Automation Devices, Inc. (ADI), a vibratory feeder
and part system components manufacturer is identifying a shift in how customers
are changing their buying habits. ADI is
adapting to an industry trend where companies are still requiring custom equipment,
but more standard, off the shelf goods. As a result, the Company is embracing the
necessary strides to evolve with the ever-changing manufacturing climate.
ADI President Kevin Smith has noticed this manufacturing
trend increase over the last several months.
"It is a buyers’ market. Customers
need increased flexibility with the products they purchase," explains Smith. "By purchasing ADI vibratory feeding equipment
that does not require specialized tooling, there is a cost savings benefit because
it requires little to no specialization." We provide the building blocks so that
customers can adequately meet their needs, utilizing their own resources to
assemble or tool a vibratory feeder bowl in their own manufacturing facility," says
Smith. When customers make standard
equipment purchases it enables ADI to provide them with quicker turnaround
times and expedited shipping, but it also requires a change of focus internally
regarding inventory, staff and other resources.
Smith also notes that custom equipment purchases
are far from being abandoned. "It is a
huge part of our business that fulfills the needs of a different kind of
customer – one with varying needs, more specific needs that cater to a more
specific degree of specialization that cannot be achieved with standard
equipment," adds Smith.
"Along with the rise in standard equipment
purchases, we are also seeing diversity in industries that we serve," adds
Smith. "For many years we would see
industry specific surges. From automotive
to ammunition to pharmaceutical, it seemed as if everything individually gained
rapid momentum at one time or another," says Smith. "Now, we are seeing less of that with a more consistent
level across all manufacturing segments."
ADI sees this as a positive as it
adds stability to the economy when we aren’t relying solely on one or two
thriving industries to support the manufacturing sector. Industrial output is up in the U.S and
companies continue to reshore. "It is a
positive time in manufacturing, notes Smith."
The manufacturing world is constantly evolving - especially for small
manufactures. We have to recognize these
changes, adapt and evolve too."
Automation Devices, Inc. is a
vibratory feeder manufacturer in Fairview, PA specializing in vibratory
feeders, inline feeders, hoppers and vibratory controllers. Contact
ADI for additional information on standard or custom vibratory feeding
equipment at 814-474-5561 or by visiting
www.autodev.com.