I recently had a phone call with a customer who said they had changed out three parts on their Cimbria Delta air screen in an 18-year span.
For nearly two decades, this piece of equipment had been humming along in a seed plant doing its job and barely needed any attention at all in that time. It’s a trend that’s becoming more and more prevalent over time.
Modern colour sorters and related equipment don’t require a lot of upkeep. That’s partly due to the fact the technology is evolving rapidly and getting more sophisticated. It’s more user-friendly which cuts down on the kind of mistakes that result in more wear-and-tear. Plus, modern technology is simply designed better.
But it’s also a result of the fact that customers are getting better at using that equipment. When we sell a piece of equipment, that sale comes with training. We show the customer not just how to operate it but explain how the equipment works. Those are two different things.
Knowing how to work a colour sorter is one thing. Understanding the concept behind why it works opens up a whole new dimension to the operator, allowing them to recognize when there’s a problem and why there’s a problem. They become stewards of the equipment, which results in less downtime and a machine that stands the test of time with minimal maintenance or repairs required.
That also means fewer service calls. If service is needed, we are able to connect with the machine remotely, often helping to eliminate the need for an on-site visit.
Seed cleaning is really only a small part of running a seed plant, when you think about it. You have to schedule loading and unloading, deal with weather complications, the list goes on. Cutting down on service and increasing longevity of the machine means you can focus more on growing your business and less on worrying about whether your seed is coming out right.
