Have priorities changed because of COVID-19 in compressed air technology?

Have priorities changed because of COVID-19 in compressed air technology?

Novel Coronavirus disrupted the lives of almost everyone on the planet. While some may hope that it will return to normal, there are actually bound to be some things that won't be the same. We don't really know what the new normal will be. But one thing is for sure, even in the midst of this crisis, everyone's priorities have changed and are changing. Going forward, this will affect not only where we work, but how we work and even how we make decisions at work.

Material costs, energy costs and labor costs will change, and anyone can guess what will go up and down. But one of the things that will change is what we think is most important to least important. In addressing this issue, we primarily consider compressed air technologies -- from air compressors to end-use products -- although this idea certainly applies to all factory purchases.

In any procurement for manufacturing operations, multiple factors are involved, but several usually take precedence over others. These factors are interrelated and can sometimes be complex. The cost of capital matters, especially when budgets are limited and quality is closely related to the cost of capital. Cost of capital and operating costs are often the most important priorities and require some return. But that may not be the most important advance, or at least not the only key driver behind buying. Improved safety could be an incentive to buy products, especially as the post-coronavirus factory environment means more workers work alone rather than in pairs or groups. Do factory workers who work more independently need better working conditions, such as lower noise levels and enhanced safety? Will they need better training and support? Where did it come from?

The ease of use of products, as well as support and training, is becoming increasingly important. The origin of the product may become more important for the safety of support and spare parts. The cost and safety of a product can be closely related. With low-cost supply chains disrupted, more attention can be paid to productivity-enhancing innovations. Energy costs are highly valued when dealing with compressed air, but as energy costs change, is it still Paramount? Which is more important -- productivity or energy costs, and how will these factors affect each other?

In this time of great change, what do you think is most important when deciding on purchases related to your compressed air products and/or systems, from air compressors to end-use products.