Trailer Technology Trends Webinar Recap
Trailer Technology Trends Webinar Recap
Tracks
By Elizabeth Moore, NATM Tracks Editor in-house that were impossible to do before. Efficiency on the line can be increased by 30 to 60 percent while soft costs decrease. More parts per shift can be manufactured and ordering time and inventory can be reduced; more orders can be made to order. Although there can be a significant upfront cost for some automation systems—Sumig products run the gamut, ranging from $65,000 over $300,000—the focus should be on the return on investment (ROI.) Saumier explains the complete ROI for Sumig products is roughly a year and half no matter the initial cost of the product. This webinar was sponsored by IntelliFinishing
On May 20th, NATM hosted a Trailer Tech Trends webinar presented by NATM Technical Director Terry Jones with panelists Nathan Dossmann of Dec-O-Art, Steve Saumier of Sumig Automation, Cary Kronebusch from Peerless Industrial Group, and Steve Hidden from Miller Electric. Throughout the course of the presentation, each panelist presented on technological trailer trends and innovations that are relevant to the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. VIN Calculation Dossmann showed attendees how Dec-O-Art and Vineze are revolutionizing VIN calculations with computer software. FedCert Suite provides customers a computer software the automates the process. However, these programs don’t just simplify the process, they also make being federally compliant much easier. TINs, VINs, and MSOs can all be completed with this type of software. NATM has covered Dec-O-Art and Vineze’s products before in an article titled “VIN Deciphering Scheme Software: An Alternative to Manual Calculation.” To access the article, visit NATMShop.com and create an account.
Leaping into the world of automation can be challenging, but there are questions to ask to feel more prepared while exploring options. Below are a few of the questions to help you get started. • Ask why now? Why are you looking for a system now? What needs are going to be met? • How many years should this system meet your needs? Five years? Ten years? • Do you have enough data and information? • Who should you partner with? Partner is key in this question as the relationship should be a partnership and not simply a transaction between two companies. Before getting into the process, you should define the project goals and identify roadblocks. These two steps are key, as automation cannot solve all problems. Saumier does not recommend getting hung on the welding machines or the robotics, but instead focusing on aligning your company with an integrator you can trust.
Automating the Manufacturing Process This year Sumig Automation has been contacted by trailer manufacturers more than any other manufacturing industry segment, and it’s no surprise why. Automation on the manufacturing line can provide wide variety of benefits for the company, impacting everything from workplace safety and design to sales and marketing. With automation systems, manufacturers can increase parts throughput by 35 to 60 percent and begin manufacturing parts Dec-O-Art presented on their VIN Deciphering Scheme software.
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July/August 2021
www.NATM.com
