Archives for August 2013

In a recent Ice Talk I explored how technology has given me the freedom to do more. Now I would like to touch on how technology can help your company do more with less. Having the tools to do more with fewer resources gives a company the edge that leads to company growth in a competitive market.

Packaged ice producers of all sizes have embraced technology within their business. Computers are utilized to manage customer accounts, cash flow, and taxes. Technology updates within delivery trucks are producing better gas mileage and less vehicle maintenance. Most ice companies have even embraced handheld computing technology within their delivery fleet. So why have the majority of the ice production facilities remained the same for decades? It is not to say that packaged ice producers have not made equipment improvements throughout their facilities, but most still utilize antiquated bulk storage and ice processing equipment loosely integrated and operated by under-skilled and problematic employees. Too many resources are being utilized to make a bag of ice and not enough resources are going into the selling of the packaged ice product. Making packaged ice should be easy, and as an owner or facility manager, it shouldn’t consume your valuable time and resources. Today’s technologies are giving us the tools to develop packaged ice facilities that require only a single operator to produce 100, 200, or even 300 pallets of ice products per day.  Our AIS Control Systems require almost no operator intervention while making remote monitoring, diagnostics, and sometime even remote repairs a possibility. Today’s AIS Ice Processing Systems put more usable, quality ice in the bag with minimal waste ice management. These highly productive manufacturing facilities produce your products smarter so you can spend your time and resources selling ice and building your customer base.  Would you like freedom to do more?  If you have been considering updates to your facility, let AIS help you embrace today’s technology to yield smarter company growth.

This is a very busy time of the year for people associated with the packaged ice industry. The seasonality of this industry continues to surprise even long term veterans. It seems as though ice sales go from a trickle to a barely controllable flood in nothing flat. Equipment goes from running 3-4 days a week for 8 hours, to 24/7 madness. When summer vacation is coupled with summer heat, the flood gates open. No matter how much we prepare for the madness, challenges still abound.

When the challenges of the summer rush surround us, it’s imperative to remember to always do your best. Doing your best means committing yourself 100% to each action you do. When we truly do our best, it’s easier to accept the challenges and outcomes presented to us. This level of commitment nurtures a self confidence that allows us to better accept difficult situations with the knowledge that we truly did our best. Doing your best means action without regret. Yes, sometimes the outcome is not what is desired, but you can be confident that you gave it your all.

When challenges become overwhelming, never stop doing your best. Do your best because you want to, because it’s the right thing to do, and because it’s the only logical option. Be self motivated; don’t act because someone is looking or because it is what you are supposed to do.  Do your best knowing that the outcome may not be by your design. Life’s variables surround us every day, and these variables are mostly out of our control. Tomorrow will present new surprises. Never stop doing your best.

Automatic Ice Systems is a major factory distributor of Leer Brand Ice Merchandisers.

Last week I was at the Leer factory with several members of the AIS Sales Team.  Our goal was to better understand why Leer® Merchandisers are superior to other brands and to develop a marketing and sales platform to communicate why Leer is the best investment.  During this process, two important concerns came to life.  1) Even though Leer has continued to promote their product improvements, they have never properly communicated a complete list of all the advantages their product offers over competitive units.  2) Very few package ice producers, and distributors, track the cost of ownership of their ice merchandising units.   As for the first concern, we are working on a complete list of product improvements Leer has initiated over the past several years.  I think most packaged ice suppliers will be surprised how many important improvements Leer has brought to the market in recent history.  When viewed as a group this is an impressive list.  These value added improvements are the result of Leer listening to the customers.  I hope to share this list soon.

Switching to the second concern, let’s touch on the cost of ownership.  What is the true cost of your ice merchandising units?  Merchandiser cost is much more than the initial purchasing expense.  Better merchandisers cost more money to purchase, but these better units will always prove to be a superior investment.  Cost of ownership includes, among other things, cost of maintenance.  Merchandiser maintenance and the associated cost in down time, lost product, and unhappy retailer frustrations are real factors that should be considered when purchasing ice merchandisers.  Just one additional service call can justify the premium investment in Leer.  Factor longevity into the equation and I can’t understand why anyone would choose any other brand.  I challenge your company to track the cost of ownership of all your merchandiser units.  Record the unit serial number, location, parts replaced, associated labor, lost product, lost sales, and any other item that would add to the cost of ownership.  A simple spread sheet, and a little extra effort, will help your company better manage these ongoing investments.  Controlling cost is rarely about getting the best price.  Controlling cost is about making the right investment.