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Making Your Job Easier ...... |
September 21, 2005 |
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Posted by Joe Lewis at September 21, 2005 04:12 PM |
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Ever had a choice of technologies to solve a particular problem? Like whether to use butter or an ice cube on a mild burn? How do you evaluate them? How do you make sure that the technology you decide upon works reliably? In the example of a burn the choice may seem clear, but in the processing, storage, handling and sensing of powders and bulk solids it isn’t always that clear-cut. However, understanding the selection process and the use of the latest animation software can simplify the task and make your job easier in some areas.Let’s consider the selection of the technology for a point level sensing device to detect either a high or low level of material in a bin. In many cases you may have an idea of what to use because it is just a matter of replacing an existing unit. But what about selecting the right technology for a new project or for an application you haven’t had before?
Your Choices
Rotary paddle, diaphragm pressure-activated switches, tilt switches, RF capacitance and vibratory technologies together offer a choice for virtually any application. Each technology has advantages and disadvantages, different price points, varying degrees of performance and reliability, as well as a range of requirements for installation and setup. How to choose?
The Problem
Simply put, you know your business, product and your job requirements. How can you also be an expert at each of the above sensing technologies and their respective application issues to be able to best choose what to use? How long has it taken to become the expert you are in your chosen field and your company’s product lines and systems? You don’t have that type of time to become an expert in all of these point level sensing technologies too.
The Solution
Broad line suppliers usually offer the best support. Companies that can provide virtually all of the available technologies, or at least a critical mass of products to meet virtually every need. But suppliers should be evaluated for their ability to provide you with tools and materials to help you do your job. For example:
- Does the supplier have an "active" website? I mean a website that is updated regularly, such as monthly, with information on "what’s new", product spotlights and regularly posted solution stories and technical tips.
- Does the supplier have an "interactive" website? Can you search a blog or technical bulletin board for subjects you need help with? Can you engage the supplier online with an interactive chat?
Suppliers with the ability to use state-of-the-art animation software should also be strongly considered. Let me give you an example of this. Macromedia Flash is a software package that is used to create animations. In addition, it can also be used to creatively produce intelligent support and engineering tools such as Interactive Guides. Flash can be used to create a graphical interface allowing you to answer a series of application questions and then evaluate the answers and present recommendations for you to consider. This gives you a technical expert right on your desktop and at you disposal anytime.
One such example of an intelligent Interactive Guide is the "Interactive Guide For Point Level Monitoring" from Monitor Technologies LLC. This guide is contained on a single CD. The IG begins with a unique question and answer session to determine the point level product best suited to your specific application. If multiple products are suitable for your application they are individually listed with the first being the most suitable based upon your answers. From there you can review an in-depth product discussion of the product’s value, technology, applications, features, installation, and specifications.
If you’d like to order an Interactive Guide for your own use please click here or you can run the "Review My Application" part of the Interactive Guide now! The Interactive Product Guide is a part of Monitor’s SecureCare(SM) customer service. SecureCare is unequaled education, service, and support that provide the customer with durable instrumentation having the lowest total cost of ownership.
Joe Lewis
Vice President - Marketing & Sales
Monitor Technologies LLC
Phone: 800-766-6486 or +1-630-365-9403
Email: jlewis@monitortech.com
