BinMaster Level Controls • 800-278-4241 • http://www.binmaster.com
BinMaster, Lincoln, NE (800-278-4241), designs and manufactures reliable, solid-state point and continuous bin level indicators, control systems, and sensing devices for monitoring levels of powders, bulk solids and agricultural liquids in bins, tanks, silos, and hoppers. Robust, custom systems can be developed for a single site or networked for every bin, tank and silo across a multi-national operation.
Grain Journal spoke recently to Mike Mossage, regional vice president of sales, to learn about what’s new and trending with BinMaster and the grain industry.
What’s New?
“We’ve seen cloud-based monitoring really take off in the past four to five years. We’ve offered it for the past 10 years, but it’s grown so much that we’re turning into a data company. Now we push data to the cloud so customers can access their data from anywhere with any internet-connected device.
“We’ve also expanded into wireless technology to reduce the wiring and installation costs for level monitoring systems. We’re also working to develop more solar- and battery-powered sensors. This reduces installation costs and difficulties associated with running electrical wires for power.”
What’s Hot?
“Having cloud data at your fingertips is hot right now. And we’re not just pulling our own level sensors, but we pull other instrumentation, including temperature, moisture and propane sensors, from other manufacturers onto the cloud. Then our customers have just one platform to access. We’re a one-stop shop for data.”
What’s Trending?
“The ability to provide a one-stop shop for data is huge. There’s a shortage of skilled tradespeople, and this is driving up installation costs. We’re working to eliminate the need for wiring and mechanical installation by offering wireless solar options and/or battery-powered options that simplify installation and reduce costs.”
Keys to Success
“Our people are our key to success. We have many employees who have been with BinMaster for a long time, and five of us in our sales group each have 20 years’ experience in level sensors.
“After-sale support is critical, and that’s where our experience comes in. We’re really experts in selling systems. We take a deep dive at the beginning of the process to understand what our customer is looking for so they can have data where and when they need it.”
Company Highlights
“With regard to our capabilities, we’re a very diverse company. We have a division that does plastic injection molding and CNC machining for aluminum and stainless steel parts, so we can do a lot of fabrication in-house. This has helped us avoid many of the supply chain issues we’ve seen the past few years. We also have worldwide resources among our supply chain options.
“We’re also small and nimble to react and make things happen in a short timeframe. We can source some things in-house, including inventory and level monitoring, as well as liquid monitoring for agricultural tanks. Then we can tie together all these things on one platform.
Grain Industry Challenges
“The biggest challenges are when customers are looking to expand, and there are long lead times for mechanical and electrical installation due to the ongoing shortage of skilled tradespeople. This goes to the heart of why we’re expanding wireless and Internet-of-Things options, plus solar and wireless options.
“The bigger picture challenges are the wild fluctuations in commodity prices. This means customers need real-time data to determine the best times to purchase inputs and sell commodities, as well as the best time to hedge.”
For more information on BinMaster, go to binmaster.com.
From the July/August 2023 Grain Journal edition.
