CADENAS USA

How to Track CAD Leads in your CRM or Marketing Automation System

Adam Beck — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 20:53:45 +0000

On April 24, 2024, Adam Beck and John Joyce discussed the integration of CAD models into CRM (Customer Relationship Management) or Marketing Automation systems, emphasizing its place in generating high-quality leads in industrial marketing.

How to Track CAD Leads in your CRM or Marketing Automation System Webinar Summary:

Adam Beck, the Director of Marketing at CADENAS USA brings experience with CRM systems like HubSpot and Salesforce. John Joyce, a seasoned industrial marketer and founder of Brijr.io, is the developer of the CADENAS Data Connector. Together they explored the strategic use of CAD models as powerful marketing tools for manufacturers and how contact information can be easily logged to a CRM or Marketing Automation system.

The webinar highlights the convenience CAD models provide engineers, enabling them to easily download, configure, and incorporate these models into larger designs, simplifying their processes and simultaneously while generating high-quality leads for manufacturers.

Key Takeaways from How to Track CAD Leads in your CRM or Marketing Automation System:

CAD as Content Marketing: CAD models serve not just as tools but as content, providing significant value to engineers who integrate these models into their projects. By offering downloadable CAD models, manufacturers facilitate engineers’ work and capture detailed lead information when models are downloaded.
Integration with CRM Systems: The webinar stressed the importance of integrating the data collected from CAD downloads directly into CRM systems to ensure effective lead management and nurturing. This prevents data loss and enhances the ability to follow up on potential sales opportunities.
Automation and Efficiency: The integration process discussed aims to automate the transfer of lead information into CRM systems, minimizing manual input and errors. This automation ensures timely follow-ups and more personalized customer interactions based on specific downloaded models.
Compliance and Customization: Adherence to GDPR and customization options were also covered, underscoring the ability to tailor the integration to meet specific business needs and compliance requirements.

Conclusion: Why Manufacturers need to consider CAD / BIM / PDF’s as a key marketing deliverable

The session concluded with a live demonstration of the integration process in CRM systems like HubSpot and Salesforce, showing how CAD model downloads translate into actionable leads for manufacturers. The CADENAS Data Connector by Brijr.io not only optimizes lead generation, but also aligns with the technical needs of engineers, creating a win-win scenario for both manufacturers and their clients.

Q&A: How to Track CAD Leads in your CRM or Marketing Automation

How do I get started with integrating CAD files into my CRM?
- Answer: For those already set up with their products in the CADENAS system, they should contact their representative or send an email to the provided support address. For new users needing to get their CAD files into the system, they can reach out for initial setup assistance.
Does the integration only work for CAD files?
- Answer: While it’s primarily designed for CAD files, the system also supports downloads of other formats like BIM and PDF datasheets, which are particularly popular across various departments due to their comprehensive nature.
What is the process to connect CAD integration to my CRM system? Is it complex?
- Answer: The process is designed to be straightforward, involving a three-step setup that can be executed by a CRM admin. It focuses on simplicity and security, requiring minimal user input for integration.
How do we ensure timeliness in updating the CRM with new leads from CAD downloads?
- Answer: The system updates the CRM hourly with new leads, ensuring that data is promptly available for follow-up, thus minimizing delays between customer engagement and response.
Can we build reports and dashboards to track the performance of CAD downloads?
- Answer: While the system does not create reports automatically, all the data needed for detailed reports and dashboards is available and can be utilized in the CRM to generate custom analyses and visualizations.
What about handling duplicates and preventing unwanted data in the CRM?
- Answer: The system includes checks for duplicates by verifying email addresses. It ensures that only unique and relevant data is entered into the CRM, maintaining the integrity of the data.
How do we deal with data from regions or email domains we don’t want?
- Answer: Filters can be applied to exclude downloads from specific geographical regions or email domains, helping to manage the quality and relevance of the leads collected.
What if we have multiple brands or need different setups for different parts of our business?
- Answer: The system can handle complex scenarios with multiple brands or catalogs, offering the flexibility to route data as required by specific business needs and setups.

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Deconstructing the Things We Use and Buy with 3Dfindit

Adam Beck — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 20:47:45 +0000

Everyday products are a blend of components that manufacturers make and buy. How do Engineers gather all that CAD data for these designs?

Engineers spend countless hours designing and sourcing components for the products we use every day, from coffee machines to cars and airplanes. Each is made up of numerous components, often sourced from various manufacturers. Finding these parts involves a process that can be time-consuming and challenging.

From initial concept to final production, engineers navigate a complex landscape of research, collaboration, and innovation. They have several options for sourcing components, including redrawing parts themselves, requesting them from manufacturers, downloading from websites, or using crowd-sourced designs.

The infographic below takes a detailed look at the various stages of this journey, highlighting the dedication and expertise required to turn ideas into tangible, functional products.

Deconstructing the Things We Use Every Day: How Engineers Find, Source, and Design Components

Most of us don’t think about the components inside the things we buy, ride in, and use. However, this gigantic ecosystem of moving parts is what allows us to enjoy modern conveniences. From coffee machines and dryers to cars and airplanes, the products we rely on daily are the result of meticulous engineering and design efforts. Engineers spend thousands of hours designing and sourcing the essential components that make these products functional and reliable.

The Challenge for Engineers: Finding and Sourcing Components

Industrial designers and engineers face significant challenges in designing products. Imagining a new machine is just the beginning; finding and assembling the components can be even harder. Engineers need to source components before they can start designing anything. They have several options, each with its pros and cons:

DIY Redrawing: Engineers redraw parts made by supplier manufacturers, which allows for on-demand creation in the preferred format. However, this method is time-consuming and often results in low accuracy and slow revision times.
Request from Manufacturer: Engineers can directly request parts by calling or emailing manufacturers. While this provides accurate data, the selection of brands and formats is limited, and turnaround and revision times can be slow.
Download On-Demand: Engineers can download parts from manufacturer websites, offering very accurate and current data with a quick turnaround. This method also supports multiple formats but is limited by the selection of brands.
Crowd-Sourced Sources: Platforms like GrabCAD offer a large selection of user-generated content, but this often lacks accuracy and branding, making it difficult to find and purchase parts after download.
CAD Search Engines: Platforms like 3Dfindit provide a comprehensive solution, offering a vast selection of brands and products with manufacturer-certified data. This method ensures accuracy and quick turnaround with over 100 formats available.

How 3Dfindit Can Help

3Dfindit.com is a powerful search engine tailored for engineering, electronic, electrical, and architectural components. It connects engineers with over 6,000 manufacturers and trillions of certified products. The platform supports on-demand product configuration and offers more than 100 CAD/BIM formats, including PDF datasheets.

The benefits of using 3Dfindit are significant. It reduces the part discovery process by up to 50% and cuts overall product costs in development and construction by up to 70%. Given that one design engineer can spend over 1,250 hours per year and $100,000 searching for parts, 3Dfindit can save up to 625 hours and $70,000 per engineer annually.

Conclusion: Why engineers need 3Dfindit

3Dfindit revolutionizes the way engineers source and design components, providing a streamlined and efficient solution to a traditionally cumbersome process. By leveraging this tool, engineers can prepare themselves for tomorrow’s challenges, ensuring they don’t just search for parts—they find them.
Visit 3Dfindit.com to discover how it can transform your engineering projects.

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What is the cost of maintaining a digital part?

Adam Beck — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:50:26 +0000

What is a Standard Part?

Any part that can be reused or “standardized” across an assembly or multiple assemblies can be classified as a “standard” part. For instance, a standard part may be the assembly of an entire hydraulic system, or all the individual parts that make up the system such as the fittings, cylinders, pistons, fluid filters and more. Being able to reuse standard parts and assemblies, and the ability to transfer their applications from one project to another, accelerates the speed of design and drastically increases efficiency for engineering departments. Digital standard parts are the veritable catalyst for saving money in assembling new designs. Or at least they should be.

And whether designing a better little red wagon, or facing the growing threats, competing priorities, and fiscal pressures at the Department of Defense, an engineer must be cognizant of the costs associated with maintaining digital parts.

What is the Cost?

According to a report published by The Department of Defense Parts Standardization and Management Committee, it takes an average of six hours to search for a new part in a data management system. Remarkably, it then takes another sixty hours to document the part. In addition, the process of design engineering and documentation for a new part is 46 percent of the total cost to simply introduce it to the market. Furthermore, it is a waste of value-added time to search for a part that is not readily available in the system, is duplicated or especially if it’s inaccurate. This clearly slows down the design process, diminishes quality of the final assembly, and increases engineering costs. In addition, studies have shown that the engineering design phase can make up over 70 percent of the total life cycle cost of a new product post market introduction.

A Look at What Goes Into Calculating Digital Part Cost

When adding a non-standard part in the design of a system the average cost can be as much as $20,000 over the life of the program, with design and engineering of the new part being almost half the total program cost. And even adding an existing nonstandard part can still have a significant impact to the system cost. The following are six cost drivers and their percentage impact on the program. This reveals the importance and benefits of parts management in alleviating the added cost of designing a new part while maintaining design flexibility.

Cost Distribution of Introducing a New Part:

Design and engineering 46%
Inventory 4%
Logistics support 19%
Manufacturing 9 %
Purchasing 19%
Testing 3%

Note that the three most significant areas a parts management system can impact are also the three largest segments of costs: engineering & design, logistics and purchasing.

Design and Engineering

As noted above the majority of cost to introduce a new digital part into the parts library is in design and engineering, which after concept are the first stages of the process. Therefore, leveraging an effective parts management process will reduce costs early, which can otherwise snowball out of control. A parts management system allows cost-effective digital part selection in design and engineering, enhances part interchangeability, and alleviates:

Duplication of work between designers, engineers, and support personnel
Creating, releasing, and maintaining duplicate or other unnecessary drawings
Program risks from using untested or unknown parts
Wasted time in searching for parts
Missing schedules due to unobtainable parts

Recurring Costs

The table below shows the typical hours and costs to design and engineer a new part.

1 According to NAS 1524 Standardization Savings, Identification and Calculation:

Savings from Reduced Engineering Search Time:

Savings = (the annual number of searches for data x rate of engineering costs) x (the time to finish a search x the success rate).

Savings from Using a Stocked Standard Part in Lieu of a New Design:

Savings = the cost of releasing and stocking a new part drawing in the system, including all paperwork + cost of quality testing + the number of hours to engineer a new part x rate of engineering costs) + (number of hours to design and draft a new part x rate of engineering costs).

Savings in Paperwork and Handling:

Savings = (the cost to process a purchase order + reduction in shipments) x the cost of paperwork and inspection.

2 Documentation:

Hours for mechanical parts = 50

Hours for electrical or electronic parts = 70
Average of above = 60 hours
(45 hours for creation and 15 hours for review and release. Engineering change order signatures involve 15 to 20 personnel)

3 Failure rate analysis:

Hours for mechanical parts = 8
Hours for electrical or electronic parts = 16
Average of above = 12 hours

Intangible Costs

The intangible costs that are usually not tracked, but impact the bottom line may be from:

Lack of a technology pool of part experts
Extended procurement lead-times
Repeating the same mistakes (Einstein’s rule: keep doing it over and over expecting a different result)
Risks to completion schedule of final item
Scheduling parts for manufacturing
Technical support provided to purchasing, suppliers and manufacturers
Using a part that doesn’t have a supportable performance history

The $9,300 estimate above is just for design, engineering and wasted time for having to develop a new drawing for a standard part lost somewhere in the system (an example which reinforces the need for an effective and efficient parts management solution).

Digital Part Standardization

Clearly, the cost of a newly created self-designed digital part is expensive. Adding a part can require as many as 400 additional data elements and processes. Of course, the costs vary depending on the industry. Yet a survey of various manufacturers identified the average cost to introduce a new part can range from $200 for clamping devices at a machine tool equipment manufacturer, to $4,000 at a truck and bus manufacturer, and as high as $27,000 for the Department of Defense.

A standard part is defined by its usage history, which indicates its reliability and is readily available in the parts library. Parts standardization replaces multiple comparable items with a single common part.

With 46 percent of the total cost for introducing a new part coming from engineering and design, and 19 percent procurement, the need to standardize and eliminate duplicate parts is unquestionable. By using parts management to leverage commonly used, standard parts the design and life-cycle costs of equipment are significantly reduced.

Digital part standardization allows for a common part to be used in multiple applications. It also allows for larger part-type buys which provides economies of scale for the company and ultimately benefits the customer. And part standardization reduces a company’s costs by avoiding part proliferation, which is a result of engineers creating duplicate parts because they can’t find what should be a single standard part in their ERP.

Identifying the right standard digital parts during design is faster and more cost effective than recreating what is already in the system. A design engineer should be able to rely on finding a typical standard part, instead of spending hours searching or designing it from scratch.

Strategic Parts Management software reduces costs in design, engineering and procurement, and eliminates the burden of parts obsolescence.

Increase Your Engineering Efficiency & Free Up Your Time for Innovation

We’ve yet to meet a design engineer that wakes up every day excited to draw screws and brackets. Does modeling a bracket or a bearing make a design better? Most design engineers strive to create innovative products and solve complex problems. Not every part is worth designing from scratch and custom design isn’t always better. Instead, by using more standard parts, design engineers can spend their time creating and innovating. By leveraging engineering standardization, reusing standard parts helps create better designs, gets them to market faster and gives your engineers time to revolutionize the market well ahead of the competition.

Take the example of physical inventory. It’s not surprising that many people actually believe that once a company pays for material and puts it on the shelf in a warehouse, it no longer costs anything to keep it there. In truth, there are inventory carrying costs and the capital commitment of warehousing expenditures. It’s the same with maintaining parts in a digital library, there are hard costs associated. Beyond the design of suitable adaptations of parts, maintaining and managing the cost of the existing legacy of parts in the system is one of the biggest challenges engineering departments face.

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But All is Not Lost

Digital parts management improves operational readiness and processes to reduce life-cycle costs by allowing for the use and reuse of standard parts. Consider the example of one manufacturer that reuses 70 percent commercial off-the-shelf parts in some of their designs. With 400 parts in the average top level assembly:

Reusing 70 percent of them equals 280 standard parts
It takes 6 hours on average for them to create a new part
Instead, they save those 6 hours per part for reusing each of the 280 parts

Saving 1,680 total engineering hours

Obviously, the cost savings to reuse standard parts is enormous.

Parts reuse powered by Rich-Data enables the reuse of existing parts rather than introducing new ones, providing tremendous savings in engineering and procurement costs. Costs to maintain your digital parts is controlled by effectively using digital libraries to house collections of standardized parts and components, and then tracking the singularity of those items. When a new part is required PARTsolutions’ Strategic Parts Management software automatically checks the parts library to find if the part already exists and ensures duplicates are not created.

Conclusion

The goal of parts management is to improve operational readiness and reduce life-cycle costs by promoting the use of common, widely available, reliable parts and processes. Most manufacturers do not have advanced data on their digital spare parts inventories. This leads to high costs for the company and low flexibility for engineers. Conversely, having an error free and complete parts database that allows for Digital Part Reuse ultimately decreases engineering and procurement costs and increases the value to customers.

Strategic digital parts management software is an end-to-end solution that aligns and integrates with the PLM and ERP systems. It finds and reuses CAD models and data to ensure design engineers and purchasing have a method to do their job quickly and efficiently without repetition.

Parts can be standardized by incorporating a parts management software that reduces the number of redundant parts in a design, which improves operational effectiveness, conserves resources, and avoids cost overruns. From medium to large industrial manufacturers, to consumer products companies, and the DoD, no one is immune to the costs to maintain redundant digital parts. If part proliferation occurs, the cost to maintain digital parts will continue to escalate. However, when implementing a parts management solution to control the costs of digital parts your engineering efficiency gets kicked into high gear.

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Engineering a Cup of Coffee

Adam Beck — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:50:07 +0000

Engineers and tech enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next big thing, whether it’s a groundbreaking piece of software or a clever piece of hardware. But sometimes, the most exciting contraptions come from DIY tech. Enter the Nerdforge couple Martina & Hansi! They decided to marry a love for coffee with a passion for computing by creating a desktop PC that can also brew coffee. This isn’t just a quirky project; it’s a testament to the limitless potential of engineering creativity.

The Vision: Convenience and Comfort

It all started with a simple frustration: the hassle of making a single cup of coffee during a busy workday. Martina, tired of the bulky single-serve machines and uninspiring pod coffee, envisioned a desktop computer that could handle her computing needs while brewing a fresh cup of coffee at the push of a button. The idea was bold and a bit whimsical, but it held a promise of blending convenience with a touch of daily luxury – as all DIY tech should!

The Plan: A Dual-Purpose Machine

The project’s requirements were clear yet challenging. The machine had to perform as a high-standard computer without compromising on performance or thermal management. Simultaneously, it needed to operate as a fully functional coffee maker capable of grinding beans, filtering them, and brewing coffee directly into a mug. The chosen case for this ambitious integration was the Obsidian 1000D Super Tower, known for its ample space and versatility.

The Build: Overcoming DIY Tech Challenges

The process of transforming this vision into reality was meticulous and fraught with challenges. The creator began by stripping down a standard coffee maker and modifying a bean grinder to ensure the beans would be funneled into a filter and then into the mug placed inside the computer. Ensuring the coffee maker didn’t overheat the computer components required ingenious thermal management solutions.

One of the standout solutions was using an Arduino to automate the coffee brewing process. This involved setting up sensors to detect the presence of a coffee mug and controlling the timing of the grinder and coffee maker to prevent any mishaps. The creator’s engineering skills shone through as he tackled each problem, ensuring the coffee-making components integrated seamlessly with the computer’s operation.

The Aesthetics: Form Meets Function

Beyond functionality, aesthetics played a crucial role in the project. Custom-made brackets, hardline tubing, and wood detailing were added to give the machine a sophisticated yet inviting look. LED lights were installed not only to enhance the machine’s appearance but also to indicate its operational status. The result was a machine that was as visually appealing as it was functional.

The Result: A Perfect Brew

The video concludes with a triumphant demonstration of the integrated system. The computer, now also a coffee maker, successfully brews a perfect cup of coffee, all while maintaining its performance as a high-end desktop PC. This inventive fusion of technology and lifestyle illustrates how engineering and programming skills can be used to solve everyday problems creatively.

Conclusion: A Testament to Creativity

This project isn’t just a unique party trick; it’s a testament to the power of creative thinking and engineering prowess. It shows how different technological domains can merge to create multifunctional devices that enhance both work efficiency and personal enjoyment. For engineers and tech enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best ideas come from thinking outside the box—or, in this case, inside the computer case.

So, next time you’re sipping your coffee while working on your computer, imagine the possibilities. Who knows? You might just be inspired to create your own blend of technology and daily comfort.

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Anova Furnishings Launches Innovative Online Outdoor Furniture Configurator

Adam Beck — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:38:09 +0000

Outdoor furniture manufacturer adds customizable catalog to allow customers to personalize products with outdoor furniture configurator.

Anova Furnishings, a leading manufacturer of outdoor furniture renowned for its beauty, comfort, and quality, has unveiled a cutting-edge online product configurator, built by CADENAS PARTsolutions. This dynamic tool empowers customers to effortlessly customize and download CAD files for Anova’s product lines directly from the company’s website.

The new online configurator marks a significant advancement in Anova’s commitment to providing an exceptional digital customer experience. By integrating intuitive product configuration options with seamless CAD file downloads, Anova aims to streamline the design and procurement processes for its clientele, comprising of landscape architects, designers, and specifiers.

Catherine Wilson, Chief Experience Officer at Anova Furnishings, expressed enthusiasm for the platform’s launch, stating, “Our goal with the online product configurator is to offer our customers unparalleled convenience and flexibility in designing their outdoor spaces. By leveraging CADENAS PARTsolutions’ expertise, we can provide a user-friendly tool that caters to diverse design preferences and project requirements.”

Then configurator features Anova’s latest product line, VIBE, a minimalist design offering mixed materials such as thermally-treated wood and recycled plastic lumber. Additionally, INFINITY, known for its customizable nature, enables users to create unique configurations, from linear bench setups to serpentine arrangements. Anova’s AIRI line, a perennial favorite, showcases their signature Styx pattern and offers versatility in outdoor furnishing solutions.

Debbie Smith, the Marketing Director at Anova Furnishings, highlighted the tool’s significance in enhancing customer engagement and lead generation. “With the online configurator, we are keeping our customers engaged on our website while providing them with custom solutions for their projects. Furthermore, the integration of lead capture functionalities ensures that we can follow up with potential clients effectively, enhancing our sales process and customer relationships.”

The Anova online product configurator addresses the need for universal file formats, eliminating the hassle of converting CAD files for different design software. By offering a comprehensive range of file formats, Anova ensures compatibility with various workflows.

About Anova Furnishings:

Anova Furnishing specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality outdoor site furnishings that foster community engagement and enrich outdoor spaces. With a focus on beauty, comfort, and integrity, Anova delivers enduring solutions for public and private outdoor environments.

For more information on Anova and its range of products, visit AnovaFurnishings.com.

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Manitou Manufacturing Introduces Online Configurator for Ball Bearing CAD Models

Adam Beck — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 02:48:59 +0000

Industrial manufacturer adds digital tools for engineers to configure and download 3D CAD models for ball bearing mountings and agricultural bearings.

Manitou Manufacturing, a leading provider of stamped steel bearing housings and bronze bushed bearing assemblies, has launched an advanced online product configurator for ball bearing cad models and other products. This transformative tool enables customers to seamlessly customize and download CAD files for Manitou’s renowned ball bearing mountings and agricultural bearings directly from the company’s website.

With a focus on high-volume production and unparalleled precision, Manitou Manufacturing specializes in delivering flanges to meet the diverse needs of OEMs, distributors, and design engineers. The newly introduced configurator revolutionizes the procurement process by offering customers instant access to customizable CAD files, eliminating the need for manual requests and reducing turnaround times.

“Our main product line consists of ball bearing mountings, which serve as integral components across various industries,” stated Naomi Mamer, the Production Manager at Manitou Manufacturing Co. “With the introduction of our online configurator, design engineers and procurement professionals can effortlessly access CAD files tailored to their specifications. The ease of use helps to make the design and procurement process more efficient.”

Prior to the implementation of the configurator, customers typically relied on manual requests via email or phone to obtain CAD files. The introduction of the online tool not only enhances accessibility but also addresses the evolving preferences of modern buyers, who seek streamlined solutions for sourcing product data and specifications.

“By offering a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with existing workflows, Manitou aims to elevate the customer experience and empower design engineers to bring their visions to life,” added Mamer.

In addition to customizable CAD downloads, the Manitou configurator provides comprehensive PDF data sheets, catering to the increasing demand for detailed product information. This new approach ensures that customer have access to all necessary resources to make informed decisions and integrate Manitou’s products directly into their projects.

About Manitou Manufacturing:

Manitou Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of stamped steel bearing housings and bronze brushed bearing assemblies, serving diverse industries with precision-engineered solutions. With a commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Manitou Manufacturing continues to innovate and set industry standards in bearing mounting solutions.

For more information on Manitou Manufacturing and its range of products, visit ManitouMFG.com.

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2025 Industrial Marketing Summit Announced for February 26-28 in Austin, TX

Adam Beck — Fri, 31 May 2024 15:35:41 +0000

AUSTIN, Texas – June 3, 2024 – CADENAS USA, Gorilla 76, and TREW Marketing today announced the Industrial Marketing Summit, an educational and networking forum for marketers in engineering, manufacturing, and technical industries, will take place in Austin, Texas, February 26-28, 2025 at the AT&T Executive Conference Center.

Learn more and register for discounted early pricing today: https://industrialmarketingsummit.com/

“The Industrial Marketing Summit proved so valuable from day one of its inaugural launch,” said Adam Beck, Director of Marketing at CADENAS USA. “This event uniquely gives marketers who target nuanced, technical audiences their own space to connect over shared challenges and strategies.”

Leading Industry Experts in Evolving Marketing Topics

The event will feature a mix of deep-dive workshops, sessions, new research, discussion panels, a conference party, and other networking opportunities.

“We’re bringing together leading minds from around the country to help industrial marketers better understand how to most effectively develop marketing strategies,” said Joe Sullivan, Thinker and Founder at Gorilla76. “From how-to sessions and successful case studies to long-term branding and marketing planning, we’re looking to help marketers expand their skills and expertise.”

Topics for the 2025 Industrial Marketing Summit include:

Brand messaging
Content development
Performance marketing
Digital experiences
AI for marketers

Interested speakers with expertise in these topics can submit to speak in 2025 at https://industrialmarketingsummit.com/.

2024 speakers included a wide range of marketing leaders including:

Chris Hull, co-Founder of Jasper – who discussed using generative AI to work smarter and more efficiently
Dale Bertrand of Fire & Spark – who built a business case around using predictive AI tools to support content and SEO
CJ Haight of GlobalSpec – who presented new research on the buying behavior and content preferences of engineers

The event is now accepting sponsorship applications. Visit the event website to learn more about how your company can get involved.

Added Benefits for Electronics Industry Reps, Manufacturers, and Distributors Attending the ERA Conference

The 2025 Industrial Marketing Summit directly follows the Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) Conference, hosted at the same venue.

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Columbus McKinnon Built to Last: Crane Technology Demystified

Adam Beck — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:03:07 +0000

When it comes to industrial efficiency, Columbus McKinnon Corporation (CMCO) is a real game-changer. With nearly 150 years of experience under their belt, CMCO has earned a reputation for being the go-to for smart solutions in material handling. From heavy lifting to seamless movement, they’ve got it covered with brands like CM, STAHL CraneSystems, and Yale. Always on the cutting edge, CMCO keeps pushing boundaries, showing us what’s possible in material handling tech.

From hoists and cranes to conveyor systems and automation solutions, Columbus McKinnon offers a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to meet the needs of modern industries. However, what truly sets them apart is their commitment to simplifying the customization process through their online product catalog and configurator.

Picture this: a warehouse in need of upgrading its lifting equipment to improve efficiency and safety. Traditionally, this would entail days of planning, manual calculations, and complex quoting process. But with Columbus McKinnon’s online catalog, this cumbersome process is simplified into a quick and intuitive experience.

Before diving into the details of the catalog and configurator, let’s take a step back and explore the inner workings of crane technology. In this video tour of a Columbus McKinnon warehouse, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how crane control units are put together and how they actually work. From the intricate components to the sophisticated control systems, CMCO walks you through the complexities of this product.

Columbus McKinnon Crane Technology

Because their products require a complex understanding of cranes, Columbus McKinnon is working to empower customers to learn about their products. Their user-friendly catalog allows customers to customize and visualize hoists and cranes according to specific requirements with just a few clicks. Whether it’s a crane kit for a large-scale construction project or a power hoist for a concert facility, the online catalog simplifies the process with instant access to crucial information such as 3D models, PDF data sheets, and cost estimates.

Columbus McKinnon is revolutionizing the world of material handling. They remain dedicated to driving innovation and enhancing customer satisfaction through a combination of expertise and advanced technology. CMCO continues to create intelligent motion solutions that move the world forward.

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The Weirdest Fighting Robots We’ve Seen at NHRL

Kelly Obbie — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 22:06:27 +0000

Everyone loves a highly sophisticated, technologically advanced fighting robot (ever seen BattleBots?), but it’s also fun to watch someone just strap a jet engine onto a motor and press the “on” button. That’s exactly what happens at National Havoc Robot League competitions (NHRL).

You have your standard tough bots like Maximizer, but you also have plenty of “eh, why not?” bots. Here are some of our favorite “weird bots” from NHRL. Do NOT try these at home:

Jet engine

It’s not as much a fighting robot as it is a sensory overload robot. It sure looks cool, though, and sometimes that’s all you need.

@nationalhavoc This is Hotshot. A 30lb fighting robot based around a jet engine. You might remember the first version of this robot: Flameout. It’s had a huge upgrade, now has armor and a full drive system. It’s designed to blast other robots away whilst doing lots of heat damage to their internals. It still needs further upgrades but it’s an assault on all the senses in real life combat. #nhrl #jetengine #fyp ♬ original sound – NHRL – Robot Combat League

3D printer with knives

You may have seen Emily the Engineer’s wacky build videos on YouTube, and this one is no less insane. She strapped knives on a 3D printer. It’s sort of “Big Hero 6” meets “Halloween.”

@nationalhavoc Call that a knife? This is a knife #nhrl #robot #3dprinterpen ♬ original sound – NHRL – Robot Combat League

Airbag

If William Osman is involved, you know something weird and dangerous is going to happen.

@nationalhavoc William Osman & The Backyard Scientist convert a car airbag into a combat robot #nhrl ♬ original sound – NHRL – Robot Combat League

Nail gun

“I’m a pretty good shot with a nail gun, but one day my boss, Mr. Larson…got in the way.”

@nationalhavoc We get asked all the time, can I put a nailgun on my robot? The answer is YES We allow projectiles as long as they fire under 150mph like Odin, God of Nailgun combat robot #nhrl #powertools #ryobi ♬ original sound – NHRL – Robot Combat League

Hot dog machine

Once again, a William Osman bot. Anybody want ketchup?

@nationalhavoc Raw Dog, the 4lb All-American Beef hot dog robot Head over to the NHRL YouTube channel to see what Michael Reeves, William Osman, & The Backyard Scientist cook up #nhrl #hotdog #robot ♬ original sound – NHRL – Robot Combat League

Rocket engine

It’s a weaponized rocket engine called “Flaming Fart.” What more could you want?

@nationalhavocThis is what happens when you make a robot weapon from a rocket engine. A huge explosion and a LOT of smoke. Luckily we have a negative air pressure system which sucks out all the smoke safely.♬ original sound – NHRL – Robot Combat League

Drone

At first glance, this bot seems untouchable (quite literally), but remember you’re dealing with engineers. If there’s a will, there’s a way.

@nationalhavoc How do you beat a flying robot you can’t reach? You use a very clever solution. Highly technical and creative. (Glue a big stick to the top of your robot and swat it out of the air). #nhrl #engineering #battlebots #drone #droneracing #robotfight #fightingrobot ♬ original sound – NHRL – Robot Combat League

Microwave and a lawnmower blade

Cook some popcorn, mow your lawn, and visit the ER (probably).

@nationalhavoc A hilarious robot made from an old microwave, Walmart toys and random junk, put together in a few hours to compete. Meet Spare Parts, kind of like if Adam Savage from Myth Busters built a scrapyard version of Johnnie 5 from Short Circuit. It became an instant hit at NHRL 2023 January event. #terminator #nhrl #adamsavage #junkyard ♬ original sound – NHRL – Robot Combat League

Fireworks and glitter

Hamburgers, cows, fireworks, and glitter. Are we in a Mad Lib?

@nationalhavoc This is Norwalk Havoc ladies and gentleman, where a robotic hamburger and cow face off in the most ludicrous robot combat ever captured on film. Bugsbee v MilkTank grudge match from NHRL 2022 September #nhrl #robotcombat #robotsontiktok ♬ original sound – NHRL – Robot Combat League

Flamethrower

Our mixtape just dropped.

@nationalhavoc Penguin gets destroyed by a combat robot with a flamethrower #nhrl #robotcombat #combatrobots #combatrobotics ♬ original sound – NHRL – Robot Combat League

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The post The Weirdest Fighting Robots We’ve Seen at NHRL appeared first on CADENAS USA.

Engineering the World’s Longest Solar Eclipse

Adam Beck — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 17:20:17 +0000

How a team of creative Scientists used the Concorde jet to extend the viewing time of a Solar Eclipse

Last week I wasn’t interested in eclipses. It’s something I’ve been tangentially aware of, but I never saw one that made me understand why people get so excited.

Translation: I never saw a solar eclipse at 100% totality, until April 8, 2024.

Admittedly, there has been a lot of “eclipse hype” for those of us who live in the path of totality. It’s been going on for months. It’s on the news, there’s eclipse tourism, and plenty of eclipse merch. I’m also one of those people who sees any hype and goes the other direction. For once, I’m really glad I was dragged into the center of the excitement.

Like the other 30 million Americans who watched the 100% eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, I was blown away. I have never seen anything like it. It wasn’t just how dark it got around me (more like dusk really), but how black the Moon was in front of the Sun. It’s beyond description. I’m now a card-carrying member of the eclipse fan club.

Ever since the main-event I’ve been searching for best photos of the 2024 eclipse in my area, learning about the differences in various eclipses, even watching a simulation of the moon shadow from space. But what was the World’s longest Eclipse?

When was the World’s longest Solar Eclipse:

The longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century occurred on July 22, 2009. This eclipse lasted for a maximum of 6 minutes and 39 seconds over the Pacific Ocean, setting a record for the longest duration for a total solar eclipse for this century. Such long durations of totality are rare and are influenced by the Earth’s distance from the sun and the moon’s distance from the Earth, as well as the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun. The next eclipse that’s set to challenge this duration won’t happen until June 13, 2132. So, the 2009 eclipse holds a special place in the record books for its exceptional length, offering a rare and fascinating spectacle for eclipse chasers and astronomers alike.

How could humans extend the time we get to see a solar eclipse?

Engineering the 74 Minute Solar Eclipse:

Imagine hurtling through the sky at Mach 2 (2,100 mph), chasing the moon’s shadow across continents, all in pursuit of one of the universe’s most awe-inspiring spectacles—a total solar eclipse. This isn’t the plot of a science fiction novel; it’s the remarkable story of a daring mission aboard the iconic Concorde, the only commercial aircraft capable of keeping pace with the speed of the eclipse’s shadow.

In 1973, a visionary team of scientists and aviators, led by French astrophysicist Pier Lena, embarked on an unprecedented journey to witness the longest solar eclipse in human history from a vantage point like no other. Armed with scientific instruments and a meticulously calculated flight path, they transformed Concorde into the fastest moving observatory ever, aiming to unravel the mysteries of the sun’s elusive corona. Join us as we take off on this extraordinary voyage of discovery, where precision flying meets cutting-edge science in a race against the celestial clock.

In the early 1970’s a small group of scientists set out to study the Sun’s corona, a task typically complicated by atmospheric interference from the ground. They planned to achieve this by harnessing the capabilities of Concorde, the only commercial aircraft fast enough to chase a solar eclipse. In doing so, they could experience a total solar eclipse for 74 minutes—a feat unachievable from a stationary position on Earth. The Concorde’s unparalleled speed and cabin space made it the ideal platform for this pursuit, allowing Lena and his team, along with Concorde test pilot Andre Turcat, to meticulously plan a flight that would intercept the moon’s shadow over Africa and remain within it for an extended period, overcoming significant logistical challenges related to the flight path and operational limits.

The mission required intricate planning to ensure Concorde could enter and stay within the moon’s rapidly moving shadow, with precision timing crucial to maximizing the duration of totality. The aircraft was specially modified for scientific observation, including installing observation windows and modifying its electrical system to support the scientific instruments. The team’s efforts culminated on June 30th, when Concorde, piloting by Turcat, successfully intercepted the eclipse, enabling on-board scientists to conduct unprecedented observations of the Sun’s corona, contributing valuable insights into phenomena such as zodiacal light and the corona’s acoustic waves.

This mission not only achieved a record for the longest experienced eclipse but also demonstrated an exceptional collaboration between science and engineering, offering a unique perspective on a celestial event and advancing our understanding of solar phenomena.

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