To provide our readers with much information on how to obtain the right technology for their application as possible, we are profiling major machine vision and image processing distributors from across the globe.
In this article, David R. Sexton, President of North Coast Technical, Inc., discusses his company’s move to sell complete vision solutions, increased demands from vision and industrial automation customers, and the reason behind the machine vision industry’s growth.
Company name: North Coast Technical, Inc
Headquarters: Chesterland, OH, USA
Year founded: 1997
Regions served: Nationwide with a special emphasis on the Midwest
Products carried: Machine vision, industrial automation, embedded systems
Companies carried: Matrox, Imperx, Chromasens, Pleora, Sony, Smart Vision Lights, Advanced illumination, Fujinon, Goyo, Schneider, Zeiss, Opto Engineering, Alison Park Group (APG), Midwest Optical Systems, Global Laser, Arbor Systems, Tru-Vu Monitors
Does your company offer systems integration services?
We do not offer systems integration services as we prefer to partner with systems integrators rather than compete with them. We do offer training, technical support, custom products, & special configurations for systems integrators, OEMs, and end users.
How have market changes and customer demands changed the way that you’ve approached business?
As machine vision component prices have plunged, we now concentrate on providing complete solutions to differentiate ourselves.
We have to hire technical sales engineers who can review project requirements and respond with demonstrations of complete solutions in a timely manner. We also carry inventory to meet customer expectations for shorter lead times and support product evaluations so customers can reduce risk before buying.
In what areas do you see the most growth?
Areas include 3D, color measurement, traceability, compatibility with factory automation equipment, easy to use image processing software.
What is your take on the current state of the machine vision market?
The machine vision market is strong, as more and more companies pursue automation as a means to compete. Easy to use software is generating interest with first time machine vision customers.
Is there a particular trend or product in the next few years that you see as “the next big thing?”
As their internal resources decline, customers continue to expect complete solutions and easy to use software.
Customers are also pursuing higher resolution and higher speed cameras while suppliers switch to CMOS technology to meet these demands.
Additionally, customers want vision integrated with their factory automation equipment, such as robots and PLCs. These are a few trends we’ve noticed.
What camera type do you think will be most popular in two years and why?
GigE will remain king due to its many advantages (ubiquitous, low cost, IT-friendly, factory friendly). We expect GigE to evolve to higher speeds as it already has in other industries.
View more information on North Coast Technical.
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