IMD Industry Insights (Industrial Machinery Digest)

In this conversation, Brian Self interviews Dusty Puey, the sales manager for Skyhook, at the IMTS event. They discuss the evolution of Skyhook as a family-owned business, its innovative lifting solutions, and the growing importance of safety and ergonomics in the industry. Dusty shares insights on customer engagement, brand growth, and the long-standing relationship with IMD, highlighting the significance of community and collaboration in the manufacturing sector.

Takeaways

• Skyhook is a fourth-generation family-owned business.
• The company has been in operation for over 50 years.
• Safety and ergonomics have become a priority in manufacturing.
• Skyhook offers a 23 to 1 lifting advantage for efficiency.
• Customer engagement has significantly increased at trade shows.
• The brand is recognized and appreciated in the machining industry.
• IMD Magazine has helped Skyhook reach a broader audience.
• Dusty values the personal relationships built over decades.
• The company is exploring future opportunities at trade shows.
• Skyhook's products are designed to integrate seamlessly into operations.

Scotchman Industries is a manufacturing company located in Phillip, South Dakota. They specialize in hydraulic ironworkers and cold saws, with 13 different models of ironworkers. The company has a strong focus on recruiting and retaining skilled workers, often hiring from the local community and reaching out to younger generations. They have a diverse workforce, including husband and wife teams and multiple generations of families working together. The plant tour showcased their warehouse, manufacturing processes, and various machining processes. Part two of the tour will be covered in the next episode.

In 1942 Earl Putrow, a self-taught inventor living in Northern Wisconsin, was selling motors, belts, pulleys and tooling gadgets through his garage-based company, Putrow Industrial Supply.

Earl would display his wares at all key trade shows. At these shows, he would bring along a showpiece item he dubbed “The Hypneumat”. The Hypneumat name was cleverly coined from three existing words: hydraulic, pneumatic and automatic.

Putrow’s Hypneumat was the first high-speed automatic drilling and tapping unit. The invention is a classic case of the right product at the right time. Production plants in the 1940’s were looking to the power of industrial automation for time-saving solutions. The innovative Hypneumat fit the bill.

Within a year after developing the Hypneumat, the confident Putrow made a bold move and established a company by the same name, Hypneumat, Inc.

Since that time, Hypneumat, Inc. has developed into the leading supplier of automatic drilling and tapping units, which customers find in nearly every major manufacturing industry throughout the world. No other automatic drilling and tapping units can claim as strong and solid a reputation as the Hypneumat.

Over the years, the accuracy and durability of the units have been improved, and the same sturdy, simple design of Earl Putrow’s original Hypneumat is found at the heart of the more than a dozen basic designs and countless customizations available.

With the 2007 acquisition of the Commander and SNOW product lines and the addition of contract machining services, Hypneumat, Inc. continues to innovate and position itself to meet the many needs of its customers.

We pride ourselves on the well-trained craftsmen and journeymen machinists who work at Hypneumat. Personal pride and integrity are part of every operation, from order taking to shipping.

Hayden Peterson, Marketing Manager for Cosen Saws, tells us about Cosens NC 510 MG saw at FABTECH 2024.

Summary Join us as we explore the highlights of a recent tour of Big Ass Fans in Lexington, Kentucky. This conversation covers a range of topics, including the importance of pride in product development, the benefits of air mixing and de-stratification, and the introduction of innovative fan designs like Hornet. We also discuss the impact of Big Ass Fans on plant comfort and productivity, the focus on quality and durability in fan design, and the expansion into the residential market. Finally, we learn about CoolSpace evaporative coolers for employee comfort in extreme heat. Takeaways Big Ass Fans take pride in their product development, focusing on quality, durability, and performance. Air mixing and destratification are essential for creating uniform temperatures and reducing heat loss in warehouses. Hornet is a revolutionary destratification fan that provides efficient air mixing in spaces where traditional fans may not be the best fit. Hornet offers efficient air movement in racking areas, improving circulation and temperature control. Big Ass Fans prioritize plant comfort and productivity, using their fans to create a more comfortable working environment. The company emphasizes the importance of quality and durability in fan design, ensuring their products can withstand harsh environments. Big Ass Fans is expanding into the residential market, offering innovative solutions for home cooling and comfort. CoolSpace evaporative coolers provide instant chill and can be combined with fans for optimal employee comfort and productivity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Big Ass Fans 00:58 The Importance of Pride in Product Development 02:23 Big Ass Fans Expanding into Other Markets in 2024 03:01 The Benefits of Air Mixing and De-Stratification 04:05 Hornet: A Revolutionary De-Stratification Fan 05:40 Improving Plant Comfort and Productivity 07:29 Quality and Durability in Fan Design 08:27 Preserving Fan Performance in Harsh Environments 09:34 CoolSpace Evaporative Coolers for Employee Comfort

Jim Logan, Sales Director for FumeVac (a product line of Hastings Air Energy Control, Inc.), introduces us the the FumeVac system.

Jim Logan, Sales Director for FumeVac (a product line of Hastings Air Energy Control, Inc.), introduces us the the FumeVac system.

Scotchman Industries National Product Manager, Mike Albrecht discusses the range and advancements in Scotchman cold saw technology, from manual to fully automated systems.

In this conversation, Rick Arcaro, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for HYDMECH, discusses the company's innovative approach to machine tools, their unique selling propositions, and how they adapt to market demands. He highlights the importance of ease of use in their machines, the challenges of labor shortages, and the diverse customer segments they serve. Additionally, Rick shares insights on current promotions and the company's positive outlook for the future.

In November of last year, Industry Insights attended the Design2Part Show in Raleigh, NC. We spoke with several job shops that were exhibiting at the show.  We asked them several questions that we'll be sharing in upcoming episodes of IMD Industry Insights.

Jim Fields, from Techni WaterJet, discusses the company's high-end abrasive water jet manufacturing and its focus on customer service and support. Techni WaterJet differentiates itself through its innovative and intelligent water jet technology, which offers predictive maintenance and unmatched reliability. The company's TechConnect app allows users to monitor and control the machine remotely, enabling lights-out operation. Techni WaterJet's emphasis on innovation, efficiency, and cold cutting processes sets it apart from other cutting methods like laser, plasma, and punch press. The company's goal is to make customers independent and productive, leading to repeat business and positive testimonials.

Summary

The conversation explores the growth of technology on the plant floor and its impact on manufacturing. It discusses the role of generative AI in making knowledge more accessible and the changing talent requirements in the industry. The integration of operational technology and IT is examined, along with the evolving roles and skills needed in manufacturing. The conversation also delves into the impact of technology on planning, quality control, and time to market. It emphasizes the importance of creating a workforce focused on driving value with technology and overcoming resistance to change. The conversation concludes by highlighting the accessibility of technology adoption for small to medium-sized manufacturers.

Takeaways

• Technology is becoming more accessible and easy to use on the plant floor, attracting a younger generation of workers who expect a digital experience.
• Generative AI is making years of knowledge more accessible and reshaping talent sourcing in manufacturing.
• The integration of operational technology and IT is driving the adoption of machine learning and artificial intelligence in manufacturing.
• Manufacturers need to upskill and recruit workers who are comfortable with technology and can work alongside advanced systems.
• Technology is improving planning, quality control, and time to market by enabling a seamless flow of information and capturing data in real-time.
• Creating a workforce focused on driving value with technology requires a partnership between humans and technology, without losing the fundamentals of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Small to medium-sized manufacturers can start small and scale their technology adoption, leveraging accessible toolkits and lower costs.
• Overcoming resistance to change in manufacturing requires demonstrating measurable results, making technology accessible and user-friendly, and reinforcing the adoption of new practices.
• Continuous improvement and operational excellence remain essential in driving outcomes, even with the integration of technology.
• Technology adoption is an opportune time for small manufacturers to tackle operational challenges and leverage advancements to improve productivity.

Summary

Caroline Santander, Senior Vice President of Global Professional Services and Enablement at Rootstock, discusses the implementation process and ongoing support for companies adopting Rootstock. She explains that the implementation process involves understanding the customer's processes, configuring the solution, and training the customer's team. The Quick Start implementation is designed for smaller businesses that are new to best practices. Santander also highlights the importance of hiring experienced consultants for different industries and the ongoing support provided by Rootstock. She mentions that the implementation period is typically around six months but can be accelerated with the Quick Start methodology. Santander also emphasizes the importance of diversity, particularly women, in building successful and collaborative teams.

Takeaways

• The implementation process for Rootstock involves understanding the customer's processes, configuring the solution, and training the customer's team.
• The Quick Start implementation is designed for smaller businesses that are new to best practices.
• Rootstock provides ongoing support and optimization for customers after the implementation.
• Experienced consultants are hired for different industries to ensure expertise in implementing Rootstock.
• Diversity, including women, is important for building successful and collaborative teams in manufacturing.

Summary

In this conversation, Jai Shah, CEO of Kahuna Workforce Solutions, discusses the labor crisis in manufacturing and the role of skills management in addressing the challenges. The conversation covers the availability of the right skills, the impact of COVID-19 on labor shortages, and the need for a clear understanding of workforce capabilities. It also explores how skills management can help alleviate burnout in current employees and support organizational goals. Additionally, the integration of apprenticeship programs and the process of getting involved with the skills management platform are discussed.

Takeaways

• The labor crisis in manufacturing is driven by the availability of the right skills in an ever-changing environment.
• Skills management can help address the labor shortage by identifying and developing the necessary skills within the existing workforce.
• A formal skills management approach can alleviate burnout in current employees by recognizing and compensating for valuable skills.
• Skills management supports organizational goals by aligning workforce capabilities with strategic objectives and facilitating the transition to a skills-based economy.
• Apprenticeship programs can be integrated into a skills management platform to track and manage the progress of apprentices and leverage the expertise of mentors.
• Manufacturers, including small to medium-sized ones, can benefit from a skills management platform by starting with a standard set of skills and leveraging technology to streamline the training process.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

02:25Challenges in the Labor Market

05:13Skills Management to Address Labor Shortage

08:10Alleviating Burnout in Current Employees

11:03Skills Management to Support Organizational Goals

12:57Integration of Apprenticeship Programs

15:28Getting Involved with the Skills Management Platform

18:49Conclusion

Summary

The conversation discusses the use of remote monitoring and error recovery software in robotics automation. It highlights the benefits of remote expertise in diagnosing and resolving errors, reducing downtime and the need for on-site robot experts. The Olis platform allows for remote control and debugging of systems, leading to faster implementation and reduced integration costs. The conversation also touches on the safety features of the system and the ability to troubleshoot and fix issues remotely.

Takeaways

• Remote monitoring and error recovery software can significantly reduce downtime and the need for on-site robot experts.
• The Ollis platform enables remote control and debugging of systems, leading to faster implementation and reduced integration costs.
• Remote expertise can be accessed from major firms or experts at different locations, providing quick and efficient problem diagnosis and resolution.
• The ability to remotely troubleshoot and fix issues improves system performance and reduces response time.
• Safety features ensure a safe working environment and prevent unauthorized access to the system.

Jerry Kroetch, president of Scotchman Industries, gives us a tour of Scotchman's 5014-ET Ironworker.

Scotchman Industries is a manufacturing company located in Phillip, South Dakota. They specialize in hydraulic ironworkers and cold saws, with 13 different models of ironworkers. The company has a strong focus on recruiting and retaining skilled workers, often hiring from the local community and reaching out to younger generations. They have a diverse workforce, including husband and wife teams and multiple generations of families working together. The plant tour showcased their warehouse, manufacturing processes, and various machining processes.

Summary

CombiLift introduces the CombiLift CB 155e, a forklift with a 15,000-pound capacity designed for long-loop handling industries. The machine is multi-directional and can operate both indoors and outdoors. It features a spacious aerodynamic cab with full visibility and a fully suspended cabin for operator comfort. The CombiLift CB 155e has a shorter fork length and a load center that is almost centered, reducing strain on bearings and chains. It also comes standard with a hydraulic fork positioner. CombiLift offers a smaller, more nimble version of the machine called the CombiLift CB 750, as well as the CombiLift C-Series and the CombiLift Isle Master for handling palletized loads in narrow aisles. Takeaways

• CombiLift introduces the CombiLift CB 155e with a 15,000-pound capacity for long-loop handling industries.
• The CombiLift CB 155e is multi-directional and can operate both indoors and outdoors.
• The machine features a spacious aerodynamic cab with full visibility and a fully suspended cabin for operator comfort.
• The CombiLift CB 155e has a shorter fork length and a load center that is almost centered, reducing strain on bearings and chains.
• CombiLift also offers the CombiLift CB 750, the CombiLift C-Series, and the CombiLift Isle Master for handling different types of loads and operating in narrow aisles.

In November of last year, Industry Insights attended the Design2Part Show in Raleigh, NC. We spoke with several job shops that were exhibiting at the show. 

Jim Logan, Sales Director for FumeVac (a product line of Hastings Air Energy Control, Inc.), introduces us the the FumeVac system.

Raj Badarinath, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Rootstock, discusses the state of manufacturing technology and the need for digital transformation. He introduces Rootstock's new product, Ayres, which focuses on practical AI solutions for manufacturers. The product roadmap for Rootstock includes manufacturing, financial, AI and analytics, and technology investments.

Scott Olivier, Cold Saw Product Manager with Scotchman Industries, tells us about Scotchman's upcut codsaws, the GAA-500 and the SUP-600.

Andy Mandell Marketing Manager for Dynabrade Power Tools tells us about what Dynabrade was exhibiting at FABTECH 2023.

In this conversation, Brian Self interviews Ben Affatato, the North American sales manager for Reer Safety. They discuss the company's history, mission, and innovative safety solutions designed for the automation industry. Ben emphasizes the importance of safety in environments with dangerous equipment and highlights the unique, application-based approach of Reer Safety's products. The conversation also touches on the company's adaptability to industry changes, partnerships with other companies, and the overall experience at the trade show.

Takeaways

• Reer Safety has a 65-year history in the safety industry.
• The company focuses on creating a safe working environment.
• Safety standards like TUV and UL are crucial for compliance.
• Reer offers application-based safety solutions, not just products.
• Light curtains are a key product for ensuring safety.
• Redundancy in safety systems is essential to prevent accidents.
• Cobot safety is important due to their potential hazards.
• Research and development is agile and responsive to market needs.
• Partnerships with other companies enhance product offerings.
• Trade shows provide valuable opportunities for networking and learning.

Tracy Bellamy, a fire protection engineer, discusses the impact of new technologies and materials on fire protection. He highlights the challenges posed by lithium batteries, synthetic materials, and advanced material handling systems. Tracy emphasizes the need for fire testing and the limitations of AI in fire modeling. He also explores the use of different fire suppression systems and the importance of risk-informed decision-making.

Shahar Chen, the CEO and Co-Founder of Aquant, discusses how AI is transforming the service industry. Aquant provides a personalized AI Co-Pilot platform for service organizations, helping them provide better service to their customers. The company leverages AI to tap into the data and knowledge of service organizations, including manuals, troubleshooting guides, and service history, to provide accurate and reliable support to technicians. Shahar also talks about the 2024 Industrial Machinery Benchmark Report released by Aquant, which highlights the challenges and solutions in the industry.

Summary In this conversation, we speak with Stu Johnson, VP of Product Marketing at Rootstock Software, about ERP in the manufacturing industry. They discuss the differentiation of Rootstock ERP, the winter release and financial enhancements, the importance of the financial aspect for manufacturers, the impact of AI on manufacturing, the challenges of data silos, the integration of data and a common platform, and the future of AI in manufacturing and ERP. They also touch on the process of implementing Rootstock ERP for small to mid-sized manufacturers. Takeaways Rootstock ERP is a purpose-built manufacturing solution built on the Salesforce platform, offering the benefits of a cloud-first approach and a broad ecosystem of app exchange partners. The financial aspect is crucial for manufacturers as it involves balancing capacity, demand, and profitability. Rootstock's winter release focuses on enhancing the financial section to help manufacturers manage these challenges. AI is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry by enabling predictive capabilities and improving productivity. Manufacturers are increasingly interested in adopting AI technologies to address labor shortages and make data-driven decisions. Data silos are a significant challenge for manufacturers, and integrating data on a common platform like Salesforce can provide a unified view and enable better decision-making. Implementing Rootstock ERP involves a discovery process to understand the unique needs of each manufacturer. Rootstock caters to small to mid-sized businesses and aims to digitize their operations for future success. Rootstock Software website: https://www.rootstock.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:31 Differentiation of Rootstock ERP 04:07 Winter Release and Financial Enhancements 06:27 Importance of Financial Aspect for Manufacturers 09:47 Impact of AI on Manufacturing 13:41 AI in Manufacturing and Data Challenges 17:57 Integration of Data and Common Platform 20:24 Future of AI in Manufacturing and ERP 21:22 Process of Implementing Rootstock ERP

Logan Skelly, Sales Manager, gives us a tour of Flex Machine Tools booth at FABTECH 2023.

Juan Martinez and Zach Mann of Suhner USA give us a look at the products they had on display at FABTECH 2023.

Jim Logan, Sales Director for FumeVac (a product line of Hastings Air Energy Control, Inc.), introduces us the the FumeVac system.

Rooted In is a customer conference that brings together manufacturers, partners, and resources to learn from each other. The focus is on using technology, including ERP, to improve manufacturing processes and gain a competitive advantage. AI is seen as an additive technology that can help manufacturers predict customer demand, optimize supply chains, and run their businesses more predictably. Rootstock, built on the Salesforce platform, helps small to mid-range manufacturers organize their operations and understand their business better. The conference features partners who specialize in digital transformation and integration with other technologies.

Takeaways

• Rooted In is a customer conference that focuses on learning from other manufacturers and partners.
• Technology, including ERP and AI, can help manufacturers gain a competitive advantage.
• AI is an additive technology that can improve predictive modeling and help manufacturers run their businesses more predictably.
• Rootstock, built on the Salesforce platform, helps small to mid-range manufacturers organize their operations and understand their business better.
• Partners at the conference specialize in digital transformation and integration with other technologies.