We often take technology for granted and how it helps us get through everyday life a little easier. Almost every aspect of our lives has been impacted through the development of technology. Now, even vehicle upfitting is easier and more efficient, and the cumbersome time-consuming methods of upfitting are a thing of the past.
WEATHER GUARD® Vehicle Solutions™ (WGVS) is a Web-based software tool that allows end users to custom design their work vehicles with shelving, cabinets, racks and accessories either specific to their industry or completely custom designed. This easy-to-use, interactive software provides a 3-D image of the custom design prior to the user getting a quote from an upfitter, and moving forward with upfitting the vehicle. Revisions to the design are easy, and once it is finalized, the end user can print the design drawing and the corresponding list of needed materials.
It was this software that Allan Gibb, president and general manager of Amtech Electric Ltd. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, used to upfit one of his work vehicles for his electrical contracting company.
In business for 15 years, Amtech Electric accepts primarily construction and renovation projects and is certified in high voltage and data cabling. Gibb became aware of WGVS when he saw an advertisement in an electrical trade publication, encouraging him to visit the WGVS Web site to demo the software.
“I went to the Web site and chose the model and year of the vehicle I wanted to upfit,” said Gibb. “After I chose the vehicle information, I selected the electrical contractor package. I then modified that design to better meet our needs by picking smaller storage units to compartmentalize smaller items like screws, spools of wire and fuses. I also changed the shelving units and the front barricade.”
“You want to utilize all your storage space, so you can organize everything properly,” said Gibb. “With the WEATHER GUARD software, you can look at everything before you proceed with the final product. You can see how many and what kinds of storage options fit. The software helps you to plan out how you want to organize everything.”
WGVS helps users make their design choice by providing them with a 3-D, 360-degree view of the proposed design, allowing them to visualize their design before they begin the actual upfitting process. The software automatically knows which equipment will work for the end user’s design based on the vehicle model; everything is calculated in the WGVS software, so the user will know immediately what works and what does not.
Once Gibbs completed his design, the software printed out the list of equipment, along with corresponding model numbers. It also provided him with contact information of a local WEATHER GUARD representative and upfitter, so he could either purchase the equipment to have his employees install the units or have it upfitted by a professional upfitter.
“It didn’t take very long to design the van. It was so easy because WEATHER GUARD Vehicle Solutions walks you through the process,” said Gibb. “The software is easy and convenient to use. It’s ideal for busy people.”
This design process is significantly easier compared to how Amtech used to install storage equipment in its vans. Prior to WGVS, Amtech had always outfitted its vans on its own, using angle iron with pegged holes. Amtech would design the storage units and their location by hand. Once the design was determined, Amtech spent additional time cutting, measuring and bolting together the angle iron, and constructing plywood shelving. Amtech also had to contend with making sure the design had fit the contours of the van. The problem with this method of upfitting is that if the end user decides to change one aspect of the storage design, the entire rest of the design is often impacted, requiring additional changes.
“The way we used to upfit our vans took days and it was labor intensive. I spent a lot of time planning out where I wanted the storage equipment. At the end of the day, however, I’d look at the finished product and say, ‘I should have done this differently.’ I’d have to make sure that if I wanted to make changes, I’d have to do it as I went along with the design process,” said Gibb. “With the design plan from WEATHER GUARD Vehicle Solutions, we now have the storage units installed within a day. I can make changes at any point in the design process, and it’s not an inconvenience. The WEATHER GUARD software is an invaluable user-friendly design tool.”
According to Gibb, the overall upfitting process was much easier because very little decisions needed to be made; WGVS helps make the design decisions for the end user. He also says that if Amtech adds another van to the company, he would use WGVS to upfit it.
“The best thing about WEATHER GUARD Vehicle Solutions for me is that I can see what storage units are going to fit ahead of time, which saves my employees and me time. I also can try different combinations, so I know I’m maximizing my options and getting the best storage solutions possible,” said Gibb.
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Knaack Manufacturing makes and markets a complete line of WEATHER GUARD Truck and Van Equipment, including drawer units, shelving and cabinets for vans and utility vehicles, and truck boxes and ladder racks for full size and compact pickups. It also makes and markets KNAACK® Jobsite Storage Equipment, including storage chests, work stations, rolling work benches and hand tool boxes.
For more information, please contact: Knaack Manufacturing Company, 420 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Toll Free Phone: 800.456.7865. Toll Free Fax: 800.334.2981. Web: www.knaack.com. E-mail: info@knaack.com.
