I was at a seminar last month and the topic of CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs came up. When the speaker asked for a show of hands of those people that use those bulbs nearly every hand in the room went up. The speaker went on to ask a few of the members in the audience why they use CFL bulbs and the answer was always the same: “They cost less to run” and in some cases a lot less. Even though the bulbs are more expensive to buy, the long term cost savings is something everybody can appreciate.
This got me thinking about how businesses can trim fat. When it comes to cost cutting businesses tend to get caught up in the short term as it yields immediate results, and often overlook long term measures because they cost more up front.
This leads to why I am writing this post. I often find myself explaining to customers the long term value of Alicat products versus other flow solutions because the cost of acquisition for an Alicat product is sometimes higher than other flow or pressure solutions. While an Alicat device isn’t always justified, it is more often than not that customers, when shown from a new perspective, see the value in paying more up front. Much the same way consumers have come to view the CFL bulb.
With that, here are four of the most common reasons an Alicat product can save you money in the long run:
1. Simplicity.
Alicat’s mass flow meters and controllers are very easy to use, even by a complete novice. There is no specialized training that is required or the need for specialized software or hardware. Alicat engineers have developed an intuitive display that allows users to make adjustments to the device via push buttons. To make effective use of some equipment it is necessary to get specific training or spend hours and hours learning how to use it. The Alicat device offers an intuitive and easy to use menu that allows a user to use the product to within 90% of its ability within about 30 minutes from first using the device.
2. Low power consumption
Just like CFL bulbs, process control equipment has power requirements and power is expensive. For example, at Alicat we’ve got a number of offices, lab space, production area, machine shop, and common areas that all require power for lights, heat/cooling, and running equipment. And like most companies, Alicat is concerned with cost savings and keeps that in mind when designing products. An Alicat mass flow meter requires only 0.04Amps of current to operate, or approximately 1/10 of the current required for a typical 40W light bulb!
3. Versatility
Inventory, especially spare parts, can quickly become a costly endeavor for businesses. If you have equipment in place that requires the use of multiple components it is not uncommon to stock spare parts in the event of a failure. I was talking to one customer who needed to keep 2 or 3 different range mass flow controllers in stock because of the variety flow rates his equipment required. Alicat mass flow meters and controllers have a 200:1 turndown ratio and 30 on board gas calibrations. As I explained to this customer, a single Alicat MFC can be used in place of a wide range of flow rates and gases. There is no special configuration, it’s literally just pushing a few buttons on the display and the device is ready to go. Cheap and simple!
4. Lifetime warranty
Earlier this year I had to replace an appliance in my house that was out of warranty. The failure, as it turns out, was a component that commonly fails. The manufacturer indicated that it was a common failure and that it had been remedied in a newer model. Ridiculous! Alicat believes that a product should be designed to last a lifetime which is why we’ve established the industry’s only lifetime warranty program. Things sometimes break for no reason at all, and you shouldn’t have to pay for a manufacturer’s decision to use substandard components. If your Alicat product fails due to no fault of your own, regardless of how long ago you bought it, if we can still get parts for it we’ll fix it…for free.
While there are more reasons that equipment from Alicat can save you money in the long run these four tend to resonate the most with the customers to whom I speak. Cost savings is something that every company, or person, is thinking about. If you think one of our products can save you money, give us a call!