Turning Supply Chain Constraints Into Opportunities

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Issue #15282 - January 2023 | Page #52
By Edmond Lim, P.Eng.

Looking back at my articles in 2022, have you noticed what several have in common? Consider the plants featured in these stories:

These truss plants have taken a leap of faith and are now running their truss plants with Enventek Process Organization Technology to “Pick their Lumber, Cut their Lumber, and Build their Trusses.” No changes are needed in their design offices as we synchronize and integrate their operations, regardless of which third-party plate supplier or third-party table automation systems (lasers and puck systems) they utilize. Our process will optimize any plant equipment that reads industry standard cutting and laser datafiles, and production orders generated by all plate supplier’s software will be processed to take full advantage of the efficiencies of our system.

The underlying technology, design, and software of our platform is simple, robust, and safe, the proof of which has been recorded for over 15 years (since 2007). In fact, these attributes enabled us to overcome many of last year’s supply chain issues, especially those that were chip-related. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]

Furthermore, our systems are all Linux-based running on USB thumb drives. The motion control communication throughout the RetroC, PickLine, and PlantOne is done with ethernet cable, which has the added benefit of quick diagnostics and simple troubleshooting. The Enventek VC1 is the only proprietary component within the RetroC, PickLine, and PlantOne platform, and it is the versatility of our proprietary PLC that has enabled us to overcome critical supply chain issues.

Shown are three different iterations of the same electrical control panel using different Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) manufacturers. The Enventek VC1 is the common denominator that makes it all work no matter which supplier delivers on time.

The silver lining of 2022’s supply chain issues (and peace of mind to our customers) was that we went to work to further future-proof our platform by implementing and programming our VC1 to handle multiple VFD manufacturers when our default suppliers could not deliver on time. The VFDs we now support include: GS10 Series, GS20 Series, Weg CFW100 Series, Weg CFW300 Series, Weg CFW500 Series, FMX Series, GS1 Series, GS2 Series, and GS3 Series Drives.

When you’re ready to see our efficient and effective systems for yourself, let us know! Inside and out, LimTek Process Organization Technology will help you squeeze out more truss production and deliver quality trusses with shorter lead times to better service your customers by organizing your truss fabrication processes to maximize your investment in automation.
https://limteksolutions.com/#solutions

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