Case Study – The best practices to ensure the plasma cutting machine specification meet performance outcomes

THE BEST PRACTICES TO ENSURE THE PLASMA CUTTING MACHINE SPECIFICATION MEET PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES & PROVIDES COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

In the current climate, we are all looking for ways to develop our business to increase market presence and improve efficiency. As part of this process, it is fair to think about all of our assets and our people, guarding ourselves against making an incorrect choice. However, we all know of other organisations that have rushed in headfirst in purchasing a new machine tool without proper preparation or understanding of the resource they need to be successful.

A recent purchasing decision by steel processing client ‘Contractor A’ highlights the possible outcomes that result from poorly considered choices.

Contractor A sought to purchase a new plasma/drilling machine to address a gap in their product offering. Whilst the machine they purchased was new, it was the cost-effective model that only provided competitive drilling capacity in carbon steel (which was 90% of steel processed). By making a hurried selection, the client overlooked specifications that would also allow them to process a Q&T plate (such as for the mining industry) and achieve higher margins. Therefore, the machine choice limited the client’s opportunity to serve related markets and address the gap that the machine was purchased to maximise.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE SPECIFICATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTLY DEFINED?

By not asking the right questions about specification from the subject matter expert, your business’ expected performance outcomes might not be realised. The risk of getting this wrong can have significant long-term implications to your business. The bottom line is that through incorrect utilisation of resources, cash flow, floor space and power will have limitations on the type of work the business can bid for and win.

A gap analysis can identify the performance shortfall and highlight deficiencies in the business’ capabilities. It will consider information regarding capacity expectations, revenue and SWOT profiles, value gap analysis, supply chain management, complementary processes as well as material handling, training and support. This information is then used to develop the machine’s specifications.

By not understanding the gap that has driven the need for change, we can often find comfort in familiarity, prior knowledge and peer relationships. While this can be a good source of shared experience, very few will tell us what happens next.

Lost contracts, damaged reputation, reduced capabilities, and a poorly engaged workforce are experiences that have been recounted by too many clients who have chosen an underpowered drilling spindle that does not have the required torque to competitively drill a Q&T plate.

Learn More

Contact Specialist Machinery Sales today to discuss a superior machinery strategy for your business.

Leave a Comment