Special Report - Finning Canada

Take CommandBy Jeff Howard, with files from Lindsey Norris and Lisa RicciottiNew software and lab tests help revealyour machine’s secret lifeFind Out More!For more informationon Finning fluid analysis,contact your Finningrepresentative or call ourfluid sampling expertsKatrina Ostrikoff(604) 881-2959 or JodyExell (780) 443-7231.No one gets closer to understandinghidden equipment mysteries than the oftenunsungfluid analysis interpreters. Whetherit’s copper or chromium, sulphur or silicon,oxidation or nitration, these heavy equipmentscientists can pinpoint potential problems thatmight otherwise shorten your component’slifespan.So it’s wise to get their advice early. It can meanthe difference between a simple tune up or a majorrepair and unwanted downtime. And, in some cases,they’ll even be able to tell you if Rusty, your newoperator, is riding the brakes a little too hard.For 30 years, Finning’s fluid analysis team, whichis affiliated with 147 Caterpillar fluid sampling labsworldwide, has been helping keep Cat equipment inthe field and out of the shop.And this fall, Finning labs based in Surrey andEdmonton will take a big step forward when theyunveil a new lab management system – EquipmentCommander – a web-based software tool that promisesto significantly improve your fluid sampling andreporting experience.“This will be a serious upgrade to our system,”says Katrina Ostrikoff, manager, fluid analysis sales,Finning (Canada). “Combined with our thoroughunderstanding of component metallurgy andknowledgeable interpreters, we’ll be able to providecustomers with a whole new range of fluid analysisservices. I’d ask customers to give us a try this fall.”Ostrikoff says the new system will offer a rangeof advantages for customers looking for a reliableand in-depth sampling service. The system makessample reports and interpretive comments availableonline, giving customers access to their informationfrom anywhere, at anytime. Also, EquipmentCommander can send sample notifications howyou like them – via email, instant messaging, fax orsnail mail.“The program is user-friendly and there is noAnalyze ThisLast year Finning(Canada) scrutinizedmore than 240,000fluid samples, analyzingoil, coolant and fuel atits two labs in Surreyand Edmonton. Surreyaverages 275 samples perday; Edmonton about600 daily. Samples splitequally between Cat andnon-Cat equipment ofall types, both mobile andstationary.installedsoftware,”adds Ostrikoff,“so little training willbe required.”The system offers otheradvantages. EquipmentCommander can printlabels that include barcodesto speed sample registration. And it keepsall user data in one place, including historical information,fuel and lubricant consumption reports,registration details, images and information aboutcomponents’ estimated remaining life.“The tool’s ability to forecast means you’ll knowwhen the next samples are due,” explains Jody Exell,fluid analysis manager in Edmonton. “This will keepour customers up-to-date with those all-importantwarranty requirements.”What won’t change at Finning’s labs in Surreyand Edmonton is hands-on interpretation of customerfluid samples. Contrary to other labs thatdepend on machine analysis of samples, Finningcontinues to provide a greater degree of precisionand know-how: an experienced oil lab interpreterreviews your sample results.12 tracks & treads Summer 2009www.finning.ca