Dynamic System Allows Fast & Simple Hydraulic Customization
Opportunity:
Customization is key for OEMs, as few applications have identical hydraulic specifications. However, creating a completely new product every time is incredibly time-consuming, and can consequently be very costly. A manufacturer of VRCs, or vertical reciprocating conveyors, produces a wide variety of industrial freight lifts that require varying degrees of power, as well as other specifications. Because their products not only have differing load sizes and product types, but also have varying degrees of use, for example a factory application would be regularly used weekdays during business hours, while a specialty consumer application would vary depending on demand. This OEM was looking for an easier and faster way to get custom power units for their wide variety of applications.
Solution:
Together with the OEM, GSGR engineering and account management staff created a thorough, dynamic matrix to better organize and track all of the different variations of power units that we build for that OEM. This essentially allowed the OEM to list the different specifications of a certain unit, such as size and flow rate, and their dedicated customer support representative can look it up in the comprehensive matrix to determine if we’ve made that particular unit before. If there are any diversions from previous models, our engineering team can just make spot adjustments, rather than creating an entirely new prototype and moving much quickly to production.
Because this system allows for an easier customization process, the OEM is also able to take into account a lot of specific details about each unit’s application, such as length of duty cycle, and get the exact components needed to not only perform its function reliably, but also cost effectively. There are currently up to 200 different variations of these power units in the design system we’ve created, and thanks to the dynamic ordering system in place, we can get this customer a highly customized power unit in one week.
Result:
- Much simpler process for the OEM, as detailed matrix just requires a simple input of specifications to determine exactly what version of power unit should be produced.
- Exponentially faster turnaround time, since highly organized system allows for accurate stocking of parts and components. They are now able to get a custom power unit in in approximately one week.
