Trailer Technology Trends Webinar Recap

By Elizabeth Moore, NATM Tracks Editor

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.

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 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.

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.

Sumig Automation presented on automation trends within the industry. A slide from Peerless Industrial Group exhibiting cargo securement.

Cargo Securement

Cargo securement should always be taken seriously not only for the laws and regulations governing securement but to prevent damage to the cargo and protect the public and the transporters. There are a variety of options to do just that, ranging from chains to rope and beyond.

Kronebusch described Peerless’ newest chain, a Grade 100 chain. This new chain is made with heat-treated alloy steal with a higher strength to weight ratio than other chains. In fact, the Grade 100 chain is 25 percent stronger than Grade 80 chain. This particular chain is meant for tie-down assemblies and not overhead lifting; chains must be recommended for overhead lifting and not all are.

No matter what method is chosen to secure cargo, it must be able to withstand nearly anything the road can throw at it, such as the G-forces exerted while driving, emergency maneuvers, panic stops, environmental conditions, and vehicle malfunctions, among many other situations. In the same vein, Kronebusch mentioned bungee cords are not meant for cargo securement although they are often used. Bungee cords don’t have ratings the way chains do and can snap easily if overloaded.

All chain and component assemblies should be rated according to the working load limit of the weakest component. Care should be taken to select attachments of the same type, grade, size, and working load limit. As the saying goes, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Miller Electric OpenBook

Miller Electric understands the workforce shortage is a major obstacle in the manufacturing industry right now, and they have placed their focus on education to bring in new workers. Miller Electric has invested in scholarships and grants, training systems, fume management, and most notably e-learning resources titled OpenBook.

OpenBook is a free interactive, modular system. Courses are broken up by modules and contain quizzes and welding assignments. The courses can be completed online, on-site, or off-site depending on student needs. Over 70 modules are offered within the five pre-designed courses: Base Metals and Filler Metals, Introduction to Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), and Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG). Books containing course content are available for purchase in an e-publishing format.

Miller Electric did not stop there, though. They also offer the Augmented ArcTM which is an augmented reality welding system. This machine allows students to learn the right technique without wasting money on materials such as metal and gas. LiveArc is another system Miller Electric designed that provides immediate feedback to trainees after a real weld.

Many companies are beginning to provide in-house training to new employees as the skilled labor shortage continues across the manufacturing sector. Miller Electric’s materials can be used in such programs, offering a graduated process from OpenBook to LiveArc.

To access a recording of the webinar, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com.