Technology keeps businesses competitive by Kristine Thomas The excitement level is notable whether it is Merrissa and Andrew Burleigh of West Coast Companies in Salem discussing automatic palletizers or Tom Avinelis of Agriculture Capital explaining how blueberries are photographed to detect any defects such as bruising or discoloration. Their eyes lite-up as they discuss how technology is a game-changer for their business. “We use algorithms to determine the quality of each blueberry,” Avinelis said. “The whole goal of using technology is to make certain we deliver the highest quality blueberries to our customers.” From farmers and land surveyors using drones to food processors to metal manufacturers using robotic equipment, traded-sector businesses in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties understand technological advancements are a necessity to remain competitive in today’s marketplace.
high levels of accuracy before incorporating new systems into our daily work.“ Carlson said. AKS’ lead drone surveyor Josh Kowalski said using drones allows them to “fly” to a site in a few hours, compared to a few days for a conventional field crew. The data captured by a drone can often be processed in a few hours and results in detailed imagery that can be used for drafting existing conditions plans and general visualization purposes. “Drones are another tool in a land surveyors toolbox, but these systems, like any other technological advancement, require rigorous training, careful quality assurance/ quality control procedures, and a deep-rooted understanding of tool and data limitations,” he said. “If used properly in the right application, drones can collect an immense amount of accurate data in a much shorter amount of time.”
Technology in your business
As a senior financial advisor at Capstone Wealth Advisors in Salem, Ryan Skogstad works with about 125 clients. In trying to research investments, manage client portfolios, and communicate and meet with clients, time becomes a valuable commodity. His time is much better spent in meeting or talking with clients, rather than fumbling through outdated technology. And if the stock market goes up or dives, it’s possible he could have 125 clients wanting answers to questions in one day. In 2017, Capstone Wealth Advisors implemented a new software platform to provide its clients with quicker access to their individual portfolios. “Each client can access their account information online and be able to drilldown into what makes up their portfolio and current positioning,” Skogstad said. “The new technology gives us another platform on how we share information with our clients.” On a regular basis, each client is receiving a written statement from him as well as a summary of current standing. This individually tailored statement allows him to reach each client frequently, saving him time to do more face-to-face meetings. “The old system we used was more generic and driven by constraints driven from a large firm rather than the client,” he said. “The goal of our new independent platform is to be more transparent and communicate frequently. We are providing clients with more information and making it more accessible for them to obtain and understand.”
When deciding how to use technology to provide your company a competitive advantage, experts advise looking at how technology can benefit each area and function. For example, if you provide smart phones and computers to your employees, what features or programs will best help them do their jobs? Throughout Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties, technology is being used in a variety of ways from designing and creating new products and services to how technology can solve problems such as labor shortages, meeting customer demands or selling on a global market. “Technology is key to keeping businesses competitive,” Andrew Burleigh said. SEDCOR sent out a request to its members asking for how they use technology. Here are a few who shared their stories.
AKS Engineering & Forestry The use of drones is on the rise in many industries and surveying is no exception where drones allow surveyors to collect data more efficiently. An associate at AKS Engineering & Forestry, Blair Carlson said AKS is always evaluating the newest technologies to assess how they can be used to advance its workflow. “Because so much rides on the accuracy of our work, we perform rigorous tests to ensure that any new tool meets 4 Enterprise Spring 2018
Capstone Wealth Advisors
Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley Technology Industry