SMC Pneumatics has come to the rescue of many smaller manufacturers who are unable to afford the large R&D costs often associated with customising a control system.
The company calls it ‘Simple Specials’. These are standard simple modifications generally applied to cylinders, for example to the rod end shape, rod end thread size, tie rod lengths, and so on. According to product manager Ernst Smith, these specials are there to assist customers to achieve their ideal solution. With over 12 000 basic component types it is hard to believe that one could need anything more, but these are split further to accommodate just such requirements. “All things considered we offer around 750 000 product variations, which brings me to stress the focus that SMC has on training. Luckily for us, every person currently employed by SMC has enjoyed extensive training in the UK,” says Smith, who himself has also undergone further intensive training in locations such as Japan, Spain and Germany.
The X factor: “made-to-order”
“SMC’s online configurator allows customers to configure parts to their exact specification,” adds Smith. “Added to this is the option of a ‘made-to-order’ variant. We would generally refer to this as an X factor option. Having been in every imaginable industry for so many years, we have realised that there is no way you can meet the specific requirements of every customer through stock standard catalogue products. Customers often have something which requires a specialised solution, for example high or low temperature, harsh environment, or certain performance requirements for their applications. SMC will manufacture these specialised products for the customer from the range of standard products. We call it the X factor as the custom part has an X after the standard part number, identifying it as being special.”
The price for such an item is readily available through the SMC office and quite affordable when compared with other made-to-order solutions. “The X factor customisation, which often involves special machining and assembly, is accommodated at the company’s Johannesburg facility,” explains Smith. “SMC has invested about R15 million on machines and tooling for the new facility in order to offer local customisation and quick turnaround time.”
If a higher level of customisation is required, SMC is ready to roll up its sleeves. The company has an engineering division which is able to assist customers with these more intricate requirements, referred to as RFSs or “Request for Specials”. This could be anything from a resin manifold to a cylinder with positioner for a special application.
SMC South Africa has also called on the expertise of an international production manager from SMC UK to assist with the initial management of local production, ensuring the necessary skills are transferred and the facility achieves its production goals.
In addition to local cylinder and valve terminal assembly, he will also assist with any RFS requirements. The South African facility reports into the UK office, which has further capabilities should the local office not be equipped with the required expertise There is even the option of further escalation to the Japanese head office facility. In RFS cases, SMC will supply the customer with a ready-built system which makes installation quick and seamless – irrespective of what it takes.
“Ultimately we want happy customers who know that SMC is an innovative company with the ability to meet their requirements, no matter how specific,” concludes Smith. “The company is not only about futuristic concepts, but we also continuously monitor the markets and listen to our customers. This enables us to identify their real needs and meet those with real solutions.”
For more information contact SMC Pneumatics South Africa, +27 (0)11 568 2407, [email protected], www.smcpneumatics.co.za
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