreamorebalancedsupplyanddemand.”
“However,solarisstillthemostattractivesourceofenergy withlowestLCOE(levelizedcostofelectricity)andcarbon
footprint.Theglobalweighted-averagesolarPPApricefor solarfarmscommissioningin2021is$0.039perkWh, whichischeaperthanfossilfuelgenerationinmost countries.”
“800GWoffossilfuelcapacityisexpectedtoretireinthe nextdecade,and2,700GWinthenextthreedecades.So, theinnateeconomicsforsolarenergyisverystrong.When youlookatitintermsofclimateimpact,itisthebest solutiontotheeconomic,ecological,andsocialparity problemsweface–pandemicsituationornot,”addsDr. Qu.
Expressinghistakeontheimportanceofaligningone’s businesswiththelatesttechnologicaldevelopments,Dr.Qu says,“Inthelastseveralyears,theindustryenvisagedrapid changesintechnologies,forinstance,fromaluminumback
surfacecelltoPERCcell,andfromfull-cellmonofacial moduletobifacialhalf-cellmodules.Thistechnological developmenttransformedthewholeindustryandtheones leadingthesechangesbenefitedthemost.”
“Inthefollowingyears,weexpectnewtechnologieswill continueemergingasbefore.CanadianSolariscommitted todevelopingadvancedandbeneficialtechnologiesinthe wholevaluechainandtransformthosetoproductsand servicestobenefitourcustomers,”expressedDr.Qu.
VoyagingtowardsaBetterFuture TalkingabouthisvisionforsustainingCanadianSolar’s marketcompetencyinthecomingyears,DrQusays, “Innovationisakeyforourbusiness.CanadianSolarholds over2,500authorizedpatentsworldwideandhave3,500 patentsawaitingapprovaluntiltheendofMarch2021. From2020,therehasbeenashifttolargerwafersizesand modules,whichhasbeenamajordriverintherapidgrowth ofthetopendofsolarmodulewattranges.”
“However,Ithinkweshouldcontinuetoseefurther evolutionincelltechnologytoincreasethecellefficiency. Infact,wesetnewworldrecordsformulticrystallinecell efficiencythreetimesinthepastyears.Thetrickistodoit cost-effectivelyandreliablyatscale,whichweareworking on.”
“ThelatestexampleistheQ1productionofourfirstN-type heterojunction(HJT)solarcellfromourneweststate-ofthe-art250MWpilotline.Ourteamsarerapidlyimproving
thecellconversionefficiencyofthesenewcells,andwe expecttostartdeliveringourfirstcutting-edgeHJTsolar modulesinthethirdquarterthisyear,”saysDr.Qu.
CanadianSolarhasbeentransitioningfromapuresolar modulemanufacturertoanintegratedsolarsystemsolution provider,andprojectdevelopmentsince2009.Withthe company’sexpandingproduct,serviceportfolio,and expertiseteam,itcanprovidecustomerswithatrueone stopsolution,offeringintegrateddesign,fasterdeployment, andlowersystemcost.
TheteamatCanadianSolarareoftheopinionthatenergy storagewillbeacriticalenablerofthesolarenergymarket goingforward.Inthisaspect,thecompanyhasnearly doubleditstotalstorageprojectdevelopmentpipelineand expectsthispositivemomentumtocontinue,whichshould greatlyenhancethevalueofitsdevelopmentpipeline.
Thecompanyfurtherstrengtheneditscompetitiveposition withitsrecentstrategicpartnershipwithAIEnergyStorage OptimizationCompanycalled Habitat Energy,whichwill leverageCanadianSolar’sglobalscaleandplatform,while helpingitimprovethesoftwarecapabilitiesofitsbattery storageprojects.
“Asalways,CanadianSolarisattheforefrontof developingandcommercializingtheenergyinnovations thatmattertoourcustomers,”concludesDr.Qu.
The of FUTURE MACHINE Vision Technology Repetitivetasksbecomeboringwithtime,nomatter howexcitingtheymayseematthebeginning.Isn’t it?Thedescendinginterestinrepetitivework affectsthequalityandproductivityofthecompany.Tothis, thequestionarises,howhavehumansmadethese monotonoustasksinteresting?
Humansareknownasthemostintelligentbeingsonearth. Andwiththisintelligence,humansarereadytocreate groundbreakingsolutionsforeveryotherchallengeinthe world.Technologywillbethekeyinstrumentinthehands ofhumansinpioneeringthesesolutions.
Globalbusinessesareslowlyandsteadilyrealizingthe potentialoftechnology Thewideimplementationof technologyacrossindustriesisasignthattheindustry4.0 erahasbegun.Asautomationistheindustry’stopmost focus,MachineVisionTechnology(MVT)willhavea majorroletoplayinmakingindustrialautomationinto reality.
MachineVisionTechnology Machinevisionisatechnologythatcombinessoftwareand hardwaresystemstoprovideoperationalguidancetothe devicesinordertoperformtheirfunctionsbasedon capturingandprocessingimages.
Whatcanmachinevisiontechnologydo?Theshortanswer isthatitcansavelivesattheirfullpotential.For automation,machinesmustinteractandcollaboratewith eachotherandtheotherobjectsaroundthem.Thiscoworkingbetweenthemachinesislargelydependentupon machinevisiontechnology
TheSignificanceofMVTinAutomation Thefutureoftheindustryliesinautomation.Automation canbeappliedinmanypartsoftheworldasitreduces humanerrors,enhancesproductivity,andensuresthesafety oftheworkforce.
Industrialautomationisdependentonthelearningabilityof themachines.Themachinemustbeabletorecognize, count,evaluate,anddecodetheobjectsplacedbeforeit. Thesefeaturesenablemachinestoworkonassignedtasks quicklywithoutcausinganyerrors.
Today,machinevisiontechnologyispartofmanyindustries worldwide.Itiswidelyusedinsemiconductors,electronics, pharmaceuticals,packaging,medicaldevices,automotive, andconsumergoods.
Duetoitswidepotentialacrossindustries,machinevision technologyhasbecomethemajorareaforresearchers, developers,andcompaniestoworkonacrosstheworld. Below are some areas where machine vision technology will play a significant role in the future.
MakingFactoriesSmarter Machinevisiontechnology,rightfromitsbeginning,has beenknownforcontinuallyimprovingpriceand performanceratios.Today,machinesarecapableofquickly andaccuratelycompletingsimpleandcomplextaskswithin ashorttime.Astheybecomeintelligentwiththeadditionof visiontechnology,machineswillneedlittleornohuman interventionincompletingthetask.
Withthepreprogrammedinstructions,theycananalyzethe taskmuchfasterwithouthumanassistance.Theinclusionof machinevisiontechnologyinfactoryoperationsmakes factoriessmarter,moreefficient,enhanced,andsafer
IndustrialRobotization Mostmanufacturersarelookingforwaystoinvolverobots inrepetitiveandriskyproductionprocesses.Machinevision isthekeyfeatureofrobotics.Thelatestmachinevision facilityisamustforindustrialrobotstoworkbetterand fasterwithlittleornohumanintervention.
Robotsalreadyenablefaster,cheaper,andbetterperformingautomationacrossindustrialsettings.For example,qualityassessmentprocesses,usuallyscheduledat regularintervals,arewell-suitedforcomingunder automationusingrobotswithmachinevision.
SupportingHealthcareOperations Thehealthcaresectorisalreadyimplementingmachine visiontechnologyinitscomplicatedprocesses.As technologyimproveswithtime,machineswillbeableto assistmedicalprofessionalsinperformingcomplex operationsandsurgerieswithmuchmoreeaseand accuracy
Theotherbenefititwillprovideisthatwithamerephotoor video,themachinewillbeabletodetectthehealthproblem thatpersonisgoingthrough.Doctorswouldbeableto diagnosepatients’illnessesremotelywiththehelpof machinevision.Themachinevisiontechnologyprovedits utilitywhenitwasusedtodetecttheCOVID-19symptoms.
SecurityandSurveillance Thesedays,videosurveillancecamerascanbefound almosteverywhere–inoffices,banks,hospitals,parking lots,malls,airports,andmore.Theyaredeployedtosustain relativepeaceandreducecriminalincidents.
ThesecameraswithAIcapabilitieshelptracktheactivities happeningonthepremisesandcheckandreportifany suspiciousactivitiesarehappening.Theyarealsohelpfulin seeingifthehealthcareprotocolsareallowedornot. Machinevisioncansignificantlyhelpinminimizingthe securityrisksfacedbyorganizations.
TheFutureMarketforMVT Nearlyeveryotherindustrycanutilizethepowerof machinevisionsinceitprovidestheabilitytoexecutethe taskwithcompleteaccuracy Themanufacturingindustry
currentlyusestechnologywidelytospeedupitsoperations anddeliverthebestqualityproducts.Inaddition,itisalso usedtoperformquantumoperations.
Amarketsurveywebsite(marketsandmarkets.com)study suggeststhattherevenueoftheMVTwas$11billionin 2021andisprojectedtoreachUSD15.5billionby2026,at aCAGRof7.0%duringtheforecastperiod.
TheBottomLine Allthingsconsidered,itcanbesaidthatthefutureof machinevisionlooksbright.Ithasthepotentialtobecome anequalalternativetothehumaneye.Thetechnologywill beabletoprovideon-demandassistanceinlearning, analyzing,andprocessingthedatawithminimalorno possibilityoferror
Fromtheeasiesttaskstothemostcomplicatedones, machinevisionwillbeabletoautomatethemasitimproves withtime,enablinghumanstorealizethefullpotentialof thetechnology.
- Vishal Golekar
ComputerNumericalControl(CNC)hassweptthe worldofmanufacturingwithitsprecision,quick deliveryandcost-effectiveness.Thisautomated controlofmachinetoolswiththehelpofcomputerhas shownvastimprovementincomparisontonon-computer machining.
Onesuchcompanythathasrevolutionizedthe manufacturingspacewithitsefficientautomatedsolutions canmoveyourcompanyintoafullyautomatedoneis CIMtechMfg.Theyareleadingthewayfor manufacturing,acompanywithareputationfor lowering your part costs.CIMtechMfg.,hasalreadystarted embracing INDUSTRY 4.0 smartmanufacturinginitiatives.
ItisoneofNorthAmerica'spremiereCNCmachineshops andspecializeinafullscopeofservicessuchas:CNC Machining,PrototypingMachining,ProductionMachining, SheetMetalFabrication,Sub-AssembliesandCMM ServicesforAerospace&Defence,Energy,Consumer Products,Healthcare,Automotive,Aerospace,Defence, Medical,Hi-TechElectronicsandTransportationsectors.
CIMtechMfg.,hastheexperience,resources,and managementcapabilitytoensurethesafeandsuccessful completionofeveryjob.Oneofthestrengthsofthe companyisadvancedmanufacturingprocessesand techniques–butittacklesprojectslargeorsmall,simple,or complex.Thecompanyutilizesstate-of-the-arthighspeed CNCequipment,andisalwaysfocusedonfindingsmarter andmorecreativewaystogetthejobdonequicklyand efficiently
TheHistory CIMtechMfg.,isawell-establishedmanufacturing companywithareputationfordeliveringqualityandvalue. IthasbecomeoneofleadingCNCMachineshopsopening itsdoorsin2000.Thecompany'suniquecombinationof
manufacturingengineeringsolutionsandprecisionCNC machiningexpertisecandeliveryourCNCmachined projectsinalltypesofmetals,plastics,andexoticmaterials.
Therefore,itslongstandingestablishedhistoryoftwo decadesisatestamenttoitsdedicationtoitscustomersand conductingbusinesswiththehighestethicalstandards.
Withover20+yearsinoperation,CIMtechhasearneda reputationforprovidinginnovativeandcost-effective solutionsthatsaveclientsbothtimeandmoney;having effectivesystems,processes,andpoliciesinplace;and havingaprojecthistorythatdemonstratesadepthof expertiseandexperience.
Mission Thecompany'smissionservesastheindustrystandard againstwhichitweighsitsactionsanddecisions.
· TospecializeinCNCMachining,fromprototypeto production.
· Toattractandretainqualitypeoplethroughrecruitment, training,andeffectiveprocesses.
· Tofosteracorporateculturewhereitspeoplehaveasafe andrewardingworkenvironment.
· Todeliverprojectsonscheduleandonbudget.
· TooptimizeresourcesusingDigitalWorkflow–ERP software.
· Toseekbusinessopportunitiesthatoptimizeandgrow CIMtechmulti-disciplinarycapabilities.
· Toestablishanddevelopstrategicpartnershipsthatmeet orexceedcustomerrequirements.
Vision CIMtechMfg.,willbeanindustryleaderinproduct developmentfromconcepttomanufacturingforHigh-Tech andFuelCellcompaniesinNorthAmerica.
Top 10 Machine Vision Solu on Companies to Watch
Paul Ghotra CEO
Keyfocusondevelopingproductswhichenhancepeople's lifestylewithcommitmenttoquality,constantinnovation, andrespectfortheplanet.
Values Thecompany'sValuesserveasamoralcompassforits actionsandguidehowitbehaveseverydayandensureits actionsreflectwellonitself,itscolleagues,anditsclients. CIMtechcorevaluesare:
· Integrity–Thequalityofbeinghonestandhavingstrong moralprinciples;moraluprightness.
· Excellence–Commitmenttoexcellenceandbuildingwith quality
· Commitment–Dowhatwesaywearegoingtodo.
· Entrepreneurship–Continuallyseekoutopportunitiesto innovate,tobechallengedandtogrow.
· Accountability–Beleaderswhotakeresponsibilityand ownershipforwhattheydo.
DFMServices Usingyearsofmachiningandengineeringsupport CIMtech'smanufacturingexpertscanassistinyour machiningprojects.WhenyoupartnerwithCIMtech,you canutilizeitsfreemanufacturingdesignfeedbacktohelp lowercostontheirCNCMachinedParts.
WhetheryouhaveasimpleprojectorcomplexsubassembliesCIMtech'sin-houseresourcesandexpertisewill ensureprojectsarecompletedontimewithabovequality everytime.Thecompany'smachiningexpertsutilizelatest CADCAMsoftware.
Aftermfg.designfeedbackbeingapprovedbyits customers,CIMtechtakesittothenextphaseand manufacturespartsthepartsthecustomerwantsand assemblesthemin-house.Thecompany'sstate-of-the-art Hi-Techmanufacturingfacilitieswilldeliverthepartsor sub-assembledunitsincludingalldocumentation.
Thisensures–
· Improvementonmanufacturabilityandfunction
· Manufacturingfeedback
· Reverseengineering
· Prototyping
CNCMachiningwithPrecisionEngineeringSolutionsto SolveYourToughestManufacturingChallenges.
CIMtech'sManufacturingExperts,JourneymenCNC Machinists,ToolMakersandCertifiedQuality/GD&T TechniciansprovideprecisionCNCservicestosolveyour toughestmanufacturingchallenges.Itutilizesthelatest engineeringtechnologiestomeetyourCNCmachining requirements.
EminentLeadership Thecompanyhasflourishedundertheeminentleadership ofPaulGhotra,theCEO.PaulmovedtoVancouver, Canadain1988andstartedhismanufacturingengineering careerinoneoftheleadinghi-technologycompaniesin BritishColumbia,beingapartofcompanythathada growthfrom10employeestartupto5000employeesina fifteen-yearperiodhasenhancedhispassiontocontinueto growandpushthroughtheobstacles.
Duringhischildhood,hisfatherhadgreatdesiretoeducate himtobecomeapioneerintheengineeringfield.Hisfather passedawaywhenhewasayoungboy.Sincethen,hehas madehislifelongmissiontopursuethisprofessiontofulfill hisfather'spassionforengineering.Paulwastrainedinone oftoptechnicalinstituteinprecisionmechanics, instrumentation,andmanufacturingengineering.
SincePaulstartedCIMtechMfg.twodecadesagohehas beeninstrumentalintrainingengineersinDFMprocesses. Theobjectiveofcourseistodesignforlowercosts.The costbeingdrivenbytime,sothedesignmustminimizethe timerequirednotjusttomachine,butalsooptimizingsetuptimeoftheappropriateCNCmachinebeingused.
Hehasbeenapartofmanynewproductdevelopment cycles,startingfromproofofconcepttofullproduction givinghimrichunderstandinginoptimizingfor manufacturingcostreductionduringinitialstagesofthe designphase.
"Manufacturingisoneofthelargestpillarsofgrowthand stabilityinanyeconomy,"saidPaul.Thecustomersof CIMtechMfg.havealwayshelpedthecompanyingrowing bygivingproductivefeedback.
"CIMtechMfg.isaremarkablyagilecompanythatflows withourdemandsforprecisionmanufacturingandsubassemblies.WorkingwithPaulandhisstaffmakesusat SandVaultGroupconfidentinachievingourgoals.
CIMtechDFMfeedbackwasinstrumentalinreducingcost ofourproducts,eveninthemostchaotictimesoftheyear. Althoughthetimelinesaresometimesrushed,CIMtech manufacturingqualityneverfalters.Wearelookingforward toworkingwiththeCIMtechteamforyearstocome".–Derrick Moennick, VP Business Development
Kelli Maxwell is the CEO and Founder of Ember Marke ng Group based in Billings, MT USA
Kelli is na onally known as the “Content Queen” and has in innate ability to authen cally amplify her client’s brand and voice through the content she and her agency create for them. Learn more at embermg.com
Bio 32|April 2022|www.insightssuccess.com
Content is Queen ContentMarketing’…wehearitoften,butwhatisit truly?Simplyput,contentisthecreationofphotos, videos,memes,blogs,orcaptionsthatpeopleput intotheonlineworld.Marketingistheactofmakingothers awareofit.Contentistheinformationweallconsume online,inournewsfeeds,andintheadsthatstalkus incessantly
Gonearethedaysofoldschooladagenciesfacilitatingbig spendingontv,radio,andnewspaper.Justafewdecades ago,onlythetitanswithaheftybudgetcouldaffordto advertiseandgettheirmessageintotheworld.Socialmedia completelyleveledtheplayingfieldforeveryone.Anyone canhaveavoice,buildabrand,andattracttheiraudience withthecontenttheyputout;withoutevenspendinga dime.
Whenwasthelasttimeyoulistenedtotheradioand enduredhoursofads?Mostofuswouldratherpaythefee onastreamingservice,neverlistentoapaidadagain,and notevennoticingthatweareinundatedonsocialmedia withmessaging.Thisisbecauseitcomesacrossas authenticcontentthatentertainsus,engagesusoreducates us.Itresonateswithusorelicitsanemotionalresponse,and weappreciatethetimethatcompanytooktospeakdirectly tous.
Ourworldwasrecentlyrockedbyapandemic,anelection andseveralchangestothewayweareabletoadvertise digitallyandwhowecantarget.Yetonedigitalmarketing principalremainstrue- content is still queen
It’shumannaturetolookfortheeasywayout.Tofind automationsandprocessesthatreplacehumaninteractions andthetimespentfacilitatingthem;toworksmarter,not harder.Butweseemtobeforgettingonething.Themost importantthing:HumansdobusinesswithHUMANS.Not bots,notfunnels,notautomationsanddefinitelynotspam messages,emailsandads.
Especiallynowwhenconsumerprivacyisparamount,the wayyouattractpeopleonlinetoyourbrandisoftheutmost importance.It’sfoundthatthecontentbrandsareputting outonsocialmediaplatforms.Isyourcontentgeneric, boringandirrelevant?Orisitauthentic,bold,pushingthe boundariesbetweenfollowingadvertisingguidelineswhile stillbeinghilariousorprofound?
Theadagenciesofolddidonethingexceptionallywell. TheycaredaboutPEOPLE.Theywinedanddinedtheir clients.Theyspenttimewiththemoutsidetheagency,they gottoknowwhotheytrulywereaspeopleandwhythey caredsomuchabouttheirbrands.Theyinvestedthousands intolearningwhichadswouldspeaktotheiraudiencewhile alsohonoringtheirclient’spersonalbeliefsand philosophies.Itwasanartthathasnotbeenlostonthe contentcreatorsoftoday
Socialmediatookthatawayfromus,foratime.We becameimpersonal,usedfilterstohideourtrueselvesand onlypostedthehighlightreelsofourlivestoelicitenvyand jealousyfromothers.Butnow,especiallynowthatwe’ve survivedthelastfewyearsoflockdowns,restrictions,and divisionamongstourselves,wecraveconnectionmorethan ever Thisiswhyauthenticcontentmarketingwillalways emergevictorious.
Nomatterwhatwegothrough,humansarewiredfor connectiontootherhumans.Nomatterhowmanydollar billswemakethroughbotsandautomations,ifallofthat werestrippedaway,I’dhopewe’dstillhaverelationships andpeopletoseeusthroughthehardestoftimes.
Howareyouconnectingwithyourpeople?Asthe landscapeofmarketingchangesyetagain,Iurgeyouto utilizeyourvoiceonline,throughsocialmediaplatforms,to spreadyourmessageinanauthenticandunapologeticway thatattractsyouraudience,keepsthemengagedwithyour brandandconnectswiththeminawaythatnootherform ofmarketingcando.
TOP Trends in Emerging MachineVision Technology Itisnolongeradoubtwhetherasystemshouldutilize visionandimaging,butratherit’sanecessitytoadopt it.
Asweallknow,theonsetoftheCOVID-19pandemichas playedtheroleofacatalystinadvancingtechnology
Accordingtotherecentstatisticalreportfromthe AssociationforAdvancingAutomation(A3),theinitialsix monthsof2021sawanupsurgeof18percentascompared tothatof2020.Theindustryisexpectedtoboostfurther, andnowherewillthenumbersdecline.
Onemayobviouslyask,whatbroughtthismassive increase?
Andhereisacatch,machinevisionsystemshave significantlyshownimprovementinthebusinessprocess. Fromimprovingproductivity,efficiency,andqualityto reducingcostsforthemarket,machinevisionhasacquired thecenterstage.
Simplyput,machinevisionsolutionshavehelpedadvance qualitybyrecognizingdefectsatafasterratethanmanual corrections.Providinghumanoperatorswithefficient information,machinevisionhashelpedthemmake essentialadjustmentstotheirproductionside.
Asthetechnologyhasasubstantialimpactonthe manufacturingandindustrialsector,ithasrevolutionizedit throughtheneweraofdigitalization,whichfurthermakesit muchmorepromisingforthecompaniestoadoptit.
Thisarticlewillhighlightsomeofthemachinevision trendsthatarepredictedtodominateintheupcomingyears.
EmbeddedVision Embeddedvisioncombinesimagecapturesandprocessing capabilitiessimplyintoasingledevice.Suchtechnology hasfounditswayintoabroaderrangeofindustrial applicationssuchassortingsystemsandinspections.Many industrialmanufacturingunitshaveimplantedthis technologyintoproductslikedriverlessvehicles, autonomousdrones,andalsointosmartphones.
VisionGuidedRobotics TheVisionGuidedRoboticsprovidesmoreintelligentand quicker3Dmeasurementandguidancesupport,further makingthetechnologydemandmorepromising.The promisingnatureofthistechnologyisalsointermsof addressingtheagingpopulation,whichwillraisethelabor costsbyperformingthesametasksashumans.
TheRiseinDemandfor3DInspection Thecontemporaryconventionalinspectionmethod accountsforinspectionandmeasurementintwodimensional.Thishasrestrainedusersfromaccessingdata andanalyzingpartstructurewithconfidence,asthe concludingdataisrestrictedtoaflat2Dx-rayimage.This loopholehascausedthesuddengrowthanddemandfor3D inspectionsystems.Itcanobserve,inspectandscrutinize objectswithgreateraccuracy,thusimprovingthe applicationperformance.
HeightenedUseofSwirlCameras SWIRLtechnologybasicallyreferstoShort-waveinfrared,
whichisavisiblelineinphotonsreflectedorabsorbedbya particularobjectwhichisnecessarytoprovideastrong contrastneededforhigherresolutionimaging.Withthe advancementsinsensortechnology,theuseofSWIRL camerasisincreasing,especiallyinapplicationssuchas siliconinspections,laserbeanprofilingchemicalandplastic sense,andmuchmore.Itcoversthewavelengthof900nm1700nm,whichhasincreasedthedemandforSWIRLinthe market.
TheRiseinLiquidLenses Thetraditionallensesinindustrialapplicationshavelost theirdemandafterliquidlenseshavedisruptedthemarket withtheirwiderangeofbenefits.Theyareasingleoptical liquidmaterialthatcanchangeitsshape.Theselensesare notjustimplantedinthesmartsensorsandsmartcameras butarenowbeingusedinanumberofapplications, includingdigitalphotography,industrialdatacapture, biometricdataacquisition,andmanymore.
ThermalImaging Thispowerfulremotesensingtechniqueisusedforsecurity, publicsafety,anddefensetechnology.ThermalImaging simplyreferstotheprocessofconvertinginfraredradiation intovisualimagesthatdemonstratethespatialdeliveryof temperaturevariancesinasceneobservedbyathermal camera.Itbasicallymeasuresthetemperatureorthe emissionswiththegivenprocessremotely
ImprovisingtheAR/VRCapabilities ARandVRtechnologiesarecomprehensivebeyondtheir latentuseforvideogamesandentertainment.Theyare beingusedforreal-timeinstructions,trainingworkers. MuchmoreMachinevisionisevolvingthecapabilitiesof ARandVRtothesubsequentlevelinthequestformore accuratevirtualrestorationsofreality
EnhancingQualityAnalysis MachineVisionsystemscombineimageprocessingwith manufacturingautomation.Thesesystemscanprovidea fast,economicalandreliableinspectionthatenhances qualityaswellasbusinessefficiency.Responsibilities performedbyamachinevisionsystemcanincludemethods suchasimageacquisition,processingoranalysis,and recognition.
EnhancingSupplyChainVisibility Machinevisioninthesupplychainpromisesa technologicaltransformation,providingefficientautomated outboundlogisticsauthentication.Itfacilitateslessening operationalcosts,enhancesprofitabilitythroughzero shippingmistakes,andmaximizesprocesscompetence throughautomateddatacapture.Whileboostingsupply chainvisibilityisacontinuousprocess,manufacturersand shippingcompaniesareanticipatedtoleveragemachine visiontechniquesintheyearsahead.
WrappingUp Theemergingtrendsaboveshowthatthemachinevision marketisgrowingfourfoldandisnotsettoslowdown anytimesoon.Asbusinessesstruggledtomeettheir consumerdemandswithreducedlaborduetothepandemic, automationandroboticshavegiventhemthestrengthand capabilitiestorecovertheirrespectivelosses.Bystating this,notfaristhetimeforbusinessestosaythat‘Machine Vision’hasbecometheirnewnormal.
- Shrutika Khedekar
Wilson Chiu President
TheleadingmanufacturingcompaniesofCanada employcutting-edgetechnologiestodeliverthe bestproductstotheirclients.Theyleavenostone unturnedtoensurethattheclients’requirementsare fulfilled.Workethicsandexcellentqualityarethe hallmarksofthesecompanies.Theyefficientlyutilizethe resourcesanddeliverproductsofthehighestquality
Onesuchprominentmanufacturingcompanyachieving excellenceinitsnichemarketisKingstecTechnologies Inc.Withmorethan38years’expertiseinbusinessand over5000projectscompletedtodate,itisaleading engineering,manufacturing,andlogisticsbusinesspartner servingcompaniesofallsizesinNorthAmericaand Europe.
Establishedin1983,Kingstecisheadquarteredin Mississauga,Canada,andpartnerswithISO-certified manufacturingfacilitiesthroughoutAsia.Workingwith start-upsandestablishedbrandsalike,Kingstecemploysa teamofhighlyspecializedengineers,logistics professionals,andexperiencedprojectmanagersto shepherdprojectsfromideationstraightthroughtomarket.
Kingstecconnectscustomersinabroadrangeofniches withworld-classandengineeringservicesinNorth America,andwithcost-efficient,highlyadaptablecontract manufacturersinAsia.Solvingeventhemostcomplex engineeringchallenges,thecompanyhasearnedcustomers’ trustbymaintainingthestrictestqualitystandardswhile helpingtogettheirproductsquicklyandreliablyintothe marketplace.
ExcellenceRedefined Kingstechasnearlyfortyyearsofexperiencein engineering,manufacturing,andprojectmanaging electronicsfornon-implantablemedicaldevices, performanceautomotiveaftermarket,agricultural technology,telecommunications,andindustrialcontrols.
Withitsin-houseteamofexperiencedelectricaland mechanicalengineers,thecompanypossessestheabilityto supporttheprojectsofitsclientsatanystage.The company’sareasofexpertiseinclude:
Ÿ Customcableassembliesandwireharnesses
Ÿ PCBsandPCBassemblies
Ÿ Plasticinjectionmoldedparts
Ÿ Box-buildturnkeyassemblies
Ÿ Stampedmetalcomponents
Ÿ Precisionmachinedparts
Becauseit’sbeenintheindustryforaseveraldecades, Kingstechasworkedcloselywithclientsindiverse industriesandsectors.Thestaffhashoneditsknowledge andskillsinmeetingawidearrayofdesign,engineering, manufacturing,andlogisticalchallenges.
Beyondthat,Kingstec’scloserelationshipswithitspartners inAsiagiveitatremendousadvantage.“We don’t just speak the languages, we understand business culture and the nuances by which terms are agreed and promises kept,” saysWilsonChiu,presidentofthecompany
Theteamknowshowtospotpotentialrisksorpitfallsand dealwiththembeforetheyturnintoproblems.Thankstoits constantpresenceinAsiaandworkingalongsideits partnerstokeepvariousmanufacturingjobsontrack,the companyhelpsclientscircumventtripstoAsiaandavoid off-hourmeetings,savingthemprecioustime.Kingstec takesonalltheresponsibilitiesofselectingandmanaging therightAsianpartnersforitscustomers’projectssothey canfocusontheircorebusinessneeds.
TheVisionaryLeader WilsonChiu,presidentofKingstec,hasbeenwiththe organizationforover20years.Throughhisrole,Mr Wilsonworkstoensurethateverydimensionofthe companyisfocusedonhelpingmeetcustomers’offshore manufacturingneedsquickly,smoothly,andcost-efficiently. Whilecreatingguidingstrategy,innovationinitiatives,and customerrelations,heoverseesahighlyexperiencedteam ofengineers,logisticsspecialists,andprojectmanagers.
BeforejoiningKingstec,Mr WilsonworkedforalargeTier 1automotivesupplier,holdingpositionsinproductdesign andengineering.AlicensedProfessionalEngineer,heholds abachelor’sdegreeinMechanicalEngineeringfrom RyersonUniversityandisfluentinCantonese.
BravingthePandemic Likeanyothercompany,Kingstecalsohadtofaceseveral challengesstemmingfromtheimpactoftheCOVID-19 pandemic.Theadditionallengthinleadtimehashadthe biggestimpact.“We’ve seen longer lead times for all raw
materials, along with price increases for these materials,” statesMr.Wilson.
Shippingchallengeshavealsobeensubstantial.Limited shippingcapacityandtheresultingriseinpriceshavebeen difficult.Mr Wilsonfurtheradds,“Between a mysterious shortage in shipping containers, reduced travel, reduced port staff – and then the curveball of the blocked Suez Canal, it’s hard to predict what will happen next.”The companyhadtotakecarefulstepsandhadtoremain extremelytransparentinitsconversationsaboutleadtime andpricing.
TheKingstecteamrealizedthatadoptinga‘mix & match’ strategyhasbeeneffective.Ithasbeenbuyingmany componentslocallyinNorthAmerica.Thecompany handlesthekittinginitsCanadianfacility,thenships everythingbacktoChinaforassembly.Itaddsasmallsum totheoverallcost,butthecompanycangetwhatitneeds relativelyquickly–sometimesshaving20weeksoffthe leadtime.Ultimatelythisstrategykeepsleadtimeswithina rangethatisacceptableforcustomers.“We’re fortunate to have a strong and experienced supply chain management team, because logistics and component sourcing have played a much more prominent role over the last 18 months,”assertsMr.Wilson.
KeepingupwithTechnologicalAdvancements Kingstecbelievesthatitisnecessarytohavethelatestand greatestCADsoftwaretoensuretheyareaheadintheir capabilitiesandthateveryonecansharefileseasily.The companyopinesthatitisalsoimportantthateveryonein thecompanyhasallthenecessaryhardwareandsoftwarein theofficeandequipmentintheengineeringlabsothatthey canworkquicklyandefficientlywithup-to-datesoftware, andtoreducetheinevitabledowntimethatcomeswith olderequipment.
Mr.Wilsonbelievesthatfromanengineeringstandpoint,as electronicsevolve,individualskillsetsalsomustbe enhanced.“We work with a lot of start-ups, and we want their products to be able to do all of the things consumers today expect – like using the latest chipsets and mobile modules, so products can respond to voice controls, or mobile apps.”
WordsofEncouragement Inhisadvicetotheup-and-comingentrepreneursaspiring toventureintothemanufacturingspace,Mr Wilsonstates,
“Build your networking skills! Particularly in engineering, this is a very undervalued skill, but it so important. You need to make connections early on if you want to win jobs, secure funding for your venture, or attract new clients. And you need to start early, or you’ll leave university with a blank resume and an uphill battle to fight. If you’re still in school, start now: join associations, attend meetings, go to department events.”
RoadTowardstheFuture Kingstecbelievesintakingatraditionalapproachto sustainingitsbusiness.Itaimstoalwaysfocuson relationships.“We’ll always put a high priority on face-toface meetings with clients and partners,”statesMr Wilson.
Beforethepandemic,thecompanyusedtoplanvisitsas oftenaspossible;notjustforfactorytoursandmeetings, butalsotohavesomesocialtime,likealunchordinner together Themanagementfeelsitisimportanttogetto knowclientsbeyondZoommeetings,tohaveapersonal touch.Itisveryeasytodownplaytheimportanceofthose relationships,buttheyreallyareimportant.
Kingstecplanstostayfocusedonservingitsniche.The majorityofitsclientsareinthemedicalspace.Clientsalso tendtobesmallerbusinessesratherthangiantOEMs.
Theseareclientswhomightgetlostwithabiggerpartner, butKingstecknowsthatitcandelivertheexcellentservice, quality,andpricingthesebusinessesdeserve.Mr.Wilson firmlybelievesthatthereisastrengthinunderstanding one’scorecompetencyandknowingone’sstrengths.
Thecompanyplanstogrowoverthenextfiveyears.Italso intendstodomorewithitsexistingclients,aswellas addingnewones.“We’ve invested more in marketing this year to achieve that,”statesMr Wilson.Kingstecalsoaims toexpanditssupplierbase;accordingly,itislookingat partnerswithnewtechnologiessothatitcanserveclients betterandexpanditscapabilities.
Possessingunparalleledexpertiseinacertainnicheis whatdefinesacompany’spositioninthemarket. Thisexpertiseiswhatseparatesthebestfromthe crowd.Ensuringtrustandbuildingconfidencewithin stakeholdersandcustomerscanbeachievedeffortlessly whenthisprovenexpertiseisexhibited.
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Inpertinence,Wattco hasbeenexhibitingthisexpertise formorethanfiftyyearsintheElectricalandElectronic Manufacturingniche.Thecompanyhasbeeninthe businessofmanufacturingacompletelineofflangeheaters, circulationheaters,tubularheaters,andimmersionheating elementsforawidevarietyofindustrialandcommercial applications.
Inthefollowinginterview,JasonToledano,theCEO shareswithusinsightsonthecompany’sproficiencyin deliveringqualityequipment,hisroleinspearheading Wattcotozenithsofsuccess,andwhatmorecanbe expectedinthefuture.
Belowarethehighlightsoftheinterview:
Briefourreadersaboutyourcompany,yourniche market,andyourvision.
Wearea50-year-oldengineeringsystemsmanufacturerof electricheatingprocessingequipmentandcontrolsfor manyindustriesincluding:RenewableEnergy,Chemical, OilandGas,Food,Defense,HVAC,andpharmaceutical sector.
Whatmakesyourcompanyapreferredchoiceoveryour competitors?Listtheproductsandyourexpertisethat youwanttohighlightinthisarticle.
Wattcoisoneofthefewremainingmanufacturersthatcan offercertifiedhazardouslocationsystemsforbothcontrols andprocessheatingequipment.Weofferextremelyquick engineeringtomanufacturingtimes,trainedknowledgeable staffandonlyusethehighestqualityofrawmaterials coupledwithoverahalfcenturyofexperience.
Ourinternalstructureisprimarilybasedaroundcorefamily valueswhichallowustoprovidethepersonalservicethatis lackingfromourcompetition.Ourimmersionheaterline, whichincludeelectricheaterssuchasflangedheaters,oil heaters,circulationheaters,skidheatingsystemsgive processindustriesthetoolstheyrequirefortheglobal projectdemandsthatrequirecleanenergyheat.
Renewableenergyisusingourductheatersforloadbanks andcontrolpanelsforprojectsthatdidnotexist30years ago.Infraredheatersarebeingusedformajorinfrastructure projectssuchastheREMprojectthatisrollingoutin Quebecandaroundtheworld.
Beinginaleadershipposition,whatisyouropinionon theimpactofthecurrentpandemiconthe manufacturingbusiness?
Asdevastatingasthepandemicis,itopensopportunitiesfor manufacturerslikeourselvestomoveoutofourcomfort zoneandthink‘outofthebox’tobecomemoreefficient andcompetitively
Thepandemicwillforcecompaniestobecomeleanerand morecompetitive.Lesswasteandmoreoutput.Reinvest intobettertechnologiessuchassoftwareandmachineryto allowforabetterROItoweathermoredifficulttimes.Most importantly,itwillgiveourexistingemployeesthe confidenceofgreatdecisionsandfuturegrowthgiventhe obstaclesthatwefaced.
Hownecessarydoyouthinkitistoalignone’sbusiness withthelatesttechnologicaldevelopments?
Thisisanecessity.ResearchandDevelopmentiskeyto competitivenessandtoimproveprofitabilityandimprove thequalityofourproducts.Reinvestmentintoadvanced machineryandcapitalequipmentiskeytoimproved efficienciesandprofitability.
Asanestablishedbusinessleader,whatwouldbeyour advicetothebuddingentrepreneursaspiringtoventure intothemanufacturingbusiness?
Doyourresearchwell,createagoodbusinessplan,anddo notsuccumbtodecisionsbasedonemotionsandmoreon quantifiablecalculatedrisks.Withthegenerational expectationschangingintheworkforce,thinking‘outofthe box’isn’tjustasuggestion,butmoreofanecessity.Salary isn’teverything.Offeringanopenatmospherebasedaround theemployees’needsismoreimportantnowthanever
Howdoyouenvisiononsustainingyourcompany’s competencyinthisever-cutthroatbusinessecosystem?
Beinginbusinessformorethan50yearsgivesusadditional edgeoverourcompetitionasourexperienceprovidesus businessinsighttohelpguideusthroughchallengingtimes.
Ourhighretentionratewithourcustomersisaresultofthe exceptionalrelationshipswe’vecultivatedovertheyears thatcouldonlyhelpusgrowthecompanyinareaswhere opportunitiespresentthemselves.
Wheredoyouseeyourcompanyinthenextfiveyears?
OpeningafacilityintheUnitedStatesandexpandingour productlinestohandletheever-increasingglobalprojects thatweareencounteringeverydayinordertohelp contributeinthereductionoffossilfueldependency
Abouttheleader JasonToledano,theCEOhasbroughthismotivational leadershiprequiredtopropelthecompanypastits competitorsbybeingconstantlyintouchwithhisentire staff,regardlessofpaygrade.Hisinsightintoopportunities allowsthecompanytoworkrapidlyanddeploystrategies thatpreparesthecompanyforthewaveofdemandthatis constantlyevolving.
Expansionintobuildinginfrastructure,reinvestmentinto capitalmachineryandqualitypersonnel,aswellasthe creationofsynergiesamongourexistingsupplierscreatesa partnershiprelationshipratherthana‘customer/supplier dynamic’.Thisinvaluableleadershipopensuplimitless possibilitiesforthecompanyasawhole.
