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Ladd Partners and Cloudteam Company Join Forces as Gold Sponsor at the Rooted-In Manufacturing Conference

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In a significant move that underscores their commitment to innovation and collaboration within the manufacturing sector, Ladd Partners (a consulting services firm for inventory management on Salesforce) and Cloudteam Company (a leading provider of Cloud CRM and ERP solutions across EMEA) will announce their joint Gold Sponsorship at the upcoming Rooted-In Manufacturing Conference, taking place in New Orleans from March 25-27. This strategic partnership highlights their shared vision for delivering technology solutions to help customers drive manufacturing excellence and efficiency using Rootstock and the Salesforce Platform.

“The joint Gold Sponsorship with Ladd Partners and Cloudteam will be a notable highlight at our Rooted-In Manufacturing Conference,” said Matt Wolf, SVP of Global Alliances at Rootstock Software. “Ladd Partners’ unparalleled expertise in inventory management on the Salesforce Platform combined with Cloudteam’s innovative approach to leveraging Rootstock ERP to overcome steel fabrication challenges represent a cutting-edge combination. In addition, with Ladd Partners responding to customer needs in North America and Cloudteam in EMEA, it’s the type of global synergy we strive for in our partner ecosystem.” “Partnering with Cloudteam at the Rooted-In Manufacturing Conference is our first step in enabling our ability to deliver inventory management solutions globally,” said Krista Ladd, Co-founder, and Managing Partner of Ladd Partners. “We take great pride in our ability to effectively deliver salesforce solutions that truly transform our customers’ operations. This partnership allows us to showcase those strengths, and when combined with Cloudteam, we help manufacturers leverage the tools and strategies they need to drive quality management and to achieve new levels of efficiency and growth across both United States and EMEA.”

“Our alliance with Ladd Partners embodies our shared commitment to innovation,” said Gert-Jan Ter Weeme, CEO of Cloudteam Company. “Today, the manufacturing industry faces complex challenges, particularly in demand, supply, and order fulfilment. At Cloudteam, we take our manufacturing clients on a digital transformation journey, helping them to leverage a holistic CRM and ERP solution on the Salesforce Platform. Our Rooted-In sponsorship is a significant step forward in our mission to deliver Salesforce solutions to customers globally, expanding our reach and enhancing our service offerings to meet the dynamic needs of the manufacturing sector.”

The 2024 Rooted-In Manufacturing Conference will include:

  • Ladd Partners and Cloudteam Company customer success stories that demonstrate how manufacturers have benefited from the combined power of their technological expertise.
  • An exhibit area where attendees can meet the companies to better understand their consulting services.
  • Keynote presentations on Manufacturing Mega Trends, Signal Chain Vision, and Accelerating Value with the Power of Salesforce.
  • A Business Track featuring manufacturing leaders driving success in various areas, such as financial management, team empowerment, and reimagined business processes.

A Technology Track to discuss top manufacturing technology trends such as AI, enabling data-driven decisions, integration, and managing data governance.

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The Future of Automotive Technology

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Technology is changing so much in our daily lives, including in how we get around. The electrification of vehicles, autonomous vehicles and connected systems within cities are no longer far off dreams, these technologies and a more connected automotive ecosystem are more of a reality in Australia than ever before. In the early 2000s, electronics accounted for less than 20% of the total cost of a vehicle. In 2020 it was up to 40% and we expect electronics to account for about half of the price of a new car by 2030. We are also expecting to see 300 million electric vehicles (EVs) on global roads by 2030. So, how do we ensure we are ready? How do private companies, cities and the people building the infrastructure to support this transformation come together to make this a reality? This blog will look to answer some of these questions.

Vehicles of the Future

There are many ways technology has improved how we get around, the efficiency in which we do so and the safety of our cars. These are exciting advancements and they are changing and improving transportation globally in the following ways: –

  • Eliminating the need for a human driver – To maintain a competitive edge, many companies are looking toward driverless vehicles to cut costs and increase efficiency. With autonomous capabilities, we will see material transport and rideshare services operating with nobody in the driver’s seat.
  • Battery Optimization – Similar to how AI learns your phone use, patterns and behaviours and charges your phone accordingly to best utilize your battery and increase its longevity, this is expected to be possible with car batteries in the future. Electric vehicles are creating new opportunities and batteries are expensive, and an important factor that dictates the lifespan of a car, and these advancements will help keep EVs on the road for longer.
  • Predictive maintenance – This is the ability to estimate, or predict, when maintenance should be performed on a vehicle. There are already sensors within cars and trucks, and it can be expected to leverage pipe fabrication while monitoring the different parts of a vehicle – like the engine, brakes, and any other moving component. If problems can be detected early and repairs can be made, this avoids costlier, and often time-consuming, catastrophic failures down the line.
  • IoT and Cars – With the rise of automation and intelligent integration, IoT is poised to make a significant impact in the automobile industry. When you bring your car to a mechanic, they will be able to connect to it via their phone, getting a full rundown of what is going on before ever opening the hood of the car. They can start diagnosing problems faster and more efficiently.

Fully Connected Automotive Ecosystem

The ability for vehicles to connect not just with each other, but also with mobile devices and smart ecosystems (smart cities, smart infrastructure, etc.) is an exciting prospect. Rather than rely solely on machine vision systems to perceive what is around them, key objects within communication range can provide feedback to reduce computational burden and increase confidence in what the vehicle “sees”. These objects could include smartphones to identify pedestrians, traffic lights to manage traffic flow at intersections, and road signs to enforce traffic laws. Furthermore, smart infrastructure has the potential to streamline how autonomous vehicles navigate from point A to point B. Beacons staggered along roads and streets can broadcast location data for vehicles to utilize when GPS signals are weak or lost entirely (e.g., when driving through tunnels or amongst tall buildings). Smart parking meters can charge vehicle owners directly, based precisely on how long the space was occupied. Streetlights can increase their brightness as vehicles approach them to increase visibility and decrease their brightness the remainder of the time, to conserve energy. The possibilities are truly endless.

Conclusion

It can be observed that there is immense potential for automotive technology to develop going forward. With the rise of EVs and a fast-growing automotive ecosystem as tailwinds, automotive technology led by heavy steel fabrication companies looks poised to take great strides. It is time to embrace this technology globally – especially in countries where battery vehicles are already prevalent in large numbers.

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The Shift to PaaS

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It is a sobering fact that the future for manufacturers over the next 2 – 3 decades lies in selling consumption of outcome-based services, not in sales and ownership of manufactured goods. This is because manufacturing in the digital age is dynamic and the industry cannot compete solely on quality and cost any longer. This shift – Servitization – is a natural response to increased competition, fluctuating demand and rising market costs and, in some cases, sustainability pressures/drivers. A servitization model offers B2B manufacturers the potential to grow recurring and sustainable revenue streams. What are the opportunities and challenges facing manufacturers as they consider shifting from a make – sell business model to Product as a Service (PaaS) revenue streams? This blog will delve deeper into this subject.

Re-inventing Sales Revenues

In the automotive sector, manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Fiat and Volvo all offer car-as-a-service subscriptions, with the option for customers to change models over time when they wish. A study by Aston Business School found a 5 to 10% increase in growth rates and 25 to 30% reduction in costs for companies adopting a servitization model for their business. Servicing and repair have traditionally been seen as a secondary part of a heavy steel fabrication company’s operations. Products are invariably sold with warranties, and customers can also take out optional service contracts for service and maintenance. Service interventions are typically field repair for failure (reactive), maintenance-based (preventative) or, where a product is digitally connected, predictive. Servitization, however, sees a fundamental shift in the approach to, and shape of, service offers. In a servitized model customers can subscribe to business-related services that directly and pro-actively address their own strategic and operational needs. This is a world apart from focusing on product-related or technical issues alone – for example, the repair of pressure vessels. Recent research compared the financial performance of B2B manufacturers providing industrial services. It found that organizations offering predictive and proactive services, such as optimizing business processes and delivering business outcomes, generate the highest gross margin and enjoy increased recurring revenues and contract penetration rates.

Role of Technology

The business transformation required to introduce servitization is technology enabled and requires careful investment in digitalization and digital service eco-systems. It also requires a cultural shift to embrace unfamiliar business challenges. The way a manufacturer captures value is changing: it is no longer about producing products well; servitization is about engineering outcomes that create greater value for customers, whilst also collecting real-time data that can then be monetized. Manufacturing CFOs, for instance, are faced with the dilemma of pricing and selling an entirely new product as a service value proposition. The commercial aspects and the data monetization can be difficult to scope and product management software can help in that regard. Rigid manufacturers are used to cannibalizing the revenues of physical products. Whilst service revenues will take time to build, they will eventually outperform revenue from hardware sales. An effective corporate IT platform, with the ability to leverage data and digitalization, is a pre-requisite of any pivot towards PaaS offers. A service-based model also means that maximizing product performance and longevity becomes more important than minimizing the cost of production.

Finishing Touches

Manufacturers and fabricators are gradually understanding that when they start selling outcomes, it allows organizations to differentiate and move away from commoditized saturated product sectors. Solutions are expected to emerge where manufacturers can manage production, distribution, maintenance, and service operations on a single platform, all informed by a unified database. It is time to find higher value, and more difficult-to-replicate products and services – and manufacturers need to bring their A game to the table!

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DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore Expand Global Warehousing Automation

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DHL Supply Chain, global leader in contract logistics, and AutoStore, a pioneering robotic technology company specialising in automated storage and retrieval systems, are expanding their partnership in a move set to further automate warehouse operations on a global scale. DHL Supply Chain, already involved in nine operational AutoStore warehouse projects with four more in the planning stage, is poised to become one of AutoStore’s largest 3PL clients, reinforcing their commitment to digitalisation and automation in the metal fabrication industry. The nine existing systems effectively operate 800,000 AutoStore bins, with the forthcoming four systems increasing the total number of bins to a remarkable 1.2 million. In the future, DHL intends to construct five more facilities in addition to those already in operation or planning. The innovative automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) technology has been developed to efficiently manage and optimise mining plant and equipment inventory using vastly reduced space within warehouses. Its highly modular and scalable design makes it a preferred solution for e-commerce and businesses handling smaller products such as fashion and tech items.

The strategic aim of DHL and AutoStore through this partnership is to accelerate the implementation of this ground-breaking technology that enhances abilities to meet diverse client needs. Markus Voss, COO and CIO at DHL Supply Chain, emphasised the importance of this collaboration stating “We are pleased to expand our existing relationship with AutoStore as we continue to implement our digitalisation and automation strategy in a growing number of warehouses, allowing us to serve our customers better and faster. AutoStore’s standardised and modular technology perfectly aligns with our aim to make our steel fabrication operations more efficient, enabling swift scalability and adaptability across various use cases and end-markets – a crucial factor for us as a third-party logistics provider. Through a standardised approach and dedicated stock availability we will be able to significantly drive down implementation times. Additionally, the AutoStore network of partners is invaluable in supporting our growth strategy across multiple geographies.”

Since 2012, DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore have partnered to implement cutting-edge solutions across sites in Singapore, Poland, Germany, Australia, and the US. The ongoing collaboration has already led to implementation of augmented reality solutions at all operational sites, resulting in a fleet of more than 1,000 robots worldwide that significantly increase operational efficiency and throughput. “Our longstanding collaboration with DHL Supply Chain has showcased the strength, reliability, and efficiency of AutoStore technology,” said Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore. “We are excited about the significant growth opportunity that this represents for AutoStore, as we continue to drive innovation in the world of logistics.” This expanded partnership between DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore promises to redefine the future of warehousing, offering scalable, adaptable, and efficient solutions that cater to the ever-evolving needs of customers worldwide.

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Top 3 Manufacturing Technology Trends

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Macroeconomic and microeconomic developments test the resilience of the manufacturing sector each year. Some of these disruptors are the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing inflation, supply chain disruption and labour market shortages – all of which proved challenging for manufacturing and steel fabrication businesses. As a result, there is an increased sense of urgency to strengthen and streamline manufacturing processes as the sector will get tested further in an environment of increased uncertainty and volatility. There are some upcoming technology trends which can help manufacturers grow and overcome industry challenges – this blog will deep-dive into this topic to provide further insight.

Power of Cloud

The adoption of cloud technology by manufacturers is accelerating, especially with regard to the rapid growth in adoption of IIoT. A recent survey revealed that 90% of manufacturers plan on moving to the cloud. Despite this, there are manufacturers still reliant on outdated and unstable technology, restricting growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Cloud solutions enable companies to integrate every aspect of their process seamlessly. Having data available on a unified platform provides visibility over the whole production journey. This integration and ability to monitor processes in real-time not only enhances operations, but provides insights to streamline production, cut costs, and enable data-driven decisions. Migrating to the cloud is already reaping rewards for manufacturers who have made the change. However, as the global economy continues to create turbulence and uncertainty, laggard businesses must consider investing in the right cloud solutions to help them consolidate and connect – otherwise, they risk being left behind.

True Value of Data

Data is core to manufacturing and has become central to digitalization strategies and can be used to identify changes in customer behaviour, supply chain issues, and production or labour trends. Managing data as a valuable business asset is also important in securing critical control points for manufacturing companies as it can be used to make an analysis that would give insights into various aspects of the industry. A recent survey by the World Economic Forum revealed insufficient skills are the biggest challenge to capturing value from manufacturing data. In this context, there is expected to be an increase in hiring and valuing digital natives who understand analytics and can adopt a data-driven approach.

Rise of Automation and Intelligent Integrations

There is expected to be an increase in reliance on digital work instructions and intelligent integrations. Industry 4.0 is a digital transformation that connects manufacturing through “smart” technologies like Blockchain, Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence. It aids in revolutionizing modern-day manufacturing by giving an in-depth understanding of product design and process, and by accommodating experimentation. For instance, Epicor Connected Process Control, formerly known as eFlex Systems, a provider of cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) technologies recently acquired by Epicor, helps manufacturers to increase productivity by modernizing their production environments through digital work instructions, advanced process control, and real-time visibility in processes such as heat induction bending services. Although the global economic outlook remains uncertain, the manufacturing industry recognizes the disruptive effect of automation as key to becoming more competitive, increasing growth, and improving profitability.

Conclusion

Even as Industry 4.0 continues to help businesses, it is paving the way for Industry 5.0. Still in its nascent stages, Industry 5.0 is advancing the collaboration between humans and machines as a response to increased customization in products. So, technological innovation and collaboration is expected to continue at an increased rate and this is likely to be a recipe of success for manufacturers who are ahead of the curve. In essence, volatility needs to be countered with proactiveness – this can help manufacturers outperform their counterparts in an increasingly competitive world!

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Boeing’s SME Graduates Win Contracts

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Seven Boeing contracts, including agreements with three new steel fabrication suppliers, have been awarded to small and medium-sized Australian businesses which have just graduated from Boeing Australia’s first Capability Up-Lift Program. The year-long program supported companies which might not have received prior exposure and experience in a defence environment. Scott Carpendale, Vice President and Managing Director, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA), said the program’s participants graduated with tools needed to increase business maturity and improve overall performance, and BDA looks forward to growing capability for the defence industry with contributions from diverse suppliers such as these.

“SMEs bring significant value to the defence industry including agility and innovative technologies in key areas such as manufacturing, cyber security and extended reality products,” Carpendale said. Queensland companies featured strongly in the program which was delivered in collaboration with Defence Jobs Queensland, and AusIndustry, and the Office of Defence Industry Support from the Department of Defence.  Participants received the following grants and awards upon graduation:

  • Two Brisbane-based businesses – HINDSITE Industries and Raytracer – received AUD $2.8 million in grants and funding to commercialize their technologies for aerospace, in areas such as augmented reality technology and on-orbit vehicle servicing, assembly and manufacture as part of Australia’s Moon to Mars Initiative.
  • Three Queensland businesses – HINDSITE Industries, Brisbane-based LOGiT and Toowoomba-based JRS Group received their first Boeing contracts.
  • Seven SMEs received ten industry awards at both state and national levels.

“The Boeing Capability Up-Lift program has exposed us to the defence and aerospace fabrication industries and provided greater understanding of how we can ensure our business is best placed to compete and win on contracts,” said Liam Scanlan, HINDSITE Industries managing director. “Our participation broke down barriers to entry, and we were delighted to secure multiple contracts, including with Boeing, and federal grants – all made possible through access to key training and events where we could build and foster relationships with other participants and industry experts.” The collaborators delivering the program shared resources and access to industry experts to provide SME participants with advisory services (such as heat induction bending services), mentoring and access to major events to enhance business readiness and defence maturity.

“The program builds on Boeing’s commitment to fostering a diverse, resilient and sustainable sovereign supply chain, and has resulted in Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) awarding contracts to both new and established SMEs including veteran, women and Indigenous-owned businesses,” said Carpendale. Boeing Australia represents the broadest portfolio of products and services in the Australian aerospace industry and one of the company’s largest operational footprints outside the US. Based on its 96-years’ experience, Boeing plays an integral role in aerospace and defence industry as a leader in advanced manufacturing for commercial airplane components, defence systems and sustainment, training and services, research and development, and uncrewed systems.

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ELGi Enhances Energy Efficiency of Air Compressors

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ELGi Equipments, one of the world’s leading air compressor manufacturers, has enhanced the energy efficiency of its AB series oil-free screw air compressors, realising improvements in specific power consumption and increases in free air delivery across the range. For additional energy savings, the three larger models in the range now include a super-premium efficiency IE4 motor as standard. Contaminant free and high-quality compressed air that meets the stringent requirements of ISO 8573-1 “Class 0” standards is critical for many sensitive applications that operate across a broad range of industries such as in the food and beverages sector, the pharmaceuticals and medical sector, and the electronics sector. Available from 11 to 110 kW, the water injected AB ‘Always Better’ series of oil-free screw air compressors from ELGi meet these stringent requirements, delivering certified “Class 0” high quality air in compliance with ISO 8573-1 and ISO 8573-7.

ELGi has recently enhanced the performance of the AB series models, delivering improvements in terms of both specific power consumption and free air delivery. This includes an average 10 percent improvement on the turn down ratio across the variable frequency drive (VFD) range. For the customer the result of these improvements is twofold: enhanced energy efficiency and reduced power consumption. In addition, the 75 to 110 kW models are the first in the series to now come as standard with super-premium efficiency IE4 motors, which exceed the current Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) of Australia and New Zealand for 3 phase electric motors. These motors deliver further energy efficiency and reliability gains as well as a higher service factor and lower waste heat output and are being gradually used in energy-efficient electric vehicles as well. The AB series has been engineered using heat induction bending services to deliver maximum uptime and reliability, while bridging the gap between energy efficiency and low cost of ownership.

ELGi’s uniquely designed airends are equipped with in-house developed η-V profile rotors which reduce pressure losses and precise rotor clearances resulting in best-in-class energy efficiency compressors with higher flow and lower specific power consumption. Compared to other water-injected units, the AB series airends run at slow speeds. The result – long bearing life, high reliability, low noise levels and reduced wear & tear. The AB series has a closed loop circuit developed via pipe fabrication which does not need RO water or any other form of water purifying system. They also come with an auto water replenishment mechanism, as well as built-in sensation cycle. This reduces power consumption, eliminates any requirement to replace an RO element which therefore reduces maintenance costs. The use of roller bearings as opposed to the conventional use of hydrodynamic bearings additionally contributes to an overall low cost of ownership. This eliminates the requirement for an additional water pumping circuit. It ensures consistent airend performance, and it also results in up to a 14% lower unload power and energy cost savings, as well as lower rotor and bearing wear.

Whereas traditional oil-free compressors have 2 stage airends with 2 pole motors, the AB has a single stage airend and 4 pole motor, significantly reducing associated maintenance requirements and costs. Maintenance costs are also kept low thanks to no requirement for intercooling, a splash lubrication system, as well as less number of consumable and wearing parts. Superior energy efficiency and zero mineral oil residue ensure a minimal environmental impact, thereby lowering the customer’s carbon footprint. Reliable, energy efficient with best-in-class life cycle cost, the AB series produce high-quality air, free of microbiological contaminants, with free air delivery (FAD) from 0.82 to 15.85 m3/min.

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Concept Metals Invests USD 15.5 Million to Diversify into EV space

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A West Michigan metal fabricator is making significant investments to bolster its presence in the electric vehicle battery production sector. Concept Metals Group invested $15.5 million in a facility purchased two years ago as well as state-of-the-art production equipment for its three existing plants in Spring Lake and Comstock Park. The company also added 25 employees over the past year to meet the growing demands of EV battery production, especially in the wake of foreign steel being approved for American EV charging stations. The company grew its footprint roughly two years ago when it purchased a former office furniture plant at 17237 Van Wagoner Road in Spring Lake. The 120,000-square-foot facility underwent extensive renovations to now accommodate 22 roll form lines, 51 presses and a new five-axis laser. Roll forming is the process of forming metal from sheet, strip, or coil stock into a desired cross-section shape.

Company leaders say the new capabilities create strong growth potential, as production for EV battery trays requires the use of roll form technology, unlike other types of automotive components. “Electric vehicles will provide new opportunities for fabricators, and we have taken steps to diversify and enhance our capabilities,” Bill Beland, vice president of engineering at Concept Metals Group, said in a news release. “This expansion has allowed us to develop new skill sets and expand the types of products we make. We now have capacity to establish new partnerships and provide additional manufacturing support for West Michigan companies.” Concept Metals Group’s move into the EV battery production space started around two years ago through a partnership with an undisclosed automotive manufacturing company. Company leadership soon recognized the need for more capacity. “We quickly realized that the scope of the project was so large that we needed a new facility in order to really kick it off and grow,” Kevin Mesler, vice president and general manager of Concept Metals Group, told the Business Journal. “We moved the new production line into the facility and had been working very closely with our customer to get to a launch position for the EV market.”

Concept Metals Group now builds components for EV battery trays for a host of GM vehicles, including the Hummer, Silverado, Escalade, Suburban and Tahoe. The $15.5 million investment coincided with adding 25 employees at the new facility, including a recently added third shift for structural steel fabrication. Mesler said the company has been “very fortunate” to find qualified employees from various industries to help support the growing EV-related venture. “We’re well staffed and well trained at this point in order to take on the new capabilities that we had to undergo in order to support this new technology,” Mesler said. Mesler also said Concept Metals Group sales for all three of its affiliates — Concept Metal Products, Concept Metal Fabrication and Concept Metal Machining — are expected to grow a by a combined 100 percent in 2023, with forecasts to double again in 2024. He said it’s been exciting for the heavy steel fabrication company to join in the increasing number of projects and initiatives state-wide that are contributing to Michigan’s EV production potential. “We’re very happy and very excited about where EV is going to take us … and I think we’re all being pushed that way,” Mesler said. “The federal government is very focused on the EV market, and it is one of those ‘you better get on while you can get on’ situations. I think this is an opportunity for all of us.”

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Metal Fabrication in Agriculture

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The applications of metal fabrication in industries like mining and medicine are well-known, however fabrication also has a huge role to play in the agriculture industry.  It is a crucial aspect of modern agriculture that enables farmers to increase efficiency and productivity. From customizing machinery to improving the durability of tools, metal fabrication has numerous benefits for the agricultural industry. In the field of agricultural mechanization, there have been significant advances such as precision agriculture and autonomous tractors. In this post, we will explore the different processes involved in metal fabrication and how they can positively impact the agricultural industry.

New Fabrication Technologies in Agriculture

With manufacturing companies becoming increasingly environmentally conscious and farmers become more demanding of high efficiency machines, new technologies are starting to gain popularity, not just in agricultural machinery manufacturing, but across all manufacturing industries. Some of these new technologies are:

  1. Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): This is a process in which three-dimensional objects are built up layer by layer from a digital model, allowing for the creation of complex shapes and structures. This process is being used in the production of small and lightweight parts for tractors and other agricultural machinery.
  2. Robotic Welding: This is a process in which a robot is used to perform welding tasks, improving efficiency, and reducing the risk of human error. This process is commonly used in the production of large, complex agricultural machinery components.
  3. Hydroforming: This is a process in which a metal tube is placed inside a die and then subjected to high pressure to form it into a complex shape using pipe fabrication. This process is being used in the production of high-strength and lightweight structural components for tractors and other agricultural machinery.
  4. Composite Material Processing: This is a process in which composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced plastics, are molded and shaped into complex components. This process is being used in the production of lightweight, corrosion-resistant components for tractors and other agricultural machinery.

Applications of Fabrication in Agriculture

There are several common applications of metal fabrication in the agriculture industry, as follows: –

  • Tractors: Tractors are widely used in Australian farming for a variety of tasks, such as ploughing, cultivations, planting, and harvesting. They are also used to power a variety of implements, such as tillage equipment, cultivators, and mowers.
  • Combine Harvesters: Combine harvesters are used for the simultaneous harvesting of crops such as wheat, barley, and canola. They cut and thresh the grain, separating the grain from the straw.
  • Sprayers: Sprayers are used to apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides to crops. There are both ground-based and aerial sprayers available, depending on the type of crops and the size of the farm.
  • Hay Balers: Hay balers are used to make bales of hay and silage, which are then stored for use in pressure vessels as animal feed. Round balers and square balers are the two most common types of hay balers used in Australia.
  • Irrigation Equipment: Irrigation equipment, such as center pivot irrigation systems and drip irrigation systems, are used to supply water to crops in areas where rainfall is insufficient.

Conclusion

Metal fabrication has revolutionized the agricultural industry in countless ways, from improving the efficiency and productivity of farming operations to enhancing the durability and longevity of equipment. Custom metal fabrication enables farmers to design and build machinery and tools that are specific to their needs, offering cost-effective solutions that can improve crop yield and quality. The use of advanced techniques such as CNC machining has further expanded the possibilities for custom metal fabrication in agriculture. It is clear that metal fabrication will continue to play a critical role in the agricultural industry for years to come!

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Attracting Welding Gen-Z With Advanced Technologies

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The heavy steel fabrication industry has been plagued by a shortage of skilled welders for a number of years. Millennials and Generation Z (or even Generation Alpha) do not have a very positive view of working in this sector, and the rise of the service industry which offered high renumeration in a comfortable job environment meant that there was a feasible alternative towards working in production or manual jobs. Also, with experienced welders edging close to retirement or embarking on entirely new careers, there is likely to be a vacuum of welding experts in the near future. How can this problem be addressed? Technology is likely to be an enabler in this regard and this blog will delve deeper in this topic.

Older Welders’ Attitude Towards Technology

Experienced and weathered welders may be skeptical about advanced technologies, such as traditional robotic welding systems or new welding cobots. The sheer fear of losing control over their jobs is real, as is apprehension about being fired as a metal fabrication business relies more and more on robotic automation. In this regard, it may be worth expanding on the true benefits that technology can bring to the table. A conversation with welders can commence by telling then that welding robots will handle all the mundane and repetitive jobs. A follow-up conversation can be envisioned explaining that they can work on more complex, important, and strategic tasks. It may take them a bit of time at first to accept these details, however by involving traditional welders in Industry 4.0 project right from the start and investing in training, an earlier adoption of technology can be possible.

Enticing Tech-First Welding Employees

It is estimated that Generation Z – people born between mid-1990s and 2000s – will make up about 27% of the workforce by 2025. The priorities of Gen Z are less with regard to salary and more with alignment of their values to an organization which also fosters a healthy work/life balance. Technology is an inherent aspect of their lives and they focus on being up to date on the latest technology that makes their lives easier. Hence, to boost the curb appeal of open welder positions, pipe fabrication shops and manufacturers inevitably need to invest in technologies that can upskill welders and tap into their curiosity and creativity.

New solutions like welding cobots and dedicated apps democratize technology and lower the barrier of entry. These solutions can be adapted to the trade and to all business sizes. For instance, traditional welding robots are difficult to set up, require a lot of time to program, and are not suited for companies that deal with high-mix/low-volume production. However, welding cobots, especially those using dedicated apps, require no robotics knowledge. They not only leverage the expertise of current welders but also alleviate some of the gripes they have with their jobs. These new automated welding systems are designed for fast onboarding and minimal programming. The end result is that younger welders feel the companies they work for actually invest in their potential and contribute to advancing their careers.

Final Thoughts

In the current labor market where it is tough to find qualified and dedicated welders, businesses will have no choice but to adopt new work methods and equipment to transform welding from a manual and dangerous job into a cognitive career that is valued and highly coveted. On these lines, companies like BOC have opened Application Technology Centres in Australia to showcase state-of-the art welding processes. New technologies, such as welding robots and cobots, are providing highly compelling growth opportunities for welders of all generations. Hence, despite the staffing doom and gloom, strategies exist that can help welding or manufacturing teams looking to hire skilled welders or the few-and-far-between newcomers to the art of welding!

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